{"id":9444,"date":"2025-03-18T13:18:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:18:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/instagram-algoritme-hvordan-vinder-man\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T09:52:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T07:52:43","slug":"instagram-algorithm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/","title":{"rendered":"Master Instagram algorithm: Tips to stay ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Micky, my engagement on Instagram is dropping drastically \u2013 it has fallen by over 50% \u2013 what should I do?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That is a sentence I\u2019ve heard a lot recently, especially from the larger Instagram accounts I manage.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why I decided to investigate the matter more closely.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But is Instagram doing the same?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Apparently, yes \u2013 but it has not been confirmed by official sources yet. Instagram has usually updated their <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.instagram.com\/\">blog<\/a> regularly with updates, but that is not the case this time.<\/p>\n<p>So I looked into the blogs that are usually reliable when it comes to algorithm updates.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at what has happened and what you can do to maintain your engagement on Instagram.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Jump to section<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Organic_visibility_is_dropping\" >Organic visibility is dropping<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#You_cant_afford_to_be_passive\" >You can\u2019t afford to be passive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Hashtags_and_captions\" >Hashtags and captions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#The_algorithm_is_not_one_thing_%E2%80%93_but_five_systems\" >The algorithm is not one thing \u2013 but five systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_the_feed_algorithm_works\" >How the feed algorithm works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_the_Reels_algorithm_works\" >How the Reels algorithm works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_the_stories_algorithm_works\" >How the stories algorithm works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_Explore_and_Search_work\" >How Explore and Search work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#What_Meta_rewards_and_what_to_avoid\" >What Meta rewards and what to avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_to_boost_reach_without_compromise\" >How to boost reach without compromise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#The_future_AI_Threads_and_personalization\" >The future: AI, Threads, and personalization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Summary_What_to_focus_on\" >Summary: What to focus on<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#FAQ_Instagram_algorithm_engagement_and_content_strategy\" >FAQ: Instagram algorithm, engagement, and content strategy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#My_Instagram_Reels_are_getting_zero_views_How_do_I_write_a_hook_that_stops_the_scroll\" >My Instagram Reels are getting zero views. How do I write a hook that stops the scroll?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_do_I_get_people_to_comment_on_my_Instagram_posts_instead_of_just_liking_and_scrolling_past\" >How do I get people to comment on my Instagram posts instead of just liking and scrolling past?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Everyone_says_carousel_posts_boost_%E2%80%9Cdwell_time%E2%80%9D_on_Instagram_How_do_I_format_them_so_people_swipe_through\" >Everyone says carousel posts boost &#8220;dwell time&#8221; on Instagram. How do I format them, so people swipe through?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#How_often_do_I_need_to_post_on_Instagram_for_the_algorithm_to_favor_me\" >How often do I need to post on Instagram for the algorithm to favor me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Should_I_focus_on_Instagram_Reels_or_regular_Feed_posts_if_my_main_goal_is_getting_more_followers\" >Should I focus on Instagram Reels or regular Feed posts if my main goal is getting more followers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/instagram-algorithm\/#Do_hashtags_still_work_on_Instagram_or_should_I_just_focus_on_Instagram_SEO_in_my_captions\" >Do hashtags still work on Instagram, or should I just focus on Instagram SEO in my captions?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Organic_visibility_is_dropping\"><\/span><strong>Organic visibility is dropping<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instagram has experienced massive growth in recent years, and naturally, organic reach on the platform is becoming more limited &#8211; similar to what we\u2019ve seen on Google Adwords and Facebook. My guess is that we will see the same on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/amazon-marketing\/\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The more users a platform has, the more competition there will be for visibility.<\/p>\n<p>This has consequences.<\/p>\n<p>As more users join, more advertisers also enter the space. So, not only are users competing for visibility, but advertisers are competing for the same spots as well.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, all social media platforms run on algorithms.<\/p>\n<p>Algorithms are often based on what we like and share. That\u2019s why you may notice seeing lots of cat videos and contests on Facebook.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_cant_afford_to_be_passive\"><\/span>You can\u2019t afford to be passive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I manage profiles for public figures and celebrities who primarily use Instagram for personal branding, so they are not always very active.<\/p>\n<p>An important point, however, is that YOU must be active. This can be challenging for larger personalities or brands managed by managers who cannot interact authentically as the person behind the profile.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So what do you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You need to stay active. It really is that simple. You need to participate like a \u201cnormal\u201d user. This means you cannot just exist on the platform. The whole idea behind social media is interaction, so you must engage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"greenbox\">\n<p><strong>Tips for being active as a brand or personality:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Comment on the first comments you receive.<\/li>\n<li>Find people tagging your brand or hashtag, and comment on their posts \u2013 be personal, not generic like a \u201cbot.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Shout out other users\u2019 posts featuring your products, or photos from events if you are a celebrity. This encourages more sharing and tells Instagram that you\u2019re contributing valuable engagement.