Algorithm Secrets Instagram Doesn't Want You to Know

Summary

In this video, Michelle Bali, a creative strategist from Learn with Shopify, decodes Instagram's algorithm update, emphasizing the pivotal role of Reels for boosting reach and gaining followers. She advises abandoning traditional photos in favor of Reels, which offer higher engagement. Bali also highlights the importance of captions, given most viewers watch without sound, and recommends leveraging Instagram's new content creation features. She stresses the significance of posting frequency, strategic use of hashtags, and the impact of keywords on discoverability. Additionally, she addresses the concept of shadow banning and introduces Instagram's 'Notes' feature, suggesting it as an engagement tool rather than a growth hack. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their own Instagram growth strategies.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Instagram's algorithm promotes content based on various factors to increase user engagement and platform interest.
• 📈 The recent algorithm update by Instagram emphasizes video content, particularly in Reels, to compete with TikTok and boost user reach.
• 🎥 Creators are advised to focus on Reels for better visibility, as they offer significantly more reach compared to traditional photos.
• 📝 Adding captions to Reels is crucial to engage the 85% of viewers who watch videos without sound.
• 🆕 Instagram has introduced new content creation features like Dual, green screen, and split screen to enhance video content without post-production editing.
• 🎉 Starting videos with a hook is essential to retain viewers' attention within the first two seconds of viewing.
• 📅 Posting frequency and timing are critical for gaining immediate engagement; analytics can guide the best times to post.
• 🔍 Instagram is improving its search function, so including relevant keywords in content and profiles can help in discoverability.
• 📊 Hashtags are still relevant but should complement high-quality content; Instagram's algorithm promotes content based on engagement, not just hashtag usage.
• 🛒 For businesses, Instagram offers opportunities like Instagram Shop and shopping on Explore to drive sales and customer engagement.

Q & A

Why did Instagram make an algorithm update?

Instagram made an algorithm update to prioritize video content, especially Reels, to compete with platforms like TikTok and to provide users with the short video content that is currently popular.

What is the significance of Instagram's amalgamation of all video content into Reels?

The amalgamation of all video content into Reels is significant because it makes Reels the key to boosting reach and gaining more followers on Instagram, aligning with the current trend of short-form video content.

Why should users focus on creating Reels instead of traditional photos?

Users should focus on creating Reels because they offer 120% more reach than photos, as per the script, making them more effective for growing an Instagram following.

How important are captions for Reels, and why?

Captions are important for Reels because only 15% of viewers watch videos with the sound on, so captions help engage the remaining 85% of viewers who watch without sound.

What new content creation features did Instagram introduce to enhance video content?

Instagram introduced features like Dual, which allows recording from both the front and back cameras simultaneously, and effects similar to TikTok's green screen and split screen, to make video content more dynamic and engaging without post-production editing.

What is the recommended posting frequency for Instagram Reels to maximize reach?

The recommended posting frequency is one to two times per day, as suggested in the script, to maintain consistency and maximize the chances of content being seen by a wider audience.

How can including keywords in Instagram content help with visibility?

Including keywords in content, captions, and profile information can help improve visibility as Instagram is working to enhance its search function, making it easier for users to find relevant content.

What is the current role of hashtags in Instagram's algorithm?

Hashtags are not dead but have evolved. They are most effective when used with high-quality content that keeps users engaged. Instagram's algorithm may then use these hashtags to further promote the content on hashtag pages and explore pages.

What is the purpose of Instagram's 'notes' feature, and how might it impact user engagement?

The 'notes' feature on Instagram is a status update visible only to close friends or mutual follows, intended as an engagement tool to increase visibility within one's network and potentially foster more personal connections with the audience.

How can businesses leverage Instagram to drive traffic to their online store?

Businesses can use Instagram's shopping features, like Instagram Shop and shopping on Explore, to link products directly from posts, making it easier for customers to discover and purchase items, thus driving traffic to their online stores.

What steps can users take to check if their Instagram account is shadowbanned?

Users can check if their account is shadowbanned by going to their account settings, then 'Account', and finally 'Account Status' to see if there are any strikes against the account, which could hinder growth.

