Instagram is the most influential social media application. It was launched in October 2010 by Meta, and since then, it has 2.4 billion active users – SEO AI.
The number of active users is still less than Facebook (3.07 billion), but how it has revolutionized the influencer market is remarkable.
Company introduced Instagram features – image and video filters to make posts look better and stand out. This feature enhanced influencer culture, making Instagram more than a photo-sharing application.
Now, thousands of brands work with these Instagram influencers to reach their target audience and generate business from them.
Instagram has different algorithms to match audiences with the influencers of their interest. Let’s see how its algorithm works so we can use it for our benefit.
How does the Instagram algorithm work?
On the Instagram app, the page that displays the posts of your interest is known as the “Feed”. This page is unique to each user based on their likings and location. The post that matches most is displayed first.
Instagram uses algorithms to select which post will be displayed first and which will be displayed last on the feed.
Prioritizing posts is based on some factors. These factors are explained below:
Finding the interest of the users:
Posts that match the most with the interests of the users are prioritized to rank at the top and the ones that are least matched, stay at the bottom of the feed.
Instagram allows 30 hashtags on a single post which are read by algorithms to match the interests of users, so use them wisely.
Adding hashtags to the posts allows you to target a specific audience with similar interests, you can increase your reach and claim your authority in a specific niche.
For example:
Hashtags like #fashion, #fashiontrends, #fashionweek, #outfit, #OOTD, #outfitideas, #whatiwore, etc. will rank you in the feeds of the users with one of these hashtags in their interests.
Give relevancy score of each post:
Instagram algorithms give a score to each post according to their relevance to the timelines and trending topics. Then these posts are displayed according to the relevancy score. Trends are always displayed on the top.
So, the higher the relevancy score, the higher the rank of your post. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends, and use viral keywords in your content and hashtags.
For example:
Different areas and audiences have different trends. In Turkiye, #yusufdikec and #olympicsilvermedal are trending.
Use these types of viral words in your posts to get a better relevancy score.
Note: Use them according to your niche. Use the latest fashion keywords if your niche is fashion.
Build a relationship with the user:
When a user watches your posts regularly, the algorithm ranks your new posts at the top of their feed.
That’s why it is crucial to start with a single niche, it will align with a specific audience and target them repeatedly.
As they watch your posts regularly, algorithms will take it as a good relationship and rank your posts at the top.
Now, we will look at the top features of Instagram to learn how we can use them to enhance the performance of our posts.
Top 5 Instagram features to enhance your performance
There are certain features of Instagram that, if learned, can be used to enhance the performance of our posts and reach new audiences.
1. Use Instagram Reels option to post reels with a schedule
Find out what time your audience or followers are most active. Posting at that optimal time will enhance your chances of maximizing Instagram reach.
You can find out this time using Instagram insights, which shows what time your post was watched the most. Schedule each of your posts at that time.
For example:
If your niche is entertainment, people like to watch this type of content before sleep. Posting at that time will rank you at the top. Your followers will read it before some other post takes over your position.
2. Instagram story feature to post Insta stories daily
Post content daily. It will create a better relationship with your followers and increase your chances of ranking on top of their feed.
If you are not able to create a full-fledged post daily, at least post stories or reels to keep your audience engaged.
3. Check on the insights feature for improvement
Instagram analytics are very advanced. You can use them to get insights into your posts. They will help you know if you are doing the right things.
For example:
An analytics chart says that your audience is not consuming your content fully. It indicates that your content is too boring to keep them engaged till the end.
4. Share your Instagram shopping experience
Instagram has an in-app browser that allows its users to browse products, explore collections, and purchase them without going out of the application.
You can shop from Instagram and share your experience with your followers. It will give you content and help others shop on Instagram.
If you do it yourself, show them the quality of the system and the product. You can do it by using the story feature or directly adding the screenshot of your customer experience form.
For example:
If you are promoting a product, buy the product from an Instagram shop and record all the processes involved like searching, choosing, purchasing, putting information, payments, and delivery.
Explain each and everything to your audience to make them realize how easy it is to buy from Instagram.
5. Make an Instagram live session with your followers
Going live on Instagram can help you grow exponentially. Instagram will notify each of your followers if you go live. Your stream will rank on the top of the feed and it will increase your authority as an influencer or brand.
Use of AI tools to enhance Instagram performance and Top 5 strategies for maximum reach
Becoming an influencer seems like a tough job. To make it easier for you, I am going to mention some strategies to get help from AI to enhance your performance on Instagram.
1. Write engaging descriptions and quality content that interconnect followers
The descriptions you write on your posts help you rank better and engage your audience. These descriptions should be:
- Relevant to the post
- Match your audience’s interest
- To the point
Writing this content can be hectic for newcomers. You can use generative AI tools for this purpose. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can help you write quality content that is relevant and engaging.
While using online tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are generally good – but you have to be aware of the fact that their content is easily detected by an AI detection tool.
Google is already coming after publishers who are using AI to post unhelpful content. With this trend, social media platforms might follow the path chosen by Google.
The best advice is to humanize your content and use it so that it is good for users as well as for the algorithms of social media platforms.
2. Create user-generated content with AI technology
With the right commands or prompts, you can create user-generated content using AI tools. You can ask AI tools to write
- Testimonials
- Comments
- Posts in support of your profile.
Use this content in your posts to show your audience how your content helped some followers solve their problems. This will increase your credibility and reputation.
3. Use AI to enhance Instagram performance
The use of AI tools for Instagram can help you grow your reach exponentially. They make it easier to:
- Generate relevant hashtags to improve targeting
- Get story ideas for daily posting
- Improve grammar in the content
4. Use of chatbot AI answer generator to respond to followers quickly
With more followers, comes a responsibility to answer all of their queries or comments. It is enjoyable in the beginning but starts annoying after some time as the number increases.
AI answer generator is a tool you can ask your problems to get frequent answers. It can generate relevant answers according to the question asked.
5. Analyze data with AI for content optimization and strategy refinement
The latest AI tools can analyze data and strategies to suggest refinements and optimization. You can use it in the following ways:
- Feed the data of your followers to see what they like the most
- Feed competitors data to find out their strategy
- Get insights about your content before posting to get suggestions for improvements.
Conclusion
To go viral on Instagram can be extremely rewarding, but it requires some effort. It is not just about quality content and the latest data, your overall strategy to make it to the top of the feed matters a lot.
With more and more people opening accounts on Instagram in search of followers to run a business, the need for a proper strategy is rising.
You have to know how algorithms are going to rank your content and which features you can utilize to get the best out of this platform.
In this article, I have explained how ranking algorithms take your content and place it in your followers’ feeds. I have also mentioned some features like live streaming, insights, and Instagram shop.
By understanding and using these features, you can improve your Instagram strategy and see clear benefits. Use these tips to make the most of the platform and achieve your marketing goals.
