How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2024

The Instagram Algorithm in 2020 has undergone many changes. If you are a member of this popular and useful social media platform, you have likely felt these changes. In recent updates, Instagram’s criteria and priorities for displaying new posts and stories have shifted. This has led to many problems and confusion.

The new algorithm has significantly impacted many Instagram pages in terms of engagement, interactions, views, and follower counts. But what can be done? How does the new Instagram algorithm work? How can you increase  Instagram followers, views, and engagement despite the new algorithm? This article will examine how the Instagram algorithm works in 2024 and provide strategies for getting better feedback on Instagram.

Why Do Algorithms Exist?

You might be wondering right now what algorithms are and why they exist. In short, many popular platforms and business applications use algorithms to provide a good user experience and to protect users from exploitation by malicious individuals. Algorithms act like intelligent robots, performing exactly as programmed.

For example, Google’s search engine has algorithms designed to identify and penalize websites that violate Google’s rules or use illegal methods to rank higher in search results.

Similarly, Instagram uses algorithms to help users and identify those who try to achieve their goals through illegal methods. For instance, Instagram’s algorithm now detects accounts with fake followers and takes action against them. Instagram bots are no longer effective, as the algorithm can easily identify their activities. Many old accounts with high follower counts have been identified and deactivated permanently as a result.

As you can see, algorithms are designed to create a safe environment for users, free from spammers, exploiters, and fraudsters. Stay with me as we delve into how the Instagram algorithm works in detail.

Why Should We Understand the Instagram Algorithm?

If you want to increase Instagram followers , it is essential to have a good understanding of the new Instagram algorithm. Instagram is a popular and useful social network, with its activities centered around visual content (images and videos). While in the past, social networks were primarily seen as platforms for passing time, views have shifted recently.

In recent years, social networks have increasingly leaned towards online business and professional activities. Instagram, too, is adapting to these changes to better meet user expectations. On the other hand, many popular and useful social networks are not accessible in our country, but Instagram remains one of the few that is still available.

Given the high potential for business activities on Instagram, it’s crucial to understand the platform well and use it as a catalyst for growing your business. To effectively engage with Instagram and its community, you need to understand its algorithm thoroughly. This understanding will help you create more suitable content and receive outstanding feedback from users.

If you have a business on Instagram and care about its success and growth, you need to be well-acquainted with the Instagram algorithm and align your activities with its rules. For those looking to earn from Instagram, knowing how to work with the new algorithm is crucial, and this article will delve into exactly that topic.

What is the Instagram Algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm refers to the artificial intelligence that operates behind the scenes of this popular and useful social media platform. It functions based on machine learning. The AI continuously analyzes data from millions of users worldwide to display new and relevant content to users according to its criteria.

**In 2020, we saw new updates to the Instagram algorithm. On average, we spend several hours of our valuable time on Instagram each day. To provide a better user experience, Instagram is constantly updating its algorithm.**

The aim of Instagram’s multiple updates is to capture our attention with diverse content and encourage us to spend more time on the platform. Some of these updates are truly beneficial, while others may be frustrating. For example, in the past, Instagram displayed posts based on their publication time.

However, with recent updates, posts are now displayed according to a different pattern. In other words, the new Instagram algorithm considers more than just the time of posting for categorizing and displaying content. Factors such as your interest in the post’s topic, your level of interaction with the account holder, and other elements now play a significant role in how quickly posts and stories appear on your feed.

Does the New Instagram Algorithm Have a Problem with Buy Followers?

You cannot bypass the Instagram algorithm by buying followers! Many sites that sell followers provide fake or inactive accounts. If you want to buy followers for your page, you should purchase real and active followers. Otherwise, the engagement rate on your page will decrease, which can significantly harm your account.

If the number of inactive followers on your Instagram page increases, over time, your page’s feedback and visibility will decline, and Instagram may even make your page less visible. This is why it’s said that to get your posts into Instagram’s Explore page, you need to maintain a high engagement rate on your page. Buy instagram followers will not achieve this result.

How Does the New Instagram Algorithm Work in 2024?

The Instagram algorithm is constantly evolving. It changes based on the vast amount of data it receives in real-time. As mentioned, this algorithm operates using machine learning, meaning that any behavioral patterns or new trending topics can influence its performance.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for the Feed

The feed refers to the home page of the Instagram app where you see posts from the accounts you follow. Generally, there are six key factors that the Instagram ranking algorithm uses to organize and display posts in the feed. These six factors are:

Interest

This means that the algorithm assesses how much you value a post. The accounts you follow and the content you like influence the order of posts shown in your feed. Essentially, Instagram’s algorithm tries to predict what content you are interested in and then displays those types of posts in your feed.

From the reviewed content, we can conclude that the order in which posts appear on your Instagram feed is a reflection of your past behaviors on the platform!

Connection

The algorithm evaluates how you interact with the creators of posts, both in terms of social media and real-life relationships. Instagram determines the closeness of your relationship with followers based on your level of engagement and then prioritizes content from accounts that are closer to you. In simple terms, accounts of friends and family are given higher priority.

