Instagram Algorithms: How They Work And Tips In 2025

Seasons change, and so does the algorithm! Just like the seasons, sometimes you love the new algorithms, sometimes you don’t, but in the end, you embrace the change. So, in the fast-paced world of algorithm changes, where marketers are struggling hard to crack Instagram algorithms, we’ve got your back. The algorithm on Instagram is complex, and so is understanding Instagram signals. In this article, we will dive deep into the topic of Instagram algorithms so that you can understand them and refine your strategies accordingly.

Let’s begin!

What Are Instagram Algorithms?

Instagram algorithms are a set of rules that organize and prioritize content shown to each Instagram user based on their preferences. The algorithm on Instagram contains various factors such as user history, location, profile, device, trends, relevance, popularity, and more. The algorithm Instagram aims to give its users the most engaging content based on their behaviour and enhance user engagement. It is crucial to note that Instagram doesn’t have any single algorithm that applies across all content formats but has multiple algorithms at play. Instagram describes it as “We use a variety of algorithms, classifiers, and processes, each with its own purpose. We want to make the most of people’s time, and we believe that using technology to personalize everyone’s experience is the best way to do that.”

How Do The Different Instagram Algorithms Work?

Different parts of Instagram are ranked by different algorithms. Let’s look at each one of them to understand Instagram algorithm:

1. Instagram Algorithms For Feeds

The default screen that you see when you open the app is the Instagram feed. The overall instagram feed is a combination of videos, photos, and carousels posted by users. There are a lot of ranking factors that Instagram takes into account while organizing content for the feed. The founder, Adam Mosseri, says, “We call these ‘signals’ and there are thousands of them.” Let’s break down these ‘signals’ for you:

• Activity: What posts the user likes, shares, saves, or comments on.
• Information about the post: How popular the post is, what levels of engagement it has created, what information the post has. Instagram is more likely to include that post in the user’s feed.
• Who Posted? Users will see the recommended posts from the users with similar interests and the ones that they follow.
• User’s history of interacting with someone: If a user is always liking, visiting, and interacting with someone’s profile, then the algorithm on Instagram will consider this factor.

In a nutshell, the algorithm Instagram uses to recommend posts on the feed is based on engagement. The higher the engagement level, the better the post will be seen on the feed.

2. Instagram Algorithms for Reels

Instagram Reels algorithm is the most popular content type, and the platform is reportedly considering launching its short-form video feature ‘Reels’ as a separate app. Reels account for over 20% of users’ time on Instagram and are designed for engagement. Knowing Instagram’s reels algorithm can greatly benefit you in growing your page. Let’s study their features:

• User Activity: The algorithm in Instagram monitors what users like, save, reshare, and comment on and showcases it accordingly.
• Reel Content: What is your Instagram reel idea, and what audio, trending sounds, hashtags, and authenticity are reflected in the content. Instagram uses all these factors to rank well on Reels.
• Consistency: Reels or growth on Instagram are based on how consistently you post reels. This is because recency ensures that users always see the latest Instagram trends and content on their feed.

Brands and creators should focus more on creating reels that are engaging enough to create value while users scroll through.

3. Instagram Algorithms for Stories

Instagram stories are temporary, and you can only see the stories of the people you follow. But wait, it is a great way to generate engagement because the first thing you tap when you open the app is the stories. Instagram assesses all the stories from your followers over the last day to understand which one captures the most of your attention. The objective is not just watching it but predicting which one you will like, respond to, and show interest in. The ranking factors are different, too:

• Viewer History: Based on the viewer history, the algorithm on Instagram will show the stories that users enjoy watching.
• Engagement History: You see first those stories with which you previously interacted via stories in DMs, comments, etc.
• Closeness: The algorithm in Instagram evaluates how close you are to the user and shows up their stories first.

4. Explore Page Algorithm

This page was designed to help users find new accounts and is usually one of the most engaging after the Reels. The Explore page algorithm looks for content and accounts similar to the ones you follow. Here are the signals that it uses on the explore page on Instagram:

• Post Popularity: What is the popularity of the post, i.e., how much engagement has it reached in terms of likes, interactions, shares, and more.
• Account Popularity: The number of followers you have and the engagement levels that your page has will push your content more to the Explore page.

5. Instagram Algorithms for Search

When a user specifically searches for a page, hashtag, song, etc., the algorithm also has signals for this. It all depends on how optimized your profile is based on SEO, content, and other factors to appear on the search results. Instagram search algorithm depends on:

• Keyword Relevance: How relevant your keywords are on your brand’s profile, bio, captions, and hashtags to match with search queries.
• User Activity: The algorithm uses the users’ past behavior to show them the most relevant results.

Impact of Instagram Algorithms on Different User Types

Here’s how the Instagram algorithms impact different user types:

Small Businesses

If small businesses do not have a strong following base, the Instagram algorithm makes it difficult for them to gain visibility and reach. So, try to consistently create unique and engaging content to boost your following base.
When establishing a large following, you can foster a loyal community for your brand and create a greater impact.
You can target your audience and elevate your algorithm using hashtags and location features.

Creators

Creators should focus on creating a variety of content, such as stories, reels, posts, etc., to stay in the minds of their followers.
The current Instagram algorithm focuses on trends and hosts challenges and giveaways to create a greater impact.
They should focus on user-generated content that embraces authenticity and builds credibility and community.

