Instagram influencers listen up!
The Instagram algorithm has been one of the (THE) most talked about issue in the blogging community. It seems to be one of those things that you are either freaking out about or are constantly asking what the heck it is. For me, the Instagram algorithm change has been VERY confusing. I’ve only been part of the Insta Influencer community for just about a year – and before that, I only used Instagram for fun. I mainly just looked at posts by friends, family and all my favorite celebrities. So, I’m about to spill the truth on shadow banning, timelines and business profiles.
What has been changed by the Instagram Algorithm?
After I started blogging, we were introduced to the timeline change. We said goodbye to the chronological order and hello to the new random order? Instagram recently opened on all their changes and how the Instagram Algorithm actually works.
You know by now that your feed isn’t chronological, based on who you follow or what you search. The algorithm change tries to bring content to your feed that you will like.
According to TechCrunch, “Instagram relies on machine learning based on your past behavior to create a unique feed for everyone. Even if you follow the exact same accounts as someone else, you’ll get a personalized feed based on how you interact with those accounts.” [find more info on how your feed works on TechCrunch HERE]
Factors that affect the Instagram Algorithm:
Interest – Instagram automatically is detecting how much they think you will like a post. It’s based on past behaviour from similar content and matches more of that content to you.
Timelines – Instagram is now favoring newer posts. So hopefully we will be seeing more posts that are posted within the same day.
Relationship – If you are constantly engaged with someone’s posts (liking, commenting) then they will be thought of as ‘friends/family’ and you will start to see more of their content.
Frequency – How often you use Instagram is a factor. If you use it regularly throughout the day your timeline will appear more chronological. The more time you spend on it the more posts you will see – not just the highlights.
Following – How many people you are following.
So, basically speaking if you are a FAN of something, you need to give it some love if you want it to show up in your feed.
Old tricks that aren’t affecting your rank in the Instagram Algorithm:
• Posting videos
• Having a Business account
• Using bots
• Posting multiple times
There were some tricks that bloggers raved about, saying that it helped them rank better in the Algorithm. However, Instagram has stated that favor will not be showing to posts with a specific file type, account type or hashtag. The actual Instagram user is who determines which posts show up in their feed.
Having a business account doesn’t affect your rank either. However, it is a good tool to have. There are so many insights shared on the business profile, that can help you determine if and why something isn’t working for your feed.
What about the Shadow Ban?
This was also such a HUGE topic for bloggers! Everyone was trying to come up with the perfect hashtag strategy to get their posts noticed. But, the secret is out.
THERE IS NO SHADOWBAN.
So, feel free to use hashtags to your hearts content. Your posts aren’t going to be hidden if you use the same hashtag 3 days in a row. To keep your account growing, be sure to use relevant hashtags and change them up every post. Make sure you are using tags that are searchable too. Don’t just tag one big tag with millions of others that have been tagged. Be creative and try for new tags on every post.
How does this affect you as an Instagram Influencer?
You need to be connecting with your audience constantly. That means, responding to comments, DMs and sometimes likes. Be actively engaged in your community constantly. If you are sensing that your posts aren’t being seen by your followers, here’s what you can do:
1. Simply add a story or 2 explaining that to see your posts in their feed, followers need to be actively liking and commenting on your posts.
2. Ask them to turn on post notifications
3. Post updates in your stories about recent posts.
(It’s not spammy to ask someone to engage with your posts. Let’s remember here that we are bloggers. Our followers follow us because they LIKE to see what we post. Some followers who aren’t bloggers themselves, have no idea about the Instagram changes. Giving a kind reminder how to see your posts is one of the best way to keep your followers engaged.)
Let me know in the comments below what you think about the Instagram changes
Personally, I’m liking it. I feel like my posts are still getting either that hit or miss vibe – but I like the way my timeline is organized. I see all my blogger babes, and favorite celebrities, before I see any of those annoying cat pics from my friends (lol).
Check out my post on How to Start a Money Making Blog HERE.
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