![\"Why](\"https:\/\/calepin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/prateek-katyal-xv7-GlvBLFw-unsplash-400x267.jpg\")
The purpose of the Instagram algorithm is to help surface the best, most relevant content to each user every time they check their Instagram feed.<\/p>\n
The question is; how does Instagram determine which content meets that criteria?<\/p>\n
Let’s dig into the factors that influence the Instagram algorithm<\/a> and share tips for increasing your chances of getting your content displaying on more people\u2019s Instagram feeds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The photos and videos that appear in your feed will be based on the likelihood you\u2019ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting, and the timeliness of the post.<\/p>\n Instagram looks at your past activity to get a feel for your potential interest. If there\u2019s a specific type of content that you engage with more frequently (e.g., food), Instagram might rank content in that genre (e.g., food, restaurants, etc.) higher on your feed.<\/p>\n Ranking of Instagram posts<\/a> is not a popularity contest. Posts with less engagement that are more relevant to what you’re looking for can still appear right at the top of your feed.<\/p>\n The next key factor to the Instagram algorithm is timeliness. Instagram wants to show you posts that are recent and more relevant.<\/p>\n The Instagram algorithm re-orders only the new posts between your current visit and your last visit. For example, if you scroll through your Instagram timeline at 11 pm and then check it again at 9 am the next morning, Instagram would only sort the posts created in between your check-ins.<\/p>\n<\/div> Instagram doesn\u2019t want you to miss important posts from your friends and family, such as a post about your friend\u2019s engagement. This implies that content from your \u201cbest friends\u201d will rank higher on your feed.<\/p>\n To determine who your best friends are, Instagram\u2019s algorithm studies your past interactions to see which accounts you engage with most of the time.<\/p>\n Profile searches are a signal the Instagram algorithm looks at when ranking posts in your feed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div> Every time a user opens up the Instagram app, the algorithm tries to show the best posts since their last visit.<\/p>\n For example; If you open Instagram once daily, you see the posts that Instagram\u2019s algorithm feels are the most relevant for that day. However, if you open Instagram hourly, the app tries to show you the most relevant content<\/a> you haven\u2019t seen within that hour’s timeframe.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you follow thousands of accounts on Instagram, the algorithm must sort through an enormous amount of content in order to decide what to show you each time you open up the app.<\/p>\n<\/div> Browsing Instagram in short bursts or longer sessions can also affect what the algorithm shows. If a user prefers short visits on the Instagram app, the algorithm ensures it shows the most relevant posts first. For users who prefer longer browsing sessions, it may provide a deeper catalog of fresh content to browse.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> It\u2019s a common misconception that the Instagram algorithm favors video over photos. In reality, the algorithm favors whatever the individual user interacts with the most. For example, if someone tends to like and comment on Instagram Reels more often than on other post types, Instagram\u2019s algorithm will favor Reels for that person’s feed.<\/p>\n Sharing your content in different forms helps you reach a wider audience. Plus, it\u2019s a great way to repurpose your content. I will commonly take a static post that I put up and share that to my stories. By doing so, I’m reaching a different audience. Over time that translates into better reach and more followers.<\/p>\n<\/div> Timeliness is one of the key algorithm ranking factors.<\/p>\n To find your best time to post, you need to consider two things:<\/p>\nThe 6 Ranking Factors Of The Instagram Algorithm<\/h2><\/div>
Interest<\/h3><\/div>
![\"instagram](\"https:\/\/calepin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/maddi-bazzocco-Vbt1zTCsSNA-unsplash-600x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>Timeliness<\/h3><\/div>
Relationship<\/h3><\/div>
\n
Frequency<\/h3><\/div>
Following<\/h3><\/div>
Usage<\/h3><\/div>
3 Ways To Make The Instagram Algorithm Work For You<\/h2><\/div>
Vary The Type Of Posts You Use<\/h3><\/div>
![\"instagram](\"https:\/\/calepin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-hCjo_bIkVig-unsplash-600x399.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPost At The Best Times For Your Audience<\/h3><\/div>
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/calepin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/georgia-de-lotz-UsJoNxLaNo-unsplash-600x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>