Oops, Instagram did it again!
At this point, most of us know how frustrating it is when Instagram changes their algorithm. It's like solving a puzzle, but the last piece always seems to go missing just as you finish. Now, they've done it again.
So what's new?
Well, Instagram is focusing less on Reels and prioritising other types of content, like stories & carousel posts. Why? Well, simply put, engagement is now all the rage.
Views are fantastic; they also look impressive, but if you want your Instagram to thrive, you should focus on people interacting with your content so that you can interact with them! Likes, comments, shares, saves – they're just as important as views if not more (especially when running a business).
In the realm of reels, it's crucial to remember that as well as views increasing when new users watch, replays also count! So, don't stop posting reels, but be sure to have a variety of content and make sure when you do post videos you're promoting engagement.
While trending songs undeniably attract attention, don't let this deter you from creating or using original audios – the platform wants to support originality. This also disrupts the similarity between content, increasing the likelihood of users replaying your video. So, switch it up and have fun!
Something we can't stress enough; refrain from using watermarks on your videos. Whether it's reposting your content from another page, from another platform, or trying to stop others from using your content – your video will be ranked lower! This is also likely to occur if you cover most of your video when adding text as it affects the ‘quality' of your content by diminishing visibility.
When crafting stories, leverage interactive features like question stickers, polls, and Q&A sessions to engage with your audience. Consistently incorporating your web link is essential, but don't hesitate to infuse creativity into your call-to-action (CTA). Instead of simply saying ‘Sign up,’ experiment with phrases like ‘join our community’ or ‘workout with me’—it's still simple but more personalised.
Interacting with content from fellow creators within your niche is invaluable as it not only offers insights into content trends but also enhances your chances of appearing on the explore pages of relevant audiences.
You may have noticed as you engage with content that there is now the option to add accounts to your favourites, ensuring their posts surface at the top of your feed. Encouraging your audience to do the same is a great way to make sure they consistently interact with your content and can prevent your content from getting lost amidst the digital noise.
While this feature isn't entirely new, not many have been suggesting their audience to do so. However, keeping up with the constant updates on the platform can prove to be quite the challenge.
Everything on Instagram – your feed, stories, reels, explore page – they all have their own set of rules that we've barely touched the surface, yet they all blend into interaction, interest & relevancy. With everything you create the most important factor to keep in mind is, “will my desired audience interact with this”.
The latest Instagram shift isn't just about numbers—it's all about fostering genuine connections. Let go of fixating on views; nowadays, it's the likes, comments, shares, and saves that truly matter. Want to stand out? Get creative! Experiment with diverse content, leverage original audios, and avoid watermarks. Elevate your stories with interactive features, and don't forget to interact with your niche community and your followers. Want to keep your followers hooked and up-to-date? Encourage them to add you to their favourites!
Sure, Instagram's updates might feel like a whirlwind, but here's the golden rule: create content that resonates with your audience. So, before hitting 'post,' ask yourself: Would this stop me mid-scroll?