DEV/SEO/SMM Blog
Pro Q&A
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. Over the years, Instagram has undergone significant changes, particularly in its algorithm, which has had a significant impact on content creators.
Initially, Instagram displayed content in reverse-chronological order, which meant that the newest posts would appear first. However, in 2016, Instagram introduced an algorithm that personalized the feed based on the user’s activity, preferences, and engagement history. This change was intended to enhance the user experience by displaying content that was more relevant to them. That was also a chance for many influencers to get free IG followers.
Can you build a business today without social media? Yes, but it’s almost impossible. That is why the algorithm uses various factors to determine which posts appear on a user’s feed. These include the user’s engagement history, the timeliness of the post, and the user’s relationship with the account that posted the content. For instance, if a user frequently likes, comments, or shares posts from a particular account, Instagram’s algorithm is more likely to display that account’s content on their feed.
This change in the algorithm had a significant impact on content creators. Before the algorithm, all posts had an equal chance of appearing on a user’s feed, provided they followed the account that posted it. However, with the personalized algorithm, content creators had to work harder to ensure that their posts appeared on their followers’ feeds. They had to focus on creating engaging content that would prompt their followers to engage with their posts to increase their chances of appearing on their feeds.
Another change that Instagram made to its algorithm was the introduction of the Explore page. The Explore page shows users posts and accounts that Instagram thinks they might be interested in based on their activity on the platform. The algorithm considers the user’s search history, engagement history, and other factors to determine which content to show on the Explore page.
The Explore page has become a vital tool for content creators to increase their reach and gain new followers. If a post appears on the Explore page, it has the potential to reach a broader audience and gain more engagement, which can lead to increased visibility and growth.
However, getting featured on the Explore page is not easy, and content creators have to work hard to create engaging and unique content to increase their chances of being featured. They also have to use relevant hashtags and location tags to make it easier for Instagram’s algorithm to discover their content and recommend it to users.
In addition to the personalized feed and the Explore page, Instagram’s algorithm has also prioritized video content over static images. Instagram’s algorithm favors videos over images because they tend to have higher engagement rates and keep users on the platform for longer periods.
This change has forced content creators to adapt and create more video content to stay relevant on the platform. They have to produce high-quality videos that are engaging, entertaining, and informative to keep their followers engaged and increase their chances of appearing on their feeds.
The evolution of Instagram’s algorithm has had both positive and negative effects on content creators. On the one hand, it has made it harder for content creators to reach their audience organically. They have to work harder to create engaging content that will prompt their followers to engage with their posts and increase their visibility on the platform.
On the other hand, the algorithm has also provided content creators with new opportunities to reach a broader audience and gain more engagement. The Explore page and the prioritization of video content have opened up new avenues for content creators to showcase their work and connect with their audience.
