The Instagram Algorithm


Social media algorithms have always confused me. I don't understand how one post will pop up on my feed yet my friend is following that same account but doesn't see that particular post. Chapter 5 tries to discuss a little bit about how the Instagram algorithm works. However, sometimes I really do feel that it is just random!

On Instagram, the algorithm is different throughout each feature. That means that the regular feed, stories, explore and reels all have different algorithms that are tailored specifically to them. In the newest Instagram update, your feed is a mix of recent posts from accounts you follow and recommended posts from other users that you are not following. Instagram creates this feed algorithm by monitoring your activity and what type of posts you typically interact with. All of these factors go into what shows up on your feed while you are scrolling through.

Instagram's feature of stories has a different algorithm compared to the regular feed. This algorithm takes into account how often you interact with particular accounts and your viewing history. Instagram tries to put content you would seem to enjoy closer to the front of your stories. 

The next feature we will discuss is reels. Reels are slightly newer to this platform, so I assume the algorithm is still being critiqued to perfectly align with Instagram's desires. The purpose of reels is simply to entertain and occupy the user. Similar to TikTok, reels are shown from accounts you don't follow containing content that you would typically enjoy or find amusing. 

The last algorithm I want to discuss is the explore feature on Instagram. This feature is solely designed for a user to discover new posts and videos from people they do not follow or from recommended accounts with mutual friends. Instagram decides what you would like to see by looking at your interaction history with previous accounts. The popularity of the post is also considered by the algorithm. 

Although the algorithm tends to be very confusing to people, I hope that this helped give you some insight as to how it works on Instagram. The algorithm works to provide a completely personalized experience for each user. I know that my feed tends to align with what I like to see, so I know the algorithm is working!

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