Remember when Instagram was all about sharing anything you wanted with those old-school filters? Things were simpler back then! But now, Instagram has grown and opened up so many opportunities for everyone. To make the most of these opportunities, it's important to understand how Instagram works and keep up with the latest Instagram algorithm updates. This knowledge can help you reach a larger audience and maybe even go viral!
If you're aiming for that, we've got you covered. Here are the Instagram algorithm changes for 2024, so you know exactly what to do.
What is the Instagram Algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm is a collection of guidelines that determines how content is organized and displayed on the platform. It chooses which posts appear and in what sequence on users' feeds, as well as on the Explore Page, Reels feed, Stories, and other sections of Instagram.
Now that you know what the Instagram algorithm is, how can you make sure that the content you share appears in other people's feeds and on the explore page?
To find out, let’s explore how the Instagram algorithm works, and the latest Instagram Algorithm Updates.
How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work in 2024?
The Instagram algorithm 2024 takes into account the kind of posts you have liked, commented on, or shared before. For example, if you often like photos of cute dogs, the algorithm will show you more posts about dogs at the top of your feed. It also mixes in some other content that you might be interested in based on your behavior, like photos of cats or animals in general.
This way, instead of showing you everything randomly, Instagram organizes your feed to show you the posts you’ll most likely enjoy first. It does the same thing for the Explore Page, Reels, and Stories, making it easier for you to find content that interests you.
Here’s what the CEO of Instagram, Mosseri said about the Instagram algorithm updates:
“As Instagram grew, it became difficult for people to find all the content they cared about. There was simply too much of it. So we created algorithms to show you what you want, when you want it.
But here’s a misunderstood fact: No one algorithm decides what you see, because each part of the app — Feed, Explore, Reels — has its own ranking system based on how you use it.”
So, what does this mean?
This means that Reels Instagram uses different sets of rules (algorithms) to decide what you see on different parts of the app. Here’s how each one works:
1. Instagram Feed Algorithm
The Feed shows posts from people you follow. The current Instagram algorithm looks at several factors to determine what to display.
- First, Instagram predicts how much you’ll care about a post based on your past interactions with similar content. For example, if you often like posts about animals, Instagram will show you more animals-related posts.
- Second, the algorithm looks at how quickly a post gets likes, comments, shares, and saves. A post that becomes popular fast is more likely to appear on your feed.
- Third, Instagram evaluates details about the person who posted, including how often you interact with them and how frequently they post. If you regularly engage with a friend’s posts, their new content is likely to appear at the top of your feed.
- Finally, your past interactions with the person who posted the content also matter. If you frequently like or comment on someone’s posts, Instagram will prioritize showing you their content.
2. Instagram Stories Algorithm
Stories display temporary posts (videos or photos) from people you follow. Three main factors influence the Stories algorithm.
- First, the algorithm considers how much you engage with a particular account’s stories. If you often send likes or direct messages in response to someone’s stories, Instagram will prioritize showing you their new stories.
- Second, it also looks at how often you view an account’s stories. Accounts whose stories you view regularly are given priority in your Stories feed.
- Third, Instagram assesses your overall relationship with the story's author. Stories from people you are close to, like friends or family, are more likely to appear first.
3. Instagram Explore Page Algorithm
The Explore page shows posts from people you don’t follow but might find interesting. The algorithm uses several factors to determine what to show you.
- First, the algorithm evaluates the general popularity of a post, such as the number of interactions it gets in a short period. Popular posts are more likely to appear on your Explore page.
- Second, Instagram considers your past actions on similar content in Explore. If you often engage with travel posts, Instagram will show you more travel-related content.
- Third, your past interactions with the poster are considered, even if you don’t know them well. This helps the algorithm decide if similar content should be shown to you.
- Finally, the algorithm also looks at the recent popularity of the poster and their content interactions. This helps bring a variety of content from different creators to your Explore page.
4. Instagram Reels Algorithm
Reels display short, entertaining videos, mostly from people you don’t follow. Reels are influenced by four primary factors.
- First, the algorithm examines your past behavior, such as which reels you’ve liked, saved, re-shared, commented on, and recently engaged with. Reels similar to those you’ve interacted with will be shown more often.
- Second, if you’ve interacted with the person who posted the Reel before, this indicates a higher interest in their content, and Instagram will show you more from them.
- Third, details like the audio track, video length, and caption text are taken into account. For example, if you enjoy reels with a particular song, similar reels will be shown to you.
- Finally, your relationship with the poster matters. If you interact with someone frequently, their reels are more likely to appear in your feed.
Instagram Algorithm Updates 2024
Reducing Repost Accounts in Recommendations
Instagram plans to make aggregator accounts less visible by removing them from its recommendation sections. Aggregator accounts often repost content from other users without adding much to it, and Instagram wants to discourage this practice.
Instagram also said that accounts labeled as aggregators can be recommended again after 30 days if they stop posting unoriginal content. Users will be able to check the status of their accounts to see if they are being labeled.
The only exception to this rule will be for publishers who have proper licenses or explicit permissions from the original content creators.
Highlighting Original Content on Instagram
Instagram is changing how it shows posts to support original creators. If Instagram knows you created a post, it will try to show your original post to more people instead of the reposts.
This is good news for creators because reposted content usually gets a lot of views. When something goes viral, it often gets reshared many times. But with this change, Instagram wants to make sure the original creator gets all the attention, which could help them get more followers and likes.
Prioritizing Original Posts in Recommendations
Instagram is now focusing on showing more original content in recommendations by replacing reposts with the original versions.
“When we find two or more identical pieces of content on Instagram, we will only recommend the original one. This means that the original content will directly replace the reposted content in recommendations.”
Instagram wants users to focus on creating original posts rather than reposting content. However, if a repost drastically changes the original content, such as by turning it into a meme, parody, or remix, it may still be recommended. This rule mainly applies to relatively new content and may impact its visibility over time.
Boost for Smaller Creators
Instagram is now giving more attention to smaller, newer accounts rather than just focusing on big, well-known creators.
In the past, Instagram’s system tended to give more visibility to creators with large followings or those who shared popular content from others. Instagram wants to change this so that smaller, original creators have a better chance of reaching new audiences.
With the new Instagram update 2024, Instagram will initially show new posts to a wider audience. Posts that get a lot of likes, comments, or shares early on will then get even more visibility.
Our Take
It’s clear that Instagram is shaking things up with the new algorithm in 2024 to give everyone a fair shot at getting noticed. By focusing more on smaller creators and original content, the platform is trying to balance the playing field and offer new opportunities for growth. This means your fresh ideas and unique posts could get a bigger boost, especially if they catch on quickly.
But here’s the question: Will the new Instagram algorithm Updates really help smaller creators stand out, or will the biggest names still find a way to dominate the spotlight? As Instagram continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how these updates play out in practice. What do you think? Will you see more of your favorite smaller creators, or will the platform stay dominated by the big names?
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