But how does Instagram understand these connections? Instagram uses the following criteria to measure the closeness between you and other accounts:

– Pages you interact with via direct messages.
– Pages that engage with you and tag you in comments on posts.
– Regular likes and comments exchanged between you.
– Posts that you save and revisit.
– Searching for and visiting profiles of users by their ID and name.

It’s also worth noting that Instagram applies the opposite principle. You might have noticed that when you follow new people, Instagram initially shows you a lot of their content. If you do not engage with this content, the algorithm assumes that you do not have a close relationship with these accounts, and therefore, moves their content to the end of your feed.

Timing

The timing of posting on Instagram is very important for the algorithm. In recent updates, while timing is no longer the sole criterion for displaying posts in the feed, it remains a significant factor. Instagram continues to strive to show the most recent content to users.

There have been rumors in the past about the first 30 minutes after posting on Instagram and artificially boosting engagement during this period to increase visibility. However, Instagram has refuted these claims. You can use the Insights feature and the analytics provided by Instagram based on your account to determine the best times to post.

Frequency

The factors of frequency, followings, and usage are not related to the content itself but rather to user behavior on Instagram. They help the Instagram ranking algorithm understand more about each user’s habits and how they interact with the app. Frequency determines how often a user opens Instagram.

Following

The “following” factor measures the number of accounts you follow on Instagram. The more people you follow, the more posts there are to display. As a result, it becomes more challenging for the algorithm to rank and show these posts to you.

Usage

This factor measures the amount of time you spend on Instagram each time you log in to view content. As mentioned, Instagram aims to keep users on the platform for longer periods. By analyzing the six factors discussed, Instagram tries to understand our behavior patterns. It then curates content to encourage us to spend more time on the platform and engage with our preferred topics.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works for Stories

The Instagram algorithm for Stories functions similarly to the feed, using the same criteria to evaluate content. However, the significance and priority of these criteria can differ for Stories. For example, the timing of a Story’s post is a crucial factor in its visibility. Instagram aims to show the most recent Stories to users.

A key point in displaying Stories is the level of your interactions. The order of Stories from accounts you follow at the top of your feed is based on your engagement with them. If you frequently interact with certain accounts and they regularly post content, you are likely to see their Stories at the beginning of your Stories feed.

Conversely, for accounts with which you have less interaction, their Stories will appear towards the end of your Stories list.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works in Explore

The magnifying glass icon in the Instagram app represents the Explore section. If you are new to Instagram, the Explore page initially features a mix of content based on the interests of the people you follow. For instance, if most of the accounts you follow are interested in football, your Explore page will be filled with football-related posts and content at the start.

As you engage with various types of content, Instagram’s algorithm analyzes your interactions, such as likes, comments, and the types of posts you spend time on. It then adjusts the content on your Explore page to better match your evolving interests and preferences.

**However, this process gradually changes. The most crucial factor in the Explore section of Instagram is interest. The Instagram algorithm tracks your activity on the platform to determine what type of content you are most interested in. It then displays more content of that type and related topics for you.

If a specific type of content catches your attention in Explore and you spend a significant amount of time engaging with it and similar content, you can be sure that you’ll see more of that type of content in your Explore feed. Essentially, your Explore page is tailored to your preferences and interactions. Whether you get stuck in this section or move away from it is entirely up to you.

In the fascinating and dynamic world that Instagram’s algorithm creates for each user, time seems to fly by. This is the very goal the new Instagram algorithm strives to achieve.

Criteria for Post Arrangement in Explore

You might have noticed one of the following options under posts in your Explore section:

• – Based on photos you like: This means the new post you’re seeing is selected based on photos you’ve previously liked.
• – Based on videos you have watched: This indicates that the new post is chosen based on videos you’ve watched before. Instagram suggests this post because it predicts you might be interested in it as well.
• – Similar to posts you interacted with: This phrase means the post being displayed is similar to posts you’ve previously interacted with, and it’s likely that you’ll like this one too.

– Instagram suggested: Based on the six reviewed criteria, Instagram has developed a good understanding of your preferences and is offering you suggested posts accordingly.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works on IGTV

Detailed information about the new algorithm’s operation in the IGTV section is not fully available yet. However, we know that IGTV currently features three categories:

• – For You: A collection of videos that Instagram’s algorithm predicts you will like based on its criteria.
• – Following: This section includes a selection of videos that your followers on Instagram are watching.
• – Popular: This category features trending, popular, and highly-viewed videos among all Instagram users.

Conclusion and Final Words

The algorithm discussed in this article pertains to Instagram’s 2020 update. We’ve learned that increased engagement is the key to success on Instagram and overcoming the new algorithm. Make sure to consider the reviewed criteria for your activities on Instagram, and optimize your performance on the platform as effectively as possible.

Keep in mind that Instagram’s algorithm is constantly evolving. One thing that remains certain is that how you interact with your audience will always impact your standing. So, strive to understand your audience, engage with them, and keep them satisfied.

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed reading this article and can make the most out of the information provided. If you liked this article, feel free to share it on social media with your friends so they can benefit from it as well.