Outlines

00:00

📈 Instagram Algorithm and Growth Hacks

Michelle Bali, a creative strategist from Learn with Shopify, discusses the Instagram algorithm and how it promotes certain content. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to the recent algorithm update that favors video content, particularly Instagram Reels. Michelle suggests focusing on creating Reels for greater reach and including captions to engage the 85% of viewers who watch without sound. She introduces new content creation features like Dual, green screen, and split screen, and advises starting videos with a hook to retain viewers' attention. She also recommends posting consistently, ideally one to two times a day, and using keywords in profiles and content to improve searchability. The video aims to help businesses and aspiring creators grow their Instagram presence.

05:01

🔍 Instagram Marketing Strategies and Tools

In the second paragraph, Michelle continues to delve into Instagram marketing strategies, highlighting the use of keywords for better searchability and the evolving role of hashtags. She clarifies that hashtags are still effective when used in conjunction with high-quality content. Michelle also discusses the importance of posting at optimal times based on audience analytics and the concept of shadow banning, which can hinder account growth if detected. She introduces Instagram's 'Notes' feature as a potential engagement tool, although limited to close connections. Lastly, she touches on the opportunities Instagram offers for driving traffic to online stores, especially with features like Instagram Shop and shopping on Explore, and suggests using Shopify for a seamless e-commerce experience. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their own Instagram growth hacks and to subscribe for more business and marketing tips.

Keywords

💡Instagram Algorithm

The Instagram Algorithm refers to the system of rules that Instagram uses to rank and display posts in users' feeds. In the video, the algorithm is central to understanding how content is promoted and why some accounts gain millions of followers while others struggle. The speaker discusses how recent updates to the algorithm prioritize video content, particularly in the form of Instagram Reels, to compete with platforms like TikTok.

💡Growth Hacks

Growth hacks are strategies used to rapidly increase a user's reach or followers on social media platforms. In the context of the video, the speaker promises to reveal growth hacks that can help viewers explode their reach on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the platform's algorithm changes to gain success.

💡Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are a feature that allows users to create and share short, 15-second videos set to music. The video script highlights that Reels have become a key element in the Instagram algorithm, with the potential to reach 120% more people than photos. The speaker suggests focusing on creating Reels as a strategy for growth.

💡Captions

Captions are text overlays on videos that provide additional information or context. The speaker points out that only 15% of viewers watch videos with the sound on, making captions crucial for reaching the remaining 85%. In the video, captions are recommended as a way to hook viewers and keep them engaged with the content.

💡Content Creation Features

Content creation features refer to the tools and functions available on Instagram that help users produce more engaging and dynamic videos. The script mentions features like 'Dual' for recording reactions and 'green screen' as examples of how Instagram is making it easier for users to create content without post-production editing.

💡Hooks

A hook in video content is an attention-grabbing element at the beginning designed to retain viewer interest. The video emphasizes the importance of starting videos with a hook because users can lose interest within two seconds. Examples given include starting with a surprising visual or an interesting fact to keep viewers watching.

💡Posting Frequency

Posting frequency refers to how often a user posts content on a social media platform. The video suggests that, in the current Instagram landscape, posting one to two times per day is ideal for maintaining engagement and visibility. This aligns with the strategy of consistently providing fresh content to followers.

💡Keywords

Keywords are specific words or phrases that users might search for on a platform. In the video, the speaker advises including relevant keywords in content and profiles to help Instagram's search function deliver the content to users looking for those terms, thereby increasing the chances of being discovered.

💡Hashtags

Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by a hash (#) symbol, used to categorize and find content on social media. The script clarifies that while hashtags are not dead, their effectiveness has changed. Good content that keeps users engaged is more likely to be promoted by the algorithm, and hashtags can provide an additional boost if used strategically.

💡Shadow Ban

A shadow ban is a practice where a user's content is less visible to others without their knowledge, often due to policy violations. The video mentions checking for a shadow ban as a potential reason for lack of growth, as it can hinder a user's content from being seen or engaged with by others.

💡Instagram Shop

Instagram Shop is a feature that allows businesses to create a storefront on Instagram, making it easier for users to purchase products directly from the platform. The video suggests that leveraging Instagram Shop and features like 'shopping on Explore' can help drive traffic and sales to an online store.

Highlights

Instagram's algorithm promotes certain content to increase user engagement and platform growth.

Instagram's recent algorithm update emphasizes video content, particularly in Reels.

Reels are crucial for boosting reach and gaining followers on Instagram.

Instagram faces competition from TikTok, prompting a shift towards prioritizing video content.

