Instagram has been around since 11 years its algorithm has been changing through the years. In March 2018, instagram said, “People miss, on average, 70 percent of their feeds. As Instagram has grown, it has become harder to keep up with all the photos and videos people share.” Substantially instagram changed its algorithm to prioritize current events and viral posts.

The Instagram algorithm in 2021 works by showing users the content they are likely to engage with. Have you ever noticed that when you like someone’s posts, you tend to see more of them on your feed? The Instagram algorithm studies user behavior on the app and uses your previous activity to decide what content you see on your feed and explore page and how others on the platform see your content. Essentially, the algorithm controls your organic reach. Instagram states that it’s “specifically focused on what might entertain you.”

But there’s a bigger issue here. The problem is that no matter how high-quality content you share, the instagram algorithm determines what succeeds on the app, and what doesn’t. Initially instagram operated by reverse chronological order. This implies that back then instagram showed the most recent posts at the top of someone’s feed and older ones at the bottom. It was great because at some point your posts would be at the top of your followers’ feed, increasing the chances of them seeing your post. But now other factors come into play such as: interaction (comments, likes, shares, tags, direct messages and searches), timing (when are your followers most active), frequency (how often does one open instagram), interests, etc.

In this blog I shall recommend a few strategies to help you tackle the algorithm

1. POST WHEN YOUR AUDIENCE IS MOST ACTIVE

Instagram uses an in built analytical tool to provide this information to you. Meanwhile you can also do your research about it for a better perspective. Another way to know this is by directly asking your followers about it. This will reinsure them that their opinions matter to you and you’re trying your best to entertain their needs. You can also ask them what they like and want to watch on your platform and create content accordingly. This will encourage them to engage with your posts.

2. USE RELEVANT HASHTAGS

Using hashtags might be tedious, but it’s worth it. Use hashtags that are related to your content. Don’t overload your posts with it. Use hashtags which are to the point and the most searched. That will increase the chances of your content spreading far and wide. It will take your content to the audience that’s interested in it and signal the algorithm in the right way. Use them everywhere, from your stories to your IGTV & reels captions.

3. ENCOURAGE ENGAGEMENT & INTERACTION

There are various ways to do it. Ask questions in your captions, ask them to answer in the comments section, ask them to share it with their friends and to let you know what they think about it. Introduce giveaways, they are a great way to bring a spike in engagement. Conduct Q&As and polls too. Let your community know that you want them to help you do better.

4. STAY CONSISTENT AND DETERMINED

Don’t let the algorithm break your spirits. Be consistent. Keep posting on a regular basis and create quality content. Prepare a schedule keeping all points in mind and stick to it. I know how hectic constantly creating content can be and everyone wants to work at their own pace to make the best out of their platform but well, there’s nothing we can do other than working how the algorithm demands.