How to Beat Instagram Algorithm in 2024

If you're a brand or agency navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Instagram marketing in 2024, understanding and conquering the Instagram algorithm is the key to success. 

In this guide, we'll unravel the mysteries of the algorithm and provide actionable strategies to up your Instagram marketing game.

• What Is the Instagram Algorithm?
  
• How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work in 2024?
  
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Feed Posts
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Instagram Reels
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Instagram Stories
  
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works for the Explore Page
• How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm

What Is the Instagram Algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm is a sophisticated system that determines the content users see on their feeds, Explore pages, and more. It's like a well-kept secret recipe, constantly adapting to user behaviour and preferences. To stay ahead, brands and agencies need to decode this algorithmic puzzle.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work in 2024?

At its core, the algorithm is designed to showcase content tailored to each user's interests, relationships, and engagement history. To make the most out of this system, brands and agencies must grasp the intricacies of how the algorithm functions across various types of content.

The Instagram algorithm assesses content differently across various features:

• Feed Algorithm

This algorithm considers your engagement within the feed, encompassing actions like likes, comments, shares, and saves. Additionally, it takes into account information about the post and the person who posted it.

• Stories Algorithm

The Stories algorithm takes into consideration the Stories you've viewed or engaged with previously.

• Explore Page Algorithm

For the Explore Page, your algorithmic ranking is influenced by your activity within Explore, including likes, comments, saves and shares. It also considers information about the post and the person who posted it.

• Reels Algorithm

In the case of Reels, the algorithm is shaped by your engagement within Reels, covering likes, comments, shares, and saves. Information about the specific Reel and the person who posted it is also factored in.

For a more detailed breakdown of how each algorithm functions based on content type, continue reading.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Feed Posts

Your feed is the Instagram epicentre, and the algorithm curates it based on user engagement, relevance, and timeliness. Brands and agencies should focus on creating compelling, high-quality content that resonates with their target audience.

According to Instagram's CEO Adam Mosseri, it's a complex process whereby the Instagram team will add and remove signals and predictions over time, working to get better at surfacing what the audience is interested in.

Below are some signals that Instagram gives priority to:

• Post Details

The Instagram algorithm evaluates a post's popularity through metrics like likes. Additionally, it takes into account minor aspects such as post timing, video duration, and location (if provided).

• Poster Information

To gauge the significance of a person in your feed, Instagram analyses signals like the frequency of your interactions with them and the recency of those interactions.

• User Engagement

Instagram strives to comprehend your interests by considering factors like the number of posts you've liked and the type of content you typically engage with on the platform.

• Interaction History

The algorithm delves into your overall interest in seeing content from a specific user by examining signals such as whether you comment on their posts and if they reciprocate the interaction.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels have become a powerhouse for engagement. The algorithm here prioritises creativity, authenticity, and user engagement. Brands and agencies should leverage Reels to showcase their personality and connect with the audience in a fun and memorable way.

The primary ranking signals influencing Instagram Reels include:

• User Engagement

Instagram examines your recent interactions with Reels to better understand the type of content that is likely to be relevant to you.

• Interaction History

While you may encounter videos from new accounts, your past interactions with them play a crucial role in helping Instagram gauge your level of interest in their content.

• Reel Details

Various signals related to the content elements within a Reel contribute to Instagram's video ranking. This encompasses details like audio tracks and the overall popularity of the Reel.

• Poster Information

In the realm of Reels, the algorithm aims to provide equal visibility to creators of all sizes. This means smaller creators and new accounts are given an opportunity to reach a broader audience. The popularity of a video is a key factor in ensuring diverse content is displayed.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Instagram Stories

Stories are a goldmine for interaction. The algorithm assesses the engagement level with your Stories to influence the overall visibility of your account. Brands and agencies should craft engaging, interactive Stories to keep their audience captivated.

The Instagram Stories algorithm tends to give precedence to content from accounts with which you have the highest interaction, emphasising the overall account engagement rather than the specific content within a story.

Although Instagram considers various signals for Stories, the prominent ones include:

• Viewing History

The frequency with which you view the stories of a particular account.

• Engagement History

Your regular interactions with the stories of a specific account.

• Closeness

The overall strength of your relationship with the account's author.

Due to the ephemeral nature of Stories, timeliness holds less significance, although it may have a slight impact on ranking once a story surpasses the 10-hour mark.

