Breaking down Insta’s algorithm

What matters most? A like, save, comment or share

Still longing for the days of a chronologic feed? Us too! While we can’t get those days back, we CAN dig into the algorithm to see what factors influence what we see on Instagram.

First up — we’ll tackle Insta feed.

There are 6 key factors that influence the Instagram algorithm for feed posts:

1. Interest

Your feed is consistent with all of the content you engage with — not only on the accounts that you follow.

The more often you like a certain type of post — for example nature photos in the Northern Arizona area or NAU-related content — the more likely you are to see more and more of it.

What you see on your feed directly correlates with all of your Instagram behaviors, including the accounts you interact with, the people you are tagged in photos with, and the posts you like, comment, share or save.

Lumberjack Tip: Ask yourself what you want to see more of. Are you looking for similar accounts to stay up to date on what’s trending and gain inspiration? Whatever you’re looking for — use Instagram’s search feature and you can find it! Don’t forget to also search hashtags and check out Instagram’s accounts to follow recommendations. Soon you’ll be curating your feed with accounts that will help you see what’s out there and maybe give you that extra creative boost.

2. Relationship

The algorithm works to prioritize posts from accounts you seem to have relationships with. So in order for Instagram to show you what you want (what you really, really want), the algorithm uses your interactions to piece together who is closest to you.

For example, you may see your friend’s posts early on your feed because the algorithm has used your interactions with them as an indication that you have some sort of relationship.

What does this mean for you? Prioritize your relationships. If you’re looking to strengthen certain Insta relationships — make sure you’re taking the time to actively engage with that account. Watch their stories, leave a comment or DM. The more you interact, the higher Instagram will rate your relationship.

BONUS: Take time to create and cultivate your community and presence

3. Timeliness

The algorithm pays attention to when you post, to be able to serve you the latest posts.

If you are hoping for more engagement or exposure for your account for a club or organization, there are tools to find your personalized best times to post. You can work your way around the algorithm and use it to your advantage by posting at a time when your followers are most active.

4. Frequency

If you’re a frequent “scroller” on instagram, the algorithm will try to show you a more chronological feed. If you aren’t on the app very often, the algorithm will show you what it thinks you want to see.

5. Following

If you follow a lot of accounts, then Instagram has more options to choose from, so you probably won’t see all of the posts from every account.

“As a college student, it could be worth systematically removing inactive or “ghost” followers. A lot of accounts that I followed in high school are no longer actually active so it would be worth the effort of going through and removing them, so that I can see content from actual accounts I want to see.”- Carla Betancourt

If a large percentage of your following is inactive, they could be doing more harm than good for your account’s algorithmic ranking.

Action item: Go through your list of who you follow. If you can’t remember why you’re following a certain account — it’s a pretty good indication you should unfollow or mute them.

Periodically go through your followers list and make sure the accounts you’re following are ones you ones that help you achieve your goals in one way or another.

6. Usage

“If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, you’re going to see more posts as Instagram digs deeper into its catalog. If you spend enough time on Instagram, you can even run out of new content to see. Once this happens, the algorithm will serve you suggested content from new accounts — based on your previous interactions.”

Instagram Stories

The algorithm for Instagram stories places the highest importance on timeliness. Stories are normally ordered based on the amount of engagement you hold with accounts. Those you interact with most, will be at the top of your stories tab.

If you want to increase your views — it’s important to post consistently.

When you post consistently, you’re giving your audience more opportunities to see AND interact with you content. The more they interact with your content, the more “front and center” you’ll be in their feed.

What happens if you’re not seeing content from an account? Interact with them. Make a point to check out their account, comment, save or share their posts.

Instagram Reels and IGTV

Like with posts and stories, the Instagram algorithm will prioritize this video content from the accounts and content you interact and engage with, the most. The Reels tab in the Instagram app is programmed to show you content that Instagram thinks you will like.

To increase your views and engagement on Reels, you can post it in your main feed so that it is placed on your followers’ feeds. Reels also allow for easy use of hashtags, which will also increase your reach.

IGTV

To increase your views and engagement on IGTV videos, you can post a preview of it to your Instagram feed, encouraging your followers to engage and watch it.

What you can do to get the algorithm to work in your favor/get more engagement?

4 actionable items that everyone can achieve

1. Embrace the features that Instagram rolls out. By utilizing all of the new tools and staying up to date, you will be able to connect with a larger audience. The features are designed to help you enhance your content, so why not take advantage of them?

Action item:

Create a Reel & post it to Reels and Insta Stories

2. Encourage interactions on your stories by using the stickers. Users love to engage when they are being asked questions; it makes them feel like their opinions and thoughts are being heard. By increasing the engagement in your story content, the Instagram algorithm will favor your posts and boost them.

The best stickers to increase engagement? Try the poll or quiz sticker

• This or that — Campus edition
• True or False
• What do you want to see next
• Quizzes
• Question sticker — Ask us anything!

3. Drive conversation by interacting with your followers

Writing good captions will drive the engagement on your posts. This can be done by simply asking your followers their thoughts or encouraging them to tag a friend if they relate to your post.

Tag three friends who you’ve met this year.

Share with a friend who needs to see this

Comment below and let us know what we should feature next

Also, don’t forget to stay on top of replying to your followers.

You can do this by engaging with their comments and making sure to reply to direct messages.

“One way to use this to your advantage is to regularly invite your audience to DM you with their questions or feedback — or by encouraging “quick emoji reactions.”

4. Cross-promote your Instagram content.

Don’t be afraid to share your Reel on your Instagram Story to gain more views or engagement. It is essential to use the different publishing channels to drive different audiences to that recent content.