<\/li>\n<li>Connect with people and take photos together to boost mutual activity.<\/li>\n<li>Be authentic as a brand and as a personality. Whether you are a blogger, musician, brand, or e-commerce store, authenticity matters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Follow Gary Vaynerchuck on Instagram. Even with over 1 million followers, he often responds to comments or gives away a few shoes to those engaging with his posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hashtags_and_captions\"><\/span>Hashtags <strong>and captions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hashtags have always been a controversial topic. Recent articles indicate that we should use\u00a0more targeted hashtags.<\/p>\n<p>I recommend finding niche hashtags rather than the most popular ones. You get lost among millions of posts if you only use the top tags. As a brand or personality, create your own hashtag to start trends others want to follow.<\/p>\n<p>Instagram now allows users to report hashtags &#8211;\u00a0preventing misuse by copycat accounts.<\/p>\n<p>Instagram does not have one algorithm &#8211; it has several, and they constantly evolve. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Understanding these algorithms is key to generating reach, engagement, and sales without \u201cfighting\u201d the system.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_algorithm_is_not_one_thing_%E2%80%93_but_five_systems\"><\/span><strong>The algorithm is not one thing \u2013 but five systems<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instagram works with multiple systems, each controlling different areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Feed<\/strong>: Main content stream, influenced by relationships and engagement history<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stories<\/strong>: Prioritizes relationships and recency<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore<\/strong>: Content based on interaction and trends<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reels<\/strong>: Focuses on entertainment value, retention, and new reach<\/li>\n<li><strong>Search<\/strong>: Keyword-based, increasingly like TikTok search<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each system has its logic and priorities. Content that performs in Reels may not perform in Feed, and vice versa.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_feed_algorithm_works\"><\/span><strong>How the feed algorithm works<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Feed prioritizes your relationship with the user:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How often they interact with your content<\/li>\n<li>Whether they have shared, saved, or liked your previous posts<\/li>\n<li>How much time they spend on your posts<\/li>\n<li>What they interacted with from similar profiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This means one good post is not enough. You need ongoing interaction and to keep people engaged longer on your posts.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_Reels_algorithm_works\"><\/span><strong>How the Reels algorithm works<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Reels is Instagram\u2019s discovery engine, designed to reach new audiences. It prioritizes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Completion rate:<\/strong> Do viewers watch the video to the end?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rewatch<\/strong>: Do they watch it again?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engagement<\/strong>: Comments, likes, and shares, especially early<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use of original sounds and effects<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hook viewers within the first 1\u20132 seconds. Use captions and short formats. Make sound part of the story, not just music.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_stories_algorithm_works\"><\/span><strong>How the stories algorithm works<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Stories prioritize <strong>closeness and timeliness<\/strong>. The more you interact with a profile, the higher their story appears. To optimize:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Post consistently, ideally daily<\/li>\n<li>Use interactive stickers: polls, questions, quizzes<\/li>\n<li>Respond to replies to strengthen relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stories build trust and connection rather than going viral.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Explore_and_Search_work\"><\/span>How Explore and Search work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Explore<\/strong>: Content shown based on interest and behavior; Meta tests content with small audiences before expanding its reach. Use relevant hashtags, prioritize quality and engagement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Search<\/strong>: Users search for inspiration (\u201ctattoo ideas,\u201d \u201cbudget recipes\u201d). Include keywords in captions and overlays. Instagram now acts as a visual search engine, with AI increasingly involved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Meta_rewards_and_what_to_avoid\"><\/span><strong>What Meta rewards and what to avoid<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Meta rewards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Original content (not TikTok reposts)<\/li>\n<li>Using platform features (collabs, remixes, stickers)<\/li>\n<li>Engagement without clickbait<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Avoid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reposts with TikTok watermarks<\/li>\n<li>Misleading text or engagement bait (\u201cComment YES if you agree\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Impersonal or low-quality content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Shadowbanning is rare, but violating guidelines can limit reach without notice. Stick to authentic content.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_boost_reach_without_compromise\"><\/span><strong>How to boost reach without compromise<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Reach depends on signals, not luck:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Post when your audience is active (Insights)<\/li>\n<li>Use carousel posts for longer engagement<\/li>\n<li>Start posts with strong visual and textual hooks<\/li>\n<li>Encourage real conversations in comments<\/li>\n<li>Share posts in stories to amplify reach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can be strategic without being over-polished. Use data but keep your voice.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_future_AI_Threads_and_personalization\"><\/span><strong>The future: AI, Threads, and personalization<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instagram will increasingly adapt to your behavior across platforms, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mickyweis.com\/en\/threads\/\"><strong>Threads<\/strong><\/a>. AI-driven personalized feeds will show what you interact with across the Meta ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Creators must focus on relationships, not just reach: stories \u2192 DMs \u2192 Reels \u2192 feed \u2192 profile visits.