It is important to put the above in mind while employing these tested tactics to boost the engagement rate of your Instagram stories.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for the Explore Page

The Explore page introduces users to new content based on their interests. Brands and agencies can optimise visibility by creating content that aligns with trending topics, using relevant hashtags, and fostering engagement.

In determining the posts to prioritise, the algorithm initially examines your past interactions with posts. It then investigates the interactions of others with those same posts and identifies additional accounts that capture their interest. This process enables the Instagram algorithm to refine its selection for ranking on your Explore page.

Once a pool of potentially interesting posts is identified, Instagram employs the following criteria for ranking:

• Post Information

The algorithm assesses the popularity of a post based on metrics like likes, comments, and saves. Notably, these signals carry more weight for the Explore page compared to Feed and Stories.

• Interaction History

Despite the post originating from an account you don't follow, Instagram gauges your interest by analysing past interactions with their content.

• User Activity

Instagram takes into account your actions such as likes, shares, and comments on posts. It also examines your historical interactions with other content on your Explore page.

• Poster Information

Details about the poster, including their recent interaction levels, are considered. This approach aids the algorithm in curating high-quality content from a diverse array of users.

The Explore page undergoes continuous evolution, regularly introducing new topic categories and advanced search functionalities.

This indicates that the Explore page algorithm takes into account not only the words in your caption but also the visual content of your posts. 

Therefore, consistently sharing captivating content with impactful captions, pertinent keywords, and niche hashtags optimises your posts for potential visibility on the Explore page. Use a hashtag tracker to track the performance of your hashtags to optimise your campaign.

How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm

Now, the million-dollar question: How can brands and agencies beat the Instagram algorithm in 2024? 

Below are some of the tactics that you can employ:

• Leveraging Influencer Marketing

In the world of Instagram algorithms, influencers hold considerable power. Brands and agencies can partner with influencers whose audience aligns with their target demographic. StarNgage provides a comprehensive platform to discover influencers, manage campaigns, and measure success.

• Encourage People to Comment & Interact

In the realm of posts and Reels, engagement plays a crucial role as a key ranking signal. To elevate your content's visibility in Explore, Feed, and Reels, it's essential to enhance your Instagram engagement. While likes are valuable, comments hold even more significance, offering a substantial boost to interactions and increasing the likelihood of landing on the Explore page.

Optimise your caption space by crafting content that encourages people to leave comments on your posts. Develop captions that contribute value to the content by providing context or narrating stories. An additional advantage is the extended time users spend engaging with your posts as they delve into your caption.

Most importantly, conclude your caption with a compelling call to action. Clearly express what you want your audience to do, such as leaving a comment. Pose a question or offer a prompt, motivating them to share their thoughts and actively engage with your content.

• Include Relevant Hashtag to Get More Reach

Utilising hashtags is a significant factor in the algorithm's ranking process, aiding in the comprehension of content themes. Enhancing your posts with both highly relevant and trending hashtags proves to be an effective strategy for elevating your ranking and overall visibility on the platform.

For a comprehensive analysis of hashtag performance for your brand and competitors, leverage the StarNgage hashtag tracker. This tool can significantly enhance your content marketing strategy by providing valuable insights into hashtag effectiveness.

• Drive More Interactions via Instagram Story

In the hierarchy of Story rankings on Instagram, popularity stands out as a pivotal signal. This implies that the algorithm prioritises Stories with a higher frequency of interactions. To amplify the visibility of your Stories and reach a broader audience, it's essential to entice your viewers to engage actively with the content.

An effective strategy to boost interactions is to leverage interactive features such as polls, question stickers, and emoji sliders in your Stories. By incorporating these elements, you not only encourage audience participation but also create an engaging and dynamic storytelling experience. This not only captures the attention of your viewers but also signals to the algorithm that your Stories are resonating well with the audience, potentially leading to increased visibility and broader reach on the platform.

In A Nutshell

In conclusion, to conquer the Instagram algorithm in 2024, brands and agencies need a robust influencer marketing strategy. 

StarNgage offers the tools and insights necessary to navigate the algorithmic landscape successfully. Remember, it's not just about beating the algorithm; it's about mastering it and turning it into your brand's greatest ally. Get ready to revolutionise your Instagram marketing game!

Join StarNgage now as a brand or an agency and fill in the form below to request for a demo!