How Instagram Algorithm Works

The Instagram algorithm, which aims to tailor each user’s experience, is actually a blend of algorithms, procedures, and classifiers. Instagram’s early algorithm simply presented posts in chronological order, according to when they were published. However, in 2023, the algorithm has advanced to a point where it can now choose which content to show to each user depending on what matters to them the most.

Instagram claims that each component of the app has a unique algorithm. Thus, the method for the Feed is different from the one for the Explore page. And in contrast to Reels, the Explore page has a different algorithm. This is due to the variance in user behavior while interacting with various app features. For instance, when users visit the Explore page, they would like to find new content rather than just Stories from their closest friends.

Ranking System of Instagram’s Stories and Feed Posts

Users of Instagram desire to see posts from their friends and loved ones in their Feeds and Stories. Therefore, the ranking methodology for these two is essentially the same. Your Feed and Stories will only contain content from individuals you follow, with the occasional advertisement.

Instagram gives the following signals the most priority in order to correctly rank the content in your Feed and Stories:

Post details – The Instagram algorithm takes into account how many likes a post has received. Additionally, it takes into account other information like post timing, duration (for videos), and location.
Information about the user – Instagram takes into account signals including how frequently you connect with the individual and if those interactions are current to determine how important the person is to you.
User activity – Instagram makes an effort to ascertain your potential interests based on information such as the number of posts you’ve liked and the sorts of content you frequently interact with.

The Workings of the Instagram Explore Page Algorithm

The Explore page’s primary objective is to introduce you to novel concepts. Therefore, even while Instagram continues to offer information based on your interests, the majority of the posts will come from accounts that you do not follow.

The algorithm starts by looking at posts you’ve already interacted with to decide which ones to rank. Then it discovers who else has commented on those posts and which other accounts they are following. This aids Instagram’s algorithm in limiting the posts that appear on your Explore page.

Instagram first identifies a collection of posts you might be interested in, and then it ranks them based on the following indicators:

Post details – Instagram gauges a post’s popularity by counting the number of likes, comments, and saves it has gotten. However, compared to Feed and Stories, the Explore page gives far greater weight to these signals.
User Activity – Instagram takes into account your comments, shares, and likes on posts. It also takes into account previous interactions you’ve had with other postings on your Explore page.
Interaction history – Even though the post may come from a non-following account, Instagram may tell how engaged you are in their material based on whether you’ve previously interacted with their posts.
Information about the poster — Instagram also takes into account the poster’s information, such as the volume of interactions they’ve gotten recently.

How Reels Rank on Instagram

Instagram Reels’ main objective is to provide entertainment. The videos you watch will thus frequently come from accounts that you don’t follow. In that respect, it is extremely similar to the Explore page. The biggest distinction is that it particularly focuses on stuff that could amuse you rather than merely taking into account what you might be interested in.

Instagram can accurately forecast things like your propensity to engage with and watch a Reel through to the conclusion. How frequently you visit the audio page is another crucial factor to take into account because it may indicate whether or not you want to create your own Reel. For Instagram Reels, the most significant ranking indicators are:

User Activity – Instagram analyses the Reels you’ve recently interacted with to determine the content that might be of interest to you.
Interaction history – You could be seeing videos from accounts that are unfamiliar to you. However, if you’ve connected with them in the past, Instagram can better gauge your potential interest in their content .
Reel information – Instagram also uses signals about a Reel’s content components to determine how to rank videos. Information like audio tracks and popularity may be included.