How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm
Succeed on Instagram in 2023 and turn this social media network into a lead-generating tool for your business. I'm going to show you six ways to beat the algorithm and have fun with the platform (again).
#1 Solve a problem
Consumer behavior has changed on the platform. The average attention span is about eight seconds. Anything and everything can disrupt someone's attention, especially if your content is - sorry to say it out loud - straight-up boring.
Make your audience feel great, if not by pulling the heartstrings, then by solving a problem they have or answering their questions.
You need to speak to your ideal audience's problem and provide a solution. Don't think too literally. A problem can be as simple as "how to do vlookup on excel" or "how to bake an upside-down pineapple cake."
#2 Create more short-form video content
Reels and short-form videos should be central to your content strategy. The algorithm relies on factors like watch time and engagement (like, comment, save) when serving relevant content. Over the past couple of months, Instagram has been heavily pushing Reels, and you can use this as an opportunity to get organic exposure.
For example, if a user or your target audience regularly interacts with workout posts, this user will likely see Reels showing workout routines. You can earn massive exposure as long as you couple your video with value.
When creating reels, cut out the fluff and come straight to the problem and solution. Since the attention span is so short, you don't want to lose people by not coming straight to the point.
#3 Captions
Captions are precious real estate that you should not let go to waste. Captions can captivate a user and drive engagement. Include keywords in your caption to be found online or answer your followers questions.
The only accounts that can post captionless posts or emoji-only captions are huge brands or celebrities.
If you post a video, carousel, or image without a caption, you miss the opportunity to interact with users or get their attention. Don't let this real estate slip through your hand.
For in-feed posts and wherever you can write longer captions, start with a strong hook (before the "more") so viewers are more likely to click on the "more" button to see the entire caption.
Provide a detailed description, including a CTA to tell users what to do next. If a user clicks on the "more" button to expand your caption, it signals to Instagram that the post is interesting hence it will be pushed out to more accounts.
Tip: Include "more details in the description" or "click on the description for a bonus tip" in your reels to drive more viewers to your caption. If you use this strategy, you have to provide additional value in your captions!
#4 Create snackable content
To increase engagement on your posts and to be favored by the algorithm, you need to create snackable content. Don't offer the entire buffet. Rather, provide little snacks that can be consumed on the go.
The goal is to create content that a viewer can easily absorb and that is visually engaging. The message needs to be delivered quickly before the viewer scrolls on. With a simple glance, the viewer needs to understand what you are trying to convey.
Snackable pieces can come in the form of infographics, memes, quotes, and short videos, but each piece of content has to be short, easy to digest, and easily shared.
#5 Shareable and Savable Content
The internet is flooded with content, yet certain pieces are being shared or saved over and over again. Yes, I am referring to that cute cat video you saved the other day.
But why do we share certain pieces?
It all comes down to one thing. We love sharing and saving content that resonates with us. The key to creating shareable content is by understanding what your audience cares about and relates to.
#6 Reply to comments/dm
Replying to comments serves more than just the purpose of being courteous. Interactions influence what gets seen and served by the algorithm. That's why quick replies to questions, comments, and concerns are ideal.