By Jodine McIntyre 
Ah, the infamous Instagram algorithm.
That mysterious force that seems to favour everyone else’s posts over yours. The one that leaves you wondering why your content isn’t getting the same attention, while others seem to be basking in the glory. It’s the thing we all try to understand, decode, and ultimately get working for us!
If you’re not following the official Instagram Creators account yet, do it now. It’s the real deal — an official Instagram account made for creators like you and me, offering inspiration, advice, and the latest updates directly from Instagram. It’s an invaluable resource for staying in the know!
Recently, the Creators account ran a FAQ series on Instagram Stories where they cleared up some common misconceptions about the Instagram algorithm. Here’s what they had to say about some of the most burning questions:
Frequently Asked Questions on the Instagram Algorithm
Q: How often does Instagram change the algorithm?
A: Because Instagram’s algorithm is powered by machine learning, it’s constantly adapting and improving based on new data. So, it’s not a static thing – it’s always evolving to serve the most relevant content to users.
Q: Does the type of account you have impact ranking?
A: No, Instagram does not favour Business accounts or Creator accounts over Personal ones in the Feed. However, if you engage more with certain types of content, such as business posts, you’ll see more of them in your feed. It’s all about your activity and preferences.
Q: Does the algorithm favour videos over photos in the feed?
A: Not exactly. Your Instagram algorithm ranking depends on what you personally engage with. If you watch more videos, then your feed will show more videos. So, while the algorithm adapts to your usage, it doesn’t universally favour one format over the other.
Q: Do engagement pods (groups who agree to like and comment on each other’s posts) help with the algorithm?
A: Instagram’s algorithm values authenticity and transparency. While engagement pods might seem like a quick fix, they’re not sustainable. In the long run, trying to game the system can backfire. The algorithm is powered by machine learning and can detect inauthentic activity, so focus on creating real, engaging content for your followers.
Q: Is it true that posts with a lot of likes and comments in the first 30 minutes get ranked higher?
A: That’s a myth! The Instagram algorithm doesn’t work that way. It considers engagement over time, not just the first half hour. So, focus on creating content that continues to engage people over time.
Q: Does Instagram only count comments if they are more than one or two words?
A: False! The algorithm doesn’t have a word count requirement for comments. It values genuine engagement, so a comment, no matter how long, counts as long as it’s real.
Key Takeaways for the Instagram Algorithm
- Mix it up: The Instagram algorithm serves content based on each person’s preferences, so make sure you’re posting a variety of content types — from photos and videos to Stories — to cater to everyone’s tastes.
- Be authentic: Create content that encourages real, meaningful engagement. The more someone engages with your content, the more they’ll see it. So, always aim to give your audience a reason to interact with you.
There you have it – straight from Instagram itself! The Instagram algorithm is always adapting, so it’s important to stay authentic and keep creating content that resonates with your audience. Keep experimenting with different types of content and engaging with your followers, and you’ll keep building that organic reach.
Were there any surprises in these FAQs for you? Do you plan on changing anything about your Instagram strategy after reading this? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!