Busting Myths About Instagram Algorithms

There are many myths about Instagram algorithms, so to make you clear about them, we have jotted down a few:

Myth 1- Switching to a business account will lower your reach

Switching to an Instagram business account will not affect your reach. In fact, it gives you access to great insights and analytics. Instagram treats all its accounts equally, and all the accounts cater to quality over quantity and push you towards account growth.

Myth 2 – Shadowbanning Exists

Shadowbanning means hiding specific user posts from the feed or searches of those not following you. Instagram has categorically denied the concept of shadowbanning; however, some activities may ban your account for some time.

Myth 3 – Posting at Specific Times Guarantees Engagement

Posting at optimal times may help, but it does not guarantee engagement. Engagement depends on consistency, quality, and many other factors.

Myth 4 – Posting Everyday is the Only Way to Grow

You might be shocked after reading this, but yes, that’s the truth. Posting every day without a strategy and quality will not help you grow. Remember that quality matters over quantity, so be consistent, but do not forget to share high-quality and thoughtful content.

Myth 5 – Instagram Shows Your Content to Less Than 10% of Your Audience

This myth is quite a rumor, but Instagram clarified, “What appears first in your feed is based on the accounts and posts you engage with most, along with factors like the timeliness of posts, how often you use Instagram, and how many people you follow.”

Myth 6 – Hashtags are dead on Instagram

While it is true that hashtags play a different role in 2025 than in previous years, they still help a lot in getting discovered. Aim for the relevant ones using hashtag tracking tools to get decent results and focus on quality and keywords.

How Can You Stay Ahead Of Instagram Algorithms?

Here are some best practices to follow while cracking Instagram algorithms:

1. Focus on Creating Authentic Content

In 2025, branded content may work for you, but the trend is authenticity. Let your audience see genuine content such as a day in your life, behind-the-scenes, authentic testimonials, and more. The Instagram algorithms prefer content that is real and focuses on building relationships with users. This helps build trust and credibility for your page.

2. Embed On Website

Embedding your Instagram feed on your website is the new trend to enhance your page following. How? When you embed your Instagram feed on the website, you redirect your website visitors to your Instagram and vice versa. This enhances your website engagement and highlights your authentic social media content. Tools like Tagbox help you easily embed your Instagram feed on your site using the Instagram widget. It gives great customization features and advanced AI recommendations to help you stay ahead of the competition.

3. Use Instagram SEO

Optimizing your Instagram page with relevant search keywords and links is one of the best ways to maintain your account’s visibility. This highlights that you are active on your page and that your profile is well-maintained. This is a strong signal to the algorithm and helps contribute to your reach at greater levels. Inculcate SEO keywords in your captions, profiles, hashtags, subtitles, etc., to stay ahead in the algorithm game.

4. Encourage Engagement With Stories

Instagram is heavily promoting its story feature; hence, it is necessary to include stories in your strategy. Stories get a lot of attention due to their engagement factor, and it is a great way to attract your audience’s attention plus notify them. Don’t forget to optimize your stories by adding hashtags, interactive stickers, and other elements. Eventually, reels tend to achieve higher organic reach as compared to traditional posts, and you can even add them to the highlights on your profile.

5. Share Reels

Reels are undoubtedly the most engaging factor and tend to get the maximum audience attention. To counter this, make sure that the content you create is original. This is the most important factor in the ever-changing algorithm, but don’t ignore the trends. Add trending sounds, as this Instagram reel hack prioritizes the content that aligns with the trends. This is because users are already interacting with that sound by watching, liking, commenting, and more.

6. Comment on Posts from Relevant Users

I don’t know whether you have noticed or not, but many big brands are commenting and interacting with creators and other users via commenting on their posts. This is a great strategy to interact with the users and hype them up. It also helps build relationships with them and nurture your brand image. But remember, don’t start making a sales pitch in the comment; try appreciating them and adding some value.

7. Respond ASAP

Instagram focuses on recent content, so engage with your followers as early as possible to increase the likelihood of getting more reach. Additionally, respond to queries and questions on time to make them feel that you care. This even creates social proof for your content, increasing your visibility and encouraging further comments.

8. Repost Old Content to Stories

We understand that posting daily sometimes seems challenging; the algorithm understands it, too. That’s why it is recommended to repost old content from your Instagram to stories to revive the reach. Repurposing brings your best content back into the light and helps in boosting engagement. Especially when your account is at the growth stage and your followers are increasing, repurposed content tends to give them gist about your content.

9. Collaborate with UGC Creators

In 2025, UGC creators will be in demand because of the authentic and genuine content that they create. To elevate your engagement, collaborate with these small creators, as Instagram is constantly pushing them. This is the next big thing happening on social media today. Therefore, it’s a good idea to collaborate with these small pages and boost your brand visibility.

Conclusion

To beat the Instagram algorithms, you need to be proactive in your approach. It is essential that you focus on content quality and overall relationship building. All the above-mentioned approaches, such as optimizing your account, commenting on each other’s posts, and responding to queries as soon as possible, will help enhance your page engagement. So they can be used to capture the algorithm’s attention and reach new audiences each time.