Short video content is the new currency of attention on social media platforms.

Recommendation to focus on Reels over traditional photo posts for better reach.

Adding captions to Reels is essential to engage the 85% of viewers who watch without sound.

Instagram has introduced new content creation features like Dual, green screen, and split screen.

Starting videos with a hook is crucial to retain viewers' attention within the first two seconds.

Posting frequency is key; recommended is one to two times per day for optimal engagement.

Instagram is improving its search function, making it important to include relevant keywords in content.

Hashtags are not dead but their role has evolved; they can provide an extra push if content is engaging.

The importance of posting at optimal times to maximize immediate engagement with the audience.

Checking for a shadow ban in Instagram settings can help diagnose issues with account growth.

Instagram's new 'Notes' feature is primarily an engagement tool rather than a growth tool.

Instagram Shop and 'Shopping on Explore' features offer opportunities for driving traffic and sales.

Encouragement for viewers to engage in the comments to share their own Instagram growth strategies.

Transcripts

- Why does Instagram promote certain content?

So I've studied the Instagram algorithm to figure out

why some accounts gain millions of followers

while others never see much success at all.

Instagram just made an algorithm update

and there are tons of content on YouTube all over the place,

videos online that are just pushing outdated strategies.

So we're gonna cut through all that noise

and I'm gonna show you some growth hacks that are

gonna help you explode your reach right now.

If you're trying to grow your account for your business

or because you wanna become an Instagram creator

then just keep on watching this video

because I've got what you need.

But before we hop into it, hey guys, what's up?

What's going on?

My name is Michelle Bali,

I am a creative strategist

and this YouTube channel is called Learn with Shopify.

It is an official Shopify YouTube channel that's

gonna help you start, run and grow an online business.

So if you are an entrepreneur

maybe you're an aspiring entrepreneur, then make sure

that you are hitting that subscribe button

to learn everything that you need to know

all the way from starting your own Shopify store

to running Facebook ads.

So make sure that you're hitting subscribe.

Now, if you guys aren't already aware, Instagram recently

made an algorithm update and one of the major changes was

that they amalgamated all the video content

now to be in reels.

So why is this important?

It's important because reels are gonna be the key

to boosting your reach and getting more followers

on Instagram.

The CEO of Instagram announced this change, and the truth is

showing your IG reels to a wider audience

is actually in Instagram's best interest.

There's a little bit of a fire under Instagram's butt

because TikTok is coming in hot.

There's some tough competition coming from TikTok.

So Instagram needs to start prioritizing more video content

because that's what people wanna see.

These days, short video content

is the new currency of attention.

Now, considering that Instagram used to be a photo

sharing app, this next piece of advice may be

a little bit confusing, but what I think you should do

is I think you should abandon photos altogether.

Literally forget carousels, forget single photos

just make reels all day every day.

Focus on making reels because they're gonna

get you 120% more reach than photos could.

Add captions on your reels.

This is because only 15% of people are actually

watching their video with their sound on.

So if you don't have captions

you're gonna be missing out on the other 85% of people.

They're just gonna scroll right by your stuff.

So make sure that you are adding captions

in order to hook people in.

So if you wanna add captions

you're just gonna go and grab the caption sticker

like this and it will automatically generate captions.

Now, if you're not loving the native tool within Instagram

then you can actually check out the app store.

There's gonna be tons of free options there

and it will give you more control

of the look and the feel of your captions.

Instagram also launched some new content creation

features that's gonna help make your videos

more interesting and more dynamic.

So we've got Dual

which allows you to record on the backside

of your phone while also showing your reaction.

And then we also have green screen

and split screen just like TikTok.

These features are really great because

if you are trying to create content with added spice

you don't have to go into post production

you can literally just edit it right within Instagram.

This makes content creation a little bit more scalable

if you are trying to post really frequently

and really consistently

so definitely leverage these tools.

Start your videos off with a hook.

So people are actually gonna lose interest

in less than two seconds.

That is a fact of life.

Two seconds before someone starts to scroll.

So you wanna start your video with audio

and visuals that take up a lot of space.

Maybe someone's jumping into frame,

maybe you have someone dancing, maybe you have

like a really crazy interesting fact

you're sharing right away.

Or maybe you have like crazy visuals

of like someone skydiving or like a landfill or something.

Maybe you're telling a joke with a quick punchline.

