The Instagram algorithm is a set of processes that Instagram uses to understand what users like and show them more of what they enjoy by predicting what content someone will find interesting and engaging. Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t one, all-powerful algorithm. Each section of Instagram—Reels, Stories/Feed, and Explore—has its own algorithm that uses unique “signals” to predict what users will like the most and what should be prioritized in their Feed or Explore Page.

The Instagram algorithm monitors every interaction a user makes on the app, from the posts they like to who they interact with, in order to personalize their experience and keep them on the app longer. Instagrams algorithms have one goal: to make users stay on the app longer by delivering content theyll find relevant and interesting.

The Instagram Feed algorithm has changed a lot over the last few years, pivoting to a model that favors interest. The algorithm considers hundreds of factors such as user history, location, profile, device, trends, relevance, popularity, etc. Based on specific signals, it prioritizes the best posts, pushing the most relevant ones toward the top and giving them the most visibility, while other content ends up being placed further down.

Some of the factors that influence the ranking of content on Instagram include:

• User activity: The algorithm monitors every interaction a user makes on the app, from the posts they like to who they interact with, in order to personalize their experience and keep them on the app longer.
• Interest: The algorithm considers the users past behavior on similar content and accounts.
• Timeliness: The algorithm considers how recently the post was shared.
• Relationship: The algorithm considers how close the user is to the person who shared the post.
• Frequency: The algorithm considers how often the user opens the app.
• Following: The algorithm considers the number of accounts the user follows.
• Usage: The algorithm considers how long the user spends on the app.

By tailoring your strategy to "hack" what Instagrams algorithm is prioritizing, you can reach more users and build a community of engaged followers.