In 2023, the Instagram algorithm is still a major topic of discussion for business owners, social media marketers, and influencers alike. Understanding how the algorithm works can help you create content that reaches more users and grows your following. Let’s take a closer look at how the Instagram algorithm works in 2023 and what you can do to optimize your content for maximum visibility.
How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?
The Instagram Algorithm is how Instagram understands what its users like and want to see. This means it needs to understand what your content is in order to show it to more people who could be interested in your business.
The Instagram algorithm is actually not one algorithm but a mix of algorithms for Feed, Explore, and Reels that use a ranking system. Instagram uses different signals to rank posts including…
- Likes
- Comments
- Tags
- Formats (Ex. Reels)
These signals make it possible for Instagram to understand their users, know which posts are most relevant to them, and which posts to push to keep people on the app. Afterall, Instagram doesn’t want users to leave the app!
What is New in the Instagram Algorithm Change?
The Instagram Algorithm in 2023 is currently focusing on…
Prioritizing Picture Posts Just as Much as Reels
In the past, Instagram put too much emphasis on reels and left picture posts in the dark. In 2023, Instagram is now balancing its ranking systems for both picture posts and reels.
Tracking Watch Time
Instagram is tracking video watch time. The longer users watch your videos, the more likely the algorithm will push your posts out to new users. You can now view your video watch time in Insights.
Show Users New Content
This means Instagram is not only showing content from a user’s following but also content from other creators and businesses. These are accounts the user doesn’t follow but has a high likelihood of being interested in.
Original Content is King
According to Hootsuite, “Adam Mosseri,” Head of Instagram, “has announced that original content will now rank higher in Instagram’s algorithm.”
Mosseri has said, “If you create something from scratch, you should get more credit than if you are resharing something that you found from someone else… we’re going to do more to try and value original content more, particularly compared to reposted content.”
Instagram Reels Algorithm 2023
Understanding Instagram Reels in 2023 can literally make or break your business!
In 2023, Instagram uses information about the reel and information about the person posting the reel when deciding to push a post or not.
This means Instagram is looking at your captions, video quality, audio, engagement, and topic. It is also looking at who you are and what your business is all about.
To optimize your reels you’ll want to focus on two things:
- Quality Content
- Engaging Content
Quality content includes high video quality, relevant captions with keywords, and trending audios.
Engaging content is content that either entertains, educates, or inspires. This is content that engages your audience and encourages them to interact with you. This is also another way you build trust with your audience and grow your following.
Instagram Story Algorithm 2023
So, how does the Instagram algorithm prioritize Stories?
According to Later, “The Instagram Story algorithm typically prioritizes content from the accounts you interact with the most, rather than the specific content of a story.”
This means you’ll want to grow relationships with your audience so they want to view and interact with your stories. Your stories will then be pushed out to those people.
Instagram also takes into account the recency of the post – newer Stories are more likely to appear at the top of the user’s feed.
To optimize your Instagram Stories for the algorithm, focus on creating eye-catching visuals and engaging content that encourages users to interact with your posts. Use interactive stickers like polls, quizzes, and questions to encourage engagement, and be sure to tag relevant accounts and use hashtags to increase your visibility.
Instagram Feed Posts 2023
Now we have Instagram feed posts – those traditional photos and videos that appear in a user’s home feed. Feed posts may not be as trendy as Reels or Stories, but they’re still an important part of the Instagram algorithm in 2023. According to Instagram, the algorithm is based on three key factors: interest, recency, and relationship.
Interest: Has your audience shown interest in your business or niche before?
Recency: How recently was your post published? Instagram currently still focuses on pushing out posts that are current.
Relationship: What is the viewer’s relationship to your brand? Are they a follower, have they engaged with you before, have they viewed your posts before?
To optimize your feed posts for the algorithm, focus on creating high-quality visuals that are relevant to your target audience. Use relevant captions and keywords to increase your visibility, and try to post at times when your followers are most likely to be online. And if you really want to win over the algorithm, be sure to engage with your followers by responding to comments and direct messages.
Instagram Explore Page 2023
Last but not least, we’ve got the Explore Page!
According to Later, “While your Instagram Home feed is mainly made up of content from accounts you already follow, the Explore feed consists almost entirely of content from new accounts.”
Ranking on the explore page depends on likes, saves, and shares. Instagram ranks posts on the explore page when it sees that its users like the content!
To optimize your posts for the explore page, focus on creating engaging content. You could even include a Call to Action (CTA) to encourage even more engagement. Also, be sure to include relevant keywords in your captions so that Instagram knows what your content is!
In conclusion, the Instagram algorithm in 2023 is based on a variety of factors. By creating high-quality, engaging content that is relevant to your target audience, using hashtags and interactive stickers, and building relationships with your followers, you can watch your business BOOM. If you would like more advice on conquering the Instagram algorithm, set up a consultation with us or check out our social media management and coaching services.
Now, go forth and conquer the Instagram algorithm!
