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2023 Instagram Algorithm Solved: How to Get Your Content Seen

The Instagram algorithm affects everyone who uses the platform — especially brands. Learn all the latest ranking factors here and find out how to get your content seen.


The Instagram algorithm is the great equalizer. Whether you’re the most-followed person on the platform (hey, Selena) or a small creator that’s just getting started, every user is affected by IG’s algorithm—and how well you understand it is essential to the success of your social media marketing strategy.


In this guide, we cover the ins and outs of the algorithm’s ranking signals, important recent changes to the Instagram algorithm, and everything else you need to know to boost your content’s visibility on the platform.


Read on to find out how the Instagram algorithm works in 2023 and make sure your lovingly handcrafted social content gets the attention it deserves.



What is the Instagram Algorithm?


The Instagram algorithm is the system that determines the order of posts that appear in users' feeds. It is designed to show users the content that is most relevant and engaging to them, based on a variety of factors such as their interests, previous engagement, and recency of the post. The algorithm is constantly evolving, with Instagram regularly making updates and changes to improve the user experience and ensure that users are seeing the content they are most likely to enjoy.


The Instagram algorithm takes into account a range of factors when determining the order of posts in a user's feed. These factors include engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares, as well as the recency of the post, the type of content, and the relationship between the user and the account that posted the content. The algorithm also takes into account users' past behavior, such as the types of content they have engaged with in the past and how long they spend on the app. Overall, the goal of the Instagram algorithm is to provide users with the best possible experience on the app, by showing them content that is most relevant and engaging to them.


In simple terms, the algorithm looks at information about the content that you post whether it's a reel, static post, or story, calculates information about the users who follow you (their interests and behavior) to serve your content to what they believe are the right people out of your followers who want to see that said content.


How does the Instagram algorithm work?


The Instagram algorithm works by analyzing a range of factors to determine the order of posts that appear in a user's feed. These factors include engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares, as well as the recency of the post, the type of content, and the relationship between the user and the account that posted the content. Additionally, the algorithm takes into account users' past behavior on the app, such as the types of content they have engaged with in the past and how long they spend on the app. Based on this information, the algorithm generates a unique feed for each user, showing them the content that is most likely to be relevant and engaging to them. While the algorithm is constantly evolving, Instagram has stated that its goal is to prioritize high-quality content and authentic engagement, rather than simply showing users the most recent posts from all accounts they follow.


The 3 most important ranking factors of the 2022 Instagram algorithm are:


  1. Engagement: The Instagram algorithm prioritizes content that generates high levels of engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares. This means that posts with higher engagement rates are more likely to appear at the top of a user's feed.

  2. Relevance: Instagram's algorithm is designed to show users content that is relevant to their interests and preferences. It takes into account factors such as the types of content a user engages with, the accounts they follow, and their search history, in order to deliver personalized content that is more likely to be of interest to them.

  3. Timeliness: The Instagram algorithm also takes into account the recency of a post, with more recent content being given priority over older posts. This means that newer posts are more likely to appear at the top of a user's feed, as they are more likely to be relevant and of interest to users at that moment in time.


Secondary Instagram algorithm ranking factors include:


  1. Relationship: The Instagram algorithm considers the relationship between the user and the account that posted the content. If a user regularly engages with content from a particular account or has a history of interacting with that account, then the algorithm is more likely to prioritize that account's content in their feed.

  2. Frequency: The Instagram algorithm takes into account how frequently a user opens the app and how often they scroll through their feed. This information helps the algorithm to determine the number of posts a user is likely to see and the order in which they will appear.

  3. Consistency: The Instagram algorithm rewards accounts that consistently post high-quality content that resonates with their audience. Accounts that regularly post engaging content are more likely to have their posts appear at the top of users' feeds, as the algorithm recognizes their content as being relevant and valuable to their followers.

The 2023 Instagram Stories algorithm:

Instagram uses an algorithm to determine the order in which your stories are displayed to your followers. The algorithm takes into account a range of factors, including engagement, recency, and interest. Stories that generate higher levels of engagement, such as views, taps, and replies, are more likely to appear at the beginning of the queue. Similarly, stories that are more recent are given priority over older stories, as the algorithm aims to show users the most relevant and up-to-date content. Instagram also takes into account the level of interest that a user has shown in your content in the past. If a user has engaged with your stories in the past, such as by tapping through to view your entire story, then the algorithm is more likely to place your stories at the front of their queue.


Another factor that influences the order of your stories is the level of interaction between you and your followers. If you frequently interact with a particular user, such as by responding to their DMs or liking their posts, then the algorithm is more likely to prioritize your stories for that user. Additionally, the algorithm takes into account the types of content that a user typically engages with, as well as their search and browse history. If a user has shown an interest in a particular topic, such as food or travel, then the algorithm is more likely to show them stories related to that topic, even if they are from accounts that the user does not follow. Overall, the order of your stories is determined by a complex interplay of factors that are unique to each user, and the algorithm is constantly evolving to better serve the needs and interests of Instagram users.

The 2023 Instagram feed vs Explore feed algorithm:

The Instagram feed algorithm prioritizes content based on engagement, relevance, and timeliness. It takes into account a user's past interactions with similar content, such as the types of posts they have liked, saved, and commented on, as well as the accounts they follow and their search and browse history. The algorithm also considers the recency of posts, with newer content given priority over older posts. The goal of the Instagram feed algorithm is to show users the most relevant and timely content from the accounts they follow, while also ensuring that the content is engaging and likely to generate interaction.

In contrast, the Instagram Explore page algorithm focuses more on content discovery and is designed to help users discover new accounts and content that they may be interested in.


The algorithm takes into account a range of factors, including a user's search and browse history, the accounts they follow, and their engagement patterns, to suggest new accounts and content that may be of interest to them. The algorithm also considers the recency and relevance of posts, but places a greater emphasis on variety and diversity in the content it shows. The goal of the Instagram Explore page algorithm is to expose users to a wider range of content and accounts, while also ensuring that the content is relevant and likely to generate interest and engagement.

There will be a more equal focus on photos and videos

Instagram recently announced that it will be updating its algorithm to give equal priority to both static posts and Reels. Previously, the algorithm had been prioritizing Reels, Instagram's short-form video feature, in an effort to compete with other video-focused platforms like TikTok. However, many creators and users expressed frustration with this approach, as it meant that static posts were often getting buried in users' feeds.


With this new update, Instagram aims to create a more balanced experience for users, where they will see a mix of both static posts and Reels in their feeds. The algorithm will now take into account the individual user's behavior and preferences, rather than favoring one type of content over another. This means that if a user tends to engage more with static posts, they will see more static posts in their feed, while if they engage more with Reels, they will see more Reels. The goal of this change is to ensure that all types of content on Instagram have an equal opportunity to be seen and engaged with by users.


10 tips for working with the Instagram algorithm (and getting your content seen)


  1. Post high-quality, engaging content regularly to keep your followers interested and to signal to the algorithm that your account is active.

  2. Use relevant hashtags to help your posts appear in search results and in hashtag feeds. We do this for ALL of our clients, so if you have any questions about SEO relevance or Hashtag development feel free to contact us at any time to help you out with that

  3. Track your Instagram analytics. We send our clients monthly reports on analytics due to its importance. Don't forget this part.

  4. Post at optimal times for your audience to increase the likelihood that your content will be seen and engaged with. (No this isn't yesterday's old news)

  5. Use Instagram Stories to increase engagement and keep your followers coming back to your account.

  6. Create shareable content, such as memes or infographics, to increase the likelihood that your content will be shared and seen by a wider audience.

  7. Utilize Instagram's various features, such as Reels and IGTV, to diversify your content and reach new audiences.

  8. Use trending sounds!!! We send so many trending sounds to your email every WEEK! We also send out editing templates where all you have to do is input your video content into a pre-edited video so your edits align with current trending videos. Reels have become a very important (and lucrative) feature of the platform. To checkout our affordable trending audio program click here.

  9. Use paid promotions to increase your reach and target specific audiences.

  10. Optimize your profile and Instagram SEO


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