Are you trying to grow on Instagram but keep losing to the algorithm? Does Instagram make you feel overwhelmed and stressed often? Navigating Instagram is not tough. You heard me. It can be a cakewalk if you have the right knowledge and tips to shield yourself from the algorithm!
Instagram Algorithm- What is it? Are there tips to keep your follower growth consistent? Yes!
Instagram’s algorithm keeps changing. The updates roll out when people least expect it. There are often influencers who notice this because it tends to affect them the most. Now algorithm sounds like a mouthful, but the underlying meaning is simple. It refers to the way Instagram functions, what the new guidelines are and so on. Let me break the 2019 Instagram update.
Instagram Algorithm gives you a Curated Experience: How?
Firstly, Instagram is a free platform. Anybody with an internet connection and a smartphone can sign up. Instagram runs on ad revenue. What ensures Instagram’s smooth functioning, is the artificial intelligence that backs it up. For example, have you been browsing the new joker movie?
Did you happen to notice, that when you scroll down, the posts are consistent with the topic? In this case, all the posts relate to the movie. Have you noticed when you are browsing on Instagram, you can scroll away to glory? It is an endless thread. There is no “next page” option per se.
The idea behind this is, to ensure that you spend more time on Instagram. It is working because people are on the platform most of the time. Studies have shown that people browse social media within the first 10 minutes of waking up. Yep, you and me both. To keep the time spent on the platform is consistent, Instagram’s algorithm keeps adapting to our actions.
Instagram’s algorithm analyses, your interactions, posts you like- everything you do on the app. Think of it as someone watching and analyzing your every move. Instagram’s algorithm strives to provide a tailored experience for its users.
New algorithm update, is Follow/Unfollow a thing of the past?
Follow unfollow, may have worked two years ago. But people are becoming more aware and smarter. It is also not a very ethical thing to do, in certain aspects. I
f you follow and interact with genuine people, your engagement spikes. You become part of their clique and might even appear as a suggested account to follow on their page! You can also reach out to people and look for engagement groups. In an engagement group, every member supports another’s a new post. It is simple yet efficient to help your page grow.
Influencers also use certain cleanup apps to remove their inactive followers. As they might include fake accounts. This is because influencers want followers who interact with their posts. When you post an image or video, the interactions on it within the first hour is essential. If the interactions increase, Instagram picks up on it and pushes it to people’s explore page.
Automation Services: Instagram Algorithm is Smarter!
An automation service refers to paying bots to create fake accounts. These bots follow you for a limited period. Lately, bots view your stories, comment and interact on your posts. All of this is well and good initially. But what happens when you stop paying for these services? Instagram’s algorithm picks up on this and disables your account temporarily.
With the latest update, Instagram’s algorithm notifies you. It compromises your account for a short period. It allows you to change your password and start using your account. But, Instagram warns you against using a third-party service again. It can lead to your account getting blocked.
Sharing your password with a third party service is against Instagram’s guidelines. Not every start-up or influencer can afford these bots. Instagram strives to keep its platform free.
Instagram algorithm Action Blocks you- But why?
This means Instagram’s algorithm blocks you from liking and commenting on posts. For a limited time when you get action blocked. The reason for getting blocked is not explicitly stated. It could be because you were spamming people with messages, likes or comments.
Someone might have reported your account for inappropriate content. Even using the same hashtags repetitively could lead to an action block. The reasons could vary, but Instagram’s algorithm picks this up instantly. To restore your account, you can report a problem to Instagram, via their website. You can also use the in-app settings available to explain the issue.
Now to get the most out of the app, you can use these tips! They will help you find your away around the algorithm in no time.
Instagram Tips for Captions
Instagram is all about engagement. The more you interact with people, the better it is. The more interactions on your post, the more it trends. It is a cycle.
To ensure you are engaging with your followers, you can have intriguing captions. Ask people a question! Simple yay or nay questions also do the trick. talking to your followers helps you assess their interests. People often have captions that can relate to other people.
For example, a fitness instructor posts a selfie. He captions the photo explaining his journey with self-confidence. Your captions and posts must resonate with your users.
Also check out my post on Instagram Captions!
Hashtags
Switching up hashtags is super important. Using the same hashtags and commenting them on your post, could lead to an action block. You can incorporate hashtags in between your sentences. It is a smart way to fool instagram’s algorithm! This also helps you keep your caption fresh and enriching for your audience.
Let’s assume your post is about a new piece of furniture you purchased. Your caption can include, Bought this #furniture from #anthropologie. The type of hashtags is important. There are large hashtags, which have more than 100k posts. Medium hashtags have less than 50k posts. Lastly, small hashtags have <5 to 10k posts.
The challenge is to have a balanced mix of these hashtags in your posts! Look up what is trending. See the number of posts and choose a handful that suits your niche. A post can have a maximum of 30 hashtags. Different numbers work for people, you can explore and find what suits you best. Include hashtags even in your stories. The new Instagram algorithm requires to change your hashtags often!
Instagram Explore Page
IGTv and stories are now part of your explore page. Yet, few people are using it. But because it pops up every time you search for something, people are bound to click on it. Instagram’s new algorithm puts a lot more emphasis on IGTV this way. Stories that have attracted a lot of interaction tend to come on the explore page. Have polls and q&a’s in your stories to drive engagement!
Having a business or creator account on Instagram gives you an edge. You can see the hour of the days or week your followers are most active. These analytics are available in the insights under the audience tab. This way Instagram’s algorithm tells you when is the best time to post.
Instagram Tags
Tagging is an underrated feature! When you post on your feed, tag relevant pages. There are pages on Instagram that share similar content of different accounts. For example, if you are posting an image of a snow-capped mountain. You can tag a travel magazine, travel photography pages, and the town’s official page.
Tagging even the camera’s manufacturer is a great idea. Images are often featured across these platforms to increase tourism! This could be a great exposure for you because these pages have dedicated followers. If people like the image and have an interest in travel photography, they might visit your page. That is how Instagram’s Algorithm works.
Instagram’s golden tip- Consistency is the key.
When it comes to Instagram, posting consistency is essential. This phrase has been used so often that it has become a mantra for influencers. But, posting things relevant to your specific skill or niche is also important. Let’s assume your page boasts of being a travel blog of the Himalayas. But one day you are posting images of the mountains, next day images of your favorite show.
How are they related? Choose one topic, one definite theme and work on it. Going back and forth between themes is not a good option. It does not lead to attracting twice as many followers.
Have an aesthetic feed. People love things that are pleasing to the eye. Some users follow a specific grid to post their images. While others, follow a color scheme. From pastels to neon, explore the different themes. Seasons are common themes photographers use!
Instagram is all about trial and error. You try one method if it does not work you move to the next. With Instagram’s new algorithm change influencers are seeing a major fluctuation. The engagement on their posts keeps rising and falling. Even though they are posting consistent content. The same content refers to their niche.
But, when the engagement spikes, use that motivation to keep pushing forward. Having many followers takes time, but it is not impossible to achieve. Keep striving, keep growing. Slow and steady always wins the race remember?
Hope this post helped explain the Instagram algorithm to you.