Whether you love it or hate it, Instagram has a new algorithm that determines what you see and don’t see. This news means it’s time for businesses to update their social media marketing strategy.

You might be thinking, why? Well, your Instagram followers may not see your creative content if you don’t utilize this algorithm correctly. Let’s break down Instagram’s latest algorithm for 2021 and how you can use it in your social media strategy.

How the New 2021 Instagram Algorithm Works

Here are three main factors that determine the algorithm:

• Your relationship with the user. The more you engage with a user, the more often their posts will appear on your Instagram feed. Instagram recognizes you enjoy this user’s content and will ensure you see it by boosting their posts.

• Engagement with similar posts. When you like, share, comment, or save similar Instagram content, Instagram will recognize that and suggest related posts. That means if you like a bunch of dog videos in a row, your Instagram Explore Page will be full of dog content.

• The relevancy of the post. Each post on Instagram has a relevancy score that determines where it ends up on a user’s feed.

Instead of seeing posts in chronological order, Instagram will now show you posts specifically catered to your interests – disregarding when the post was published. (This is why you might sometimes see posts from three days ago on your feed today.)

What You Can Do

Though Instagram’s new algorithm intends to give users a more personalized experience, it can actually hurt small businesses. Posts are reaching less of their followers, ultimately diminishing their online growth potential.

Here’s how to use the algorithm to your advantage.

Use Instagram’s Newest Features

There’s nothing Instagram loves more than people using its latest tools, like Reels. In fact, Instagram will boost posts that utilize these new features to encourage others to join the bandwagon and popularize them.

When Instagram launches a new feature, be sure to check it out and see how you can incorporate it into your social media marketing strategy.

Create Shareable Content

Unfortunately, it’s not enough to like an Instagram post and scroll to the next less than a second later. If you’re not engaging for longer than five seconds, Instagram will assume you are disinterested and won’t show you future posts from that user.

For users to continue seeing your content, they can’t just like it — they need to save and share it too. When a user shares a post, they are telling Instagram, “Hey, I enjoy this post so much I want my followers to see it too!”

What does this mean for businesses? Make shareable content!

By creating inspirational or educational content, your followers are more likely to re-share your post, which will boost your engagement. Whether it’s an interesting fact about your market or a motivational quote, your followers will love it!

Write Thoughtful Captions

An interesting picture or video isn’t enough to keep your followers engaged. You also need to pair your posts with a thoughtful caption!

Captions serve as a great way to connect with your followers, share your insight, and create a long-lasting impression. Rather than send your post with no caption, write out a message that makes your followers think or laugh.

To make more of an impact, end your caption with a call-to-action phrase, such as “Check out my blog!” or “Call us for more information!” You can even ask your followers a question and encourage them to answer it in the comments below.

Looking to up your social media game? Work with Social Stamina! Our social media professionals will give you a free consultation and get you on track to making the most of your online presence. You can also check out our blog for more social media marketing tips!