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_What_to_focus_on\"><\/span><strong>Summary: What to focus on<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand the difference between feed, reels, explore, stories, and search<\/li>\n<li>Create original content for each format<\/li>\n<li>Hook early and keep viewers engaged<\/li>\n<li>Use platform features and stay active<\/li>\n<li>Focus on relationships, not just reach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Instagram remains a strong platform \u2013 but only if you understand its rules, which change constantly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Instagram_algorithm_engagement_and_content_strategy\"><\/span><strong>FAQ: Instagram algorithm, engagement, and content strategy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Instagram_Reels_are_getting_zero_views_How_do_I_write_a_hook_that_stops_the_scroll\"><\/span><strong>My Instagram Reels are getting zero views. How do I write a hook that stops the scroll?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You already know you only have 1 to 2 seconds to grab someone&#8217;s attention on Reels, but the real trick is pairing your visuals with on-screen text instantly.<\/p>\n<p>Never kick off a video by saying &#8220;Hey, my name is&#8230;&#8221; instead, jump straight into the action with a bold claim or a visual pattern-interrupt within the first two seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Use an &#8220;open loop&#8221; text overlay like &#8220;The biggest mistake I made with my engagement&#8230;&#8221;, so curiosity automatically forces them to keep watching for the payoff.<\/p>\n<p>The faster you spark that visual curiosity, the faster your completion rate shoots up, and that\u2019s how you get the algorithm completely on your side.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_people_to_comment_on_my_Instagram_posts_instead_of_just_liking_and_scrolling_past\"><\/span><strong>How do I get people to comment on my Instagram posts instead of just liking and scrolling past?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You need to make commenting a no-brainer by dropping one ultra-simple question at the very end of your caption.<\/p>\n<p>Stop asking broad questions like &#8220;What do you think?&#8221; and start giving them two clear options instead: &#8220;Are you Team A or Team B? Let me know in the comments.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This immediately breaks the ice in your comment section, boosts your engagement metrics, and the algorithm will absolutely love you for it.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Everyone_says_carousel_posts_boost_%E2%80%9Cdwell_time%E2%80%9D_on_Instagram_How_do_I_format_them_so_people_swipe_through\"><\/span><strong>Everyone says carousel posts boost &#8220;dwell time&#8221; on Instagram. How do I format them, so people swipe through?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When the algorithm looks at your Feed posts, it heavily tracks dwell time, which is how many seconds a user spends hovering over your content instead of scrolling past.<\/p>\n<p>Carousels are your absolute secret weapon here because Instagram usually gives them two chances; if a follower skips past the first slide in the morning, the app will serve them the second slide later that day.<\/p>\n<p>Strategy-wise, build your carousel like a mini-article: Slide 1 is your hook, slides 2 to 4 deliver the actual gold nuggets, and the final slide has a crystal-clear Call-to-Action (CTA) prompting them to comment.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_do_I_need_to_post_on_Instagram_for_the_algorithm_to_favor_me\"><\/span><strong>How often do I need to post on Instagram for the algorithm to favor me?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Stop trying to push out deep, heavy posts every single day because quality beats quantity every time with the current algorithm.<\/p>\n<p>Lock in a consistent routine where you drop 2 to 3 Reels a week to reach new eyes, and post 1 high-value carousel for your existing followers.<\/p>\n<p>Your Stories, on the other hand, should be a daily habit, think 3 to 5 quick, raw glimpses into your day.<\/p>\n<p>It takes two minutes, but it keeps your community engaged without forcing you to spend hours in the editing room.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_focus_on_Instagram_Reels_or_regular_Feed_posts_if_my_main_goal_is_getting_more_followers\"><\/span><strong>Should I focus on Instagram Reels or regular Feed posts if my main goal is getting more followers?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You need to do both, but you have to use them for completely different jobs because they are run by separate algorithms.<\/p>\n<p>Your Feed and Stories are strictly for keeping your existing audience connected and loyal through interactions and DMs.<\/p>\n<p>Reels, however, are your ultimate growth engine because the algorithm specifically pushes them out to people who don&#8217;t know you yet.<\/p>\n<p>If you want new followers, double down on Reels with great hooks; if you want to retain them, nurture them through your Feed and carousels.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_hashtags_still_work_on_Instagram_or_should_I_just_focus_on_Instagram_SEO_in_my_captions\"><\/span><strong>Do hashtags still work on Instagram, or should I just focus on Instagram SEO in my captions?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Hashtags aren&#8217;t completely dead, but they&#8217;ve shifted from being a primary reach tool to acting as a categorization tag for Instagram\u2019s AI.<\/p>\n<p>You need to treat the platform like a visual search engine and focus heavily on Instagram SEO by incorporating relevant keywords into your captions instead.<\/p>\n<p>A good tactic is to write a short, punchy caption at the top, and then hide 4 to 6 specific keywords and niche hashtags at the very bottom after a few line breaks.<\/p>\n<p>This keeps your copy clean for your followers while letting the search algorithm read your keywords and surface your post when people search for your topic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Micky, my engagement on Instagram is dropping drastically \u2013 it has fallen by over 50% \u2013 what should I do?&#8221; That is a sentence I\u2019ve [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5489,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101,108,79],"series":[],"class_list":["post-9444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-instagram-en","category-marketing","category-online-marketing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Instagram algorithm explained: Strategies that work<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tired of seeing no results on your Instagram profile? 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