How does the Instagram algorithm work in 2024?
Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2024 5:52 am
In your social media strategy , Instagram will continue to occupy a central place in 2024. Despite the rise of TikTok, the platform remains one of the most used social media in the world. In France alone, 84% of 16-25 year-olds log on to the Instagram app daily.
It is the essential social network for sectors such as fashion, decoration and travel. In these areas, the visual has a major impact and this is precisely Instagram's priority.
While it’s crucial to be there, it’s hard to stand out . Brands are there in droves, as are content creators. One of the secrets to making a difference on Instagram is understanding its algorithm.
Vlogger live streaming podcast review on social media, Young Asian woman use iran telegram data microphones wear headphones with smartphone record video. Content creator concept.
If you understand how the Instagram algorithm works in 2024, you're already laying the foundation for your success on the platform. We'll explain everything in this article.
What is the Instagram algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm encompasses the rules designed to identify what content to present to a user and in what order. The goal of the algorithm is to maximize engagement with Instagram users by serving them content that is likely to interest them, ultimately encouraging them to interact with it .
Digital technology, big data storage, digital software development, cybersecurity concept. Software engineer, programmer using computer with data center, javascript computer code, futuristic technology.
Concretely, the algorithm takes into account different ranking factors to personalize the news feed or the “Explore” tab of the platform. The content will therefore always be different from one individual to another.
To do this, the Instagram algorithm analyzes elements such as:
Past user interactions
The accounts followed,
The publications with which they interact (like, comment, share, etc.)
The overall popularity of an account or post
The post format (single image, carousel, Reels, Story), etc.
In short, the social network relies on all the parameters that can make the user experience as engaging as possible. To do this, it ensures that its algorithm presents relevant content , based on the interactions and preferences of each Internet user.
The most popular formats on Instagram in 2024
The first thing to understand is that Instagram is not just about one algorithm. There are actually several depending on the type of content. For example, stories are subject to a specific algorithm, publications (whether photos or videos) to another. You can therefore use this knowledge to increase your visibility tenfold on the different formats popular with Instagram users.
The stories
Instagram Stories remain THE must-have format for users in 2024. This ephemeral content (which disappears after 24 hours, unless you pin it to your profile), offers a unique and dynamic approach to engaging the public . Businesses use it to interact with their followers in a more informal and personal way.
Young vlogger and content creator shoots a video for her followers, social media and communication concept
One of the biggest draws of Stories is their range of interactive tools . Polls , for example, are a great way for businesses to gather opinions and feedback in real-time. By asking direct questions, brands can gain valuable insights into their customers’ preferences, which can inform your strategic product or service decisions.
Question boxes are an opportunity for interaction by allowing subscribers to submit their questions or comments. It is a great way to start a conversation and build a deeper relationship with the audience. This direct interaction strengthens the sense of community and proximity between the brand and its customers.
The more you use these tools, the more visibility you gain, because they generate interactions. This is the keystone of your Instagram strategy: maximizing the number of interactions with users of the platform.
Instagram Reels
With the rise of TikTok and the growth of vertical video, Instagram has responded by making Reels a big part of the game. It’s a format that the algorithm now favors . For businesses, it’s a dynamic and creative way to produce engaging content.
It is the essential social network for sectors such as fashion, decoration and travel. In these areas, the visual has a major impact and this is precisely Instagram's priority.
While it’s crucial to be there, it’s hard to stand out . Brands are there in droves, as are content creators. One of the secrets to making a difference on Instagram is understanding its algorithm.
Vlogger live streaming podcast review on social media, Young Asian woman use iran telegram data microphones wear headphones with smartphone record video. Content creator concept.
If you understand how the Instagram algorithm works in 2024, you're already laying the foundation for your success on the platform. We'll explain everything in this article.
What is the Instagram algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm encompasses the rules designed to identify what content to present to a user and in what order. The goal of the algorithm is to maximize engagement with Instagram users by serving them content that is likely to interest them, ultimately encouraging them to interact with it .
Digital technology, big data storage, digital software development, cybersecurity concept. Software engineer, programmer using computer with data center, javascript computer code, futuristic technology.
Concretely, the algorithm takes into account different ranking factors to personalize the news feed or the “Explore” tab of the platform. The content will therefore always be different from one individual to another.
To do this, the Instagram algorithm analyzes elements such as:
Past user interactions
The accounts followed,
The publications with which they interact (like, comment, share, etc.)
The overall popularity of an account or post
The post format (single image, carousel, Reels, Story), etc.
In short, the social network relies on all the parameters that can make the user experience as engaging as possible. To do this, it ensures that its algorithm presents relevant content , based on the interactions and preferences of each Internet user.
The most popular formats on Instagram in 2024
The first thing to understand is that Instagram is not just about one algorithm. There are actually several depending on the type of content. For example, stories are subject to a specific algorithm, publications (whether photos or videos) to another. You can therefore use this knowledge to increase your visibility tenfold on the different formats popular with Instagram users.
The stories
Instagram Stories remain THE must-have format for users in 2024. This ephemeral content (which disappears after 24 hours, unless you pin it to your profile), offers a unique and dynamic approach to engaging the public . Businesses use it to interact with their followers in a more informal and personal way.
Young vlogger and content creator shoots a video for her followers, social media and communication concept
One of the biggest draws of Stories is their range of interactive tools . Polls , for example, are a great way for businesses to gather opinions and feedback in real-time. By asking direct questions, brands can gain valuable insights into their customers’ preferences, which can inform your strategic product or service decisions.
Question boxes are an opportunity for interaction by allowing subscribers to submit their questions or comments. It is a great way to start a conversation and build a deeper relationship with the audience. This direct interaction strengthens the sense of community and proximity between the brand and its customers.
The more you use these tools, the more visibility you gain, because they generate interactions. This is the keystone of your Instagram strategy: maximizing the number of interactions with users of the platform.
Instagram Reels
With the rise of TikTok and the growth of vertical video, Instagram has responded by making Reels a big part of the game. It’s a format that the algorithm now favors . For businesses, it’s a dynamic and creative way to produce engaging content.