Understanding the Algorithm
But let’s break it down...
Instagram has come out in January and told us how they are operating, so it’s not a secret
Let’s start with how Instagram creates the timeline for a user - there are 5 factors that play into it:
1. Interest - The feed is not just based on who they follow, it takes anything they have "liked" in the past, and tries to prioritize it for them! Easier answer: Instagram watches who they interact with, who they are tagged by, and the posts they like / comment on to create your "interests"
Meaning...be consistent in posting so you are always in an interest! Instagram says they want to see comments, reshares, likes, and views on videos to boost you for the user.
2. Relationship - Instagram wants to make sure they are showing the user people / things that having meaning to them. They take interaction from the user to determine if the user has an in person relationship or an online relationship with the person / business / place / thing.
Meaning...the user has to "like" your content, direct message you, search for you, etc
3. Right Time - Instagram looks at two things...the engagement your posts are getting but also when they are being posted. Making sure to post at the best time for your followers is HUGE! I recommend going to Later.com to have them tell you the top seven best times for you to post.
4. Frequency - Instagram checks how often their users are on their feed. If the user is on multiple times a day, their feed is going to look more in order of when things are posted, mixed with interests. If the user is on once a day, their feed is going to show what instagram thinks they like.
Meaning...making sure your interaction is high with users is huge so you are on their feed.
5. Who are they following - The more people a user is following, is the worse their timeline. There are many "ghost" followings, people who have abandoned their account, etc. They are taking up prime real estate in a users feed most likely, because Instagram may have them marked as an important person for their feed.
Meaning...encourage followers to clean their "followings" list up
