Instagram Algorithm: What You Need to Know in 2022

If you’re a social media creator, you know how difficult it is to stay on top of Instagram’s algorithm changes. With constant tweaks, A/B testing, and new features, it’s hard to maintain consistent growth. 2022 in particular saw many changes to Instagram’s algorithm. In this article, I will outline each of the changes to help you adjust your social media strategy and maximize your Instagram engagement.

1. Chronological Sorting

Much to the dismay of its users, in 2016, Instagram changed its algorithm from the default chronological timeline to a personalized feed determined by your activity within the app. In 2022, Instagram re-introduced the ability to see your feed chronologically. Users now have the option to sort feeds by ‘Following’ (chronological) or ‘Favourites’ (personalized content). To change how your home feed is sorted, click on the Instagram logo in the top left corner of the app.

2. Interest

If users like and comment on certain types of posts, Instagram’s algorithm is more likely to show that type of post to them in the future. This is true for the type of accounts they engage most with such as Business or Creator accounts. If a user frequently likes a particular product category, posts in that category will show higher in their feed.

3. Content Based on Relationship

Instagram bumps up posts from accounts that have a close relationship with that individual. Frequently exchanging DMs, liking, commenting, tagging and post views will put that account in the user’s “important” category. Accounts in this category are shown more often in the user’s feed.

4. Creator Accounts

In 2020, Instagram began testing Creator account profiles targeted toward influencers and content creators. These accounts give users similar features to Business accounts such as growth insights, direct messaging filters, and labels to indicate their preferred method of contact. To switch your account to a Creator account, follow these steps:

1. Go to your profile and click the menu?in the upper right corner
2. Click on Settings
3. Select?Switch to Professional Account?and tap?Creator
4. Select your category
5. If desired, connect your Facebook account
6. Choose your profile display options. Decide whether to hide or display your category and contact details on your profile

5. Follower Categories

Instagram has implemented user “Categories”. Under followers, you may be able to see categories such as ‘Most Shown in Feed’, ‘Accounts You Don’t Follow Back’ or ‘Least Interacted With’. The ‘Least Interacted With’ is useful because many of the accounts under that category aren’t following you back.

6. Third-Party Apps

In 2022, Instagram has become even more strict on punishing accounts that use third-party apps to grow followers or automate engagement (such as auto-liking, DMing, or commenting). Accounts are more likely to be temporarily blocked or permanently banned for using them. Instagram has been testing different lengths of temporary bans, blocking you from liking or commenting for 24 to several days. There are a few ways to?recover from a temporary block?but it’s often best to take a break from the app and wait it out.

7. Account Insights

Instagram’s Account Insights is one of the best ways to analyze how users interact with your posts and to learn how the algorithm sees your brand. These analytics allow Business accounts to see useful metrics such as follower demographics, content reach, interactions, and top performing posts. To access this feature, your account must be set to a Business or Creator account.

To view account insights:

1. Go to your profile
2. Tap the?Insights?action button
3. Tap the metrics under the Overview section or specific content you’ve shared for a more detailed breakdown

8. Vanish Mode

Are you planning a surprise party for your significant other and don’t want them to see your Instagram DMs? Now you can use Vanish Mode to send disappearing messages. To access the feature, swipe up from the bottom of a chat window. To turn it off, swipe up again. Messages sent while in Vanish Mode will disappear once you close the chat.

9. Caption Length

Longform captions are gaining in popularity.?The average caption length on Instagram has been steadily increasing since 2016. While the Instagram caption limit is 2,200 characters, marketers recommend limiting captions to?125 characters.

10. Hashtags

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post,?the general consensus is that?the optimal number to use is 9 hashtags. However, the most common number of hashtags is between 1 and 3.

The?top 20 Instagram hashtags of 2022?by number of posts are:

1. #love (1.835 B)
2. #instagood (1.15 B)
3. #fashion (812.7 M)
4. #photooftheday (797.3 M)
5. #beautiful (661 M)
6. #art (649.9 M)
7. #photography (583.1 M)
8. #happy (578.8 M)
9. #picoftheday (570.8 M)
10. #cute (569.1 M)
11. #follow (560.9 M)
12. #tbt (536.4 M)
13. #followme (528.5 M)
14. #nature (525.7 M)
15. #like4like (515.6 M)
16. #travel (497.3 M)
17. #instagram (482.6 M)
18. #style (472.3 M)
19. #repost (471.4 M)
20. #summer (454.2 M)

11. Post Scheduling

Posting during?peak times?is important for boosting Instagram engagement. There are a number of?social media scheduling tools?to help you with this endeavour. The ideal time to post varies slightly by industry but the best times are typically:

• Monday at 11 am
• Tuesday and Wednesday between 10 am and 1 pm
• Thursday and Friday between 10 am and 11 am

The Gist

With the ever-changing nature of social media, Instagram algorithm changes are inevitable. The only timeless social media marketing strategy is creating great content and genuine engagement with your audience. The others may require tweaks and changes over time but none that isn’t manageable with a little testing and research.

https://candacebozek.com/2022/01/12/instagram-algorithm-2020/