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Marketers from all over the world are frustrated by the same thing: social media platform algorithms. We know how it works today, but it will most certainly look radically different in a year. This can make it almost impossible to stay up to date on how Instagram's algorithm actually works. Ensuring that you stay up to date with the latest social media news and adjusting your content to the newest fashion. 

That's why it is vital to understand exactly how the algorithm works - let’s dive in!

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What is the Instagram Algorithm?

The Instagram Algorithm is a collection of rules that help rank content on the platform. It selects the content that appears and the sequence in which it appears on users' feeds, the Explore Page, the Reel’s Feeds, hashtag pages, and likes.

Each piece of content that is uploaded to Instagram is examined and ranked by the algorithm. It examines not only the graphics but also the captions, alt text, hashtags ad interaction metrics. These are the basic principles that Instagram follows to distribute content to ensure optimal user satisfaction and interest.

Essentially, the algorithm was created to provide a better experience for users. 

Changes to the Instagram Algorithm in 2022

The Instagram Algorithm is a complex beast, that is always changing and adapting to understand better and provide appropriate content for users.

Here are the new significant Instagram algorithm updates that have occurred thus far in 2022:

• A new version of the "chronological feed" that offers "Following" and "Favorite" Home feed views to offer more individualised experiences (with less algorithmically suggested content)
• More content suggestions in the standard Instagram Home feed view (favouring Instagram Reels in particular)
• Original content is being prioritised (i.e., the algorithm will prioritise content that hasn't already been published on other apps)
• Content with obvious watermarks from other apps gets deprioritized
• Optimised content classification. Based on keywords and content, Instagram's algorithms are better at determining what an image or video is about.

7 Effective Strategies To Work Your Way Around Instagram Algorithm in 2022

The simplest way to give your Instagram account a boost is to simply follow the same procedures you would use to engage or educate your audience.

Here are some pointers for navigating your way around the most recent Instagram algorithm.

• Aim for relationships, not just reach

When you maintain a positive relationship with your audience, you will evoke a sense of trust within your audience to help establish a loyal and consistent relationship. This can be fostered through interactive posts and stories, relatable reels, and continued engagement with them via comments and likes.

The Instagram algorithm frequently shares material from its newest features, such as Reels. If you want to reach your customers on Instagram, it's also crucial to think outside of the box and create outstanding original content.

• Understand the community guidelines

Instagram's algorithms reduce the exposure of content that violates the app's Community Guidelines whether you upload it to the Feed, Reels, or Stories. This is one of the reasons some accounts' content has been shadowbanned within the app. You may also find that if you provide inaccurate or misleading information, posts with a political bent, potentially distressing or sensitive material, or even just low-resolution media, your content may be shared less widely.

• Explore Reels

Since Reels are one of Instagram’s newest features, you want to enhance the opportunity for increased visibility by adding a few reels into your content strategy. Reels are being favoured within the app, especially when:

• You don’t recycle content from other platforms like TikTok
• Shoot with the right orientation for the app, which is vertical, and
• You use other Instagram features like filters, audio, and stickers.

Keeping your material brief and interesting will give you a competitive edge. Remember: Reels were intended to be a short form of engaging and entertaining content.

Check out our Reels on our Instagram Page for inspiration that you can use for your business or brand!

• Study your audience

You can get a lot of benefits just by doing this. Knowing your audience and their behaviour can make your life easier, not just in terms of content creation but also in aligning your posting schedule with their online activity schedule.

Having a deep understanding of your target audience's behaviour can enable you to provide material that is personalised for them - making conversion super easy!

• Don’t skip out on using hashtags

Hashtags may appear to be out of date, but don’t get your hopes up too soon. They are still relevant, and they help make it easier for users to find posts and participate in discussions on specific topics. Hashtags are essentially keywords that help marketers make their campaigns more visible and connect them with the right consumers. 

• Post consistently

Whether you want to increase your reach, engagement, or follower count - then this step is absolutely essential!

On average, businesses publish 1.6 posts to their feed per day. If that seems like way too much for your business, don't worry; all it takes is regular attendance (every weekday, for example) to keep things moving. Planning and scheduling your content ahead of time will help make your life easier.

• Review your analytics

A good Instagram analytics tool will help you to hone in on your audience and discover what kind of content is going to keep your users coming back! 

You can save a lot of time and effort by analysing the data every month to determine what works in terms of content, posting frequency and hashtags.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that the Instagram Algorithm will continue to evolve due to the addition of more in-app features, improvement of the current ones that are being used, and the introduction of new technology and features.

Dominate Instagram with Team Elephant.

We are a full service digital marketing agency with a team of experts that can handle your social media needs to establish your online presence.

Learn more about our marketing services or contact us for a free consultation.