Understanding the Instagram algorithm

If your company or business is using social media platforms to share original content and reach a new audience, it can be essential to fully understand how these work, and who will see your content. With algorithms changing, and a lot of misinformation available, particularly in regards to Instagram, it can be difficult to know which course of action to take. And understanding the Instagram algorithm can be a challenge. But here at Pumpkin Web Design, we are Preston’s leading web design and web marketing professionals. We provide valuable web design, SEO, and marketing solutions to a range of clients, across the North West, including Southport and Wigan, as well as Manchester. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you need to know about the Instagram algorithm.

Understanding the Instagram algorithm for feeds

The main feed on Instagram is the pages with the Instagram posts that loads when you open the app. In general, users will scroll through the feed, pausing and responding to content that really grabs their attention. But how can you be sure that your content will be shown in the news feed of the majority of your followers, and even reach new people? Well, the Instagram algorithm will determine which posts appear in the feed, based on these 6 factors:

• Interest- the Instagram algorithm determines what to show users based on their previous interactions and engagements. This means that your post can reach new people, that dont follow you, as long as Instagram feels it is relevant to their interests.
• Relationship- posts from friends and family should always appear first in the feed, as this is based on the relationship between the poster and the user.
• Timeliness- the Instagram feed shows posts that have been published recently, to keep users up to date with all the latest posts. However, this is not the same as the chronological feature, as these posts will be selected based on all 6 of these factors, not just timeliness. As a business, you can determine the best time to post to reach your followers, and ensure maximum engagement.
• Frequency- depending on the way Instagram users interact with the app will determine which content they are shown. People that do not log in frequently will be shown the posts that are more suited to them, or what are deemed to be the top posts. While those that log in more frequently will see more chronological content.
• Following- if your followers also follow a lot of other accounts, they may be less likely to see each and every post, as the algorithm will determine the best posts available, using these 6 factors. Followers with fewer accounts to follow will see more of your content.
• Usage- app usage also comes into play. For your followers that spend a lot of time on Instagram, more posts will be shown to them, which could include yours. For users that do not open the app as much, they will only see a smaller snapshot of the best content.

Why not get in touch with leading experts, here at Pumpkin Web Design, for professional, results driven digital marketing support?