Storrito Q&A: What do I have to know about the Instagram algorithm in 2021?

Want to successfully showcase your brand on Instagram? Then Instagram Stories should be a part of your daily work. In our "Storrito Q&A," we’ll explain everything you need to know about Instagram, Instagram Stories and Instagram marketing. Today: What do I have to consider about the Instagram algorithm in 2021?

Understanding the algorithm is the Holy Grail of Instagram

The Instagram algorithm can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. It can help you to spread your content, but your organic reach can also be harmed if you don't try to understand it.

Therefore, it is important to look at the new developments in the Instagram algorithm.

Of course, there is never a guarantee that you will get more followers and more success on Instagram. Still, it is always worth trying to take advantage of its potential.

What does the Instagram algorithm affect?

The Instagram algorithm chooses which content users see. Every time a user opens the app, the algorithm immediately starts working. It considers all the available content and decides in which order this content will appear to the user.

The algorithm affects:

• The order in which posts appear in the newsfeed, and consequently, which posts make it to the top
• The order in which stories and live videos appear in the stories section
• The order in which reels and IGTV videos appear in the newsfeed and their respective tabs
• Which posts get featured in the Explore tab

So, the Instagram algorithm determines the organic reach of your content. This makes understanding the algorithm essential for Instagram marketing.

On what basis does the algorithm make its decisions?

The algorithm depends on the previous behavior of the user. It combs through all available content and rates every post to predict which one will be the most interesting for each user. This is the post that gets shown at the top of the newsfeed.

There are three key factors in how the Instagram algorithm decides what content to show to the users.

1. Relationship

First and foremost, the Instagram algorithm checks on your relationship with the user.

The algorithm assumes that people who have already interacted with your account will also be interested in your new content.

These are the three main things the algorithm takes into consideration:

• Do you follow each other?
• Does the user leave comments or react to your stories?
• Does the user save your posts?

So, the goal is to have a loyal community that regularly interacts with you and your content. The algorithm will reward it.

2. Interest

This leads us to the next important goal: to arouse the user’s interest. As already mentioned, the reason is: the Instagram algorithm chooses the content that users are most likely to like.

This means that, as always, content is king. Your posts and stories should be appealing to your target group. Find your niche and a consistent strategy to meet the interests of your followers and potential new followers.

3. Timeliness

The Instagram algorithm also assumes users are more interested in new content. So, naturally, the latest posts will show up higher ranked.

So for your business account, it could be helpful to analyze the time windows during which your community is online the most.

Conclusion: Instagram Stories are the foundation of a good marketing strategy

Instagram Stories are becoming an increasingly important part of a good marketing strategy. To make it easier to work on stories in a team, Storrito can help. You can design, edit and schedule your stories from the comfort of your computer. This way, everyone has access to and an overview of your Instagram stories.