I don't know, the point is

is that the hook is what is gonna get people

to continue to watch, and then when Instagram sees

that your content is being watched, they're gonna push it

out to more people, which means more exposure for you.

So how often should you be posting?

Well, you should be posting one to two times

per day in the current state that Instagram is in.

And I know it's like should you quit your day job

in order just to do this?

But if you choose formats that are simple to complete

you can actually make it a lot easier on yourself.

It can be time consuming, yes, that's true,

but honestly anything worthwhile is.

So if you're posting reels

and you're doing that consistently, you're gonna be golden.

Actually, I'm currently working with an e-commerce brand

and one of the things that we've noticed

even though we're a brand that has a really large following

is that nothing other than reels is working right now.

So take it from me, reels is the key to exposure

and it's gonna be the key to more followers.

Instagram is making a point to make their search

function better on the platform.

So when you think about the way

that YouTube or Google search function works

you know that when you search something

you're gonna get the results that you're looking for.

So Instagram is trying to improve that about their platform.

So what that means for you is you wanna include keywords

you think people will be searching into Instagram

into your content and into your profile.

So like let's say you run a business where

you do people's nails, for example

maybe you're a nail technician,

then you might wanna include the keywords nail technician

in your bio, your captions, your hashtags, all that.

So make sure that you're focusing on keywords.

So speaking of hashtags, are they dead?

Hashtags aren't dead, they're not,

but they're definitely different from what they used to be.

Now the best way to use hashtags is to

create amazing content that people are gonna wanna see.

Then based on your engagement

the Instagram algorithm understands

that your content is keeping people on the platform

and that's when it starts to push content

on the hashtag pages and the explore pages.

So essentially your content isn't gonna get more views

or more followers just because you're using hashtags.

But if your content is good

then Instagram will start to leverage the hashtags

that you've used to give you an extra push.

It's Instagram's world, we're just living in it.

But if you ask me my personal opinion, no one asked

but I'm gonna say it anyways.

I actually don't like hashtags.

I find them to be

like cluttered and not necessary, but they still work.

And if you are serious about Instagram growth

and you wanna seize every opportunity you can

in order to explode your account, then use them.

So if you do wanna learn more

about how you can create really amazing content

and blow up your Instagram following,

then I recommend you download

this free social media template.

It is designed to help you create

a rock solid Instagram strategy

and you're gonna learn how to create content that breaks

through all that noise that we're seeing on social media

and you're gonna really learn how to provide value

to your audience and make you money online.

So if that sounds good to you

you can click the link right over here

or in the description box below.

Don't worry, it's not gonna stop this video

it's just gonna open a new tab

so that you can have it ready for when you're done

watching this video here.

Posting times.

The time at which you post your content is really important

because the minute you post your content

you wanna show Instagram that your video is popping

that there's tons of people watching and engaging.

But the thing with that is

that you need to make sure that you're posting

during the times that your audience is actually

on Instagram in order to get that engagement right away.

So super simple.

You're just gonna take a look at your analytics,

just like this here and see when your audience is

on most and then just literally post during those times.

Simple as that.

But if you're like

I'm doing all these things, Michelle, I'm still not growing.

This is a crazy tip that I actually

just learned from YouTuber here, his name is Chris Hau.

He says you should check your account

to see if you are shadow banned.

You know if you ever use like a follow and unfollow app

or maybe you're like doing too many actions at once,

Instagram might think you are a robot.

This is against Instagram's policy

so you could actually be shadow banned.

So let's check this out together

and see if you are shadow banned.

So you're gonna go into your settings

account, account status, and then you'll find

out whether you have any strikes against you.

And if so

that could be what is actually hindering your growth

so make sure that you are checking that out.

Instagram rolled out a feature called notes.

So not everyone has this yet

but it's almost been said to be kind of like Twitter

kind of like MSN status update.

And if you're looking for this

this is gonna live in your direct messages tab

and only your close friends can see this

or accounts that you follow

and they follow you back, can see your notes.

Now, Instagram is still testing this feature out

and I personally thought that once they did roll it out

that not a lot of people would use it

but randomly I'm seeing a lot

of my friends are using it, which I find super interesting.

I don't see this as being

like a growth tool considering only people

in your network can see your notes.

But I see this more of an engagement tool.

The more that you show up in people's feeds

the better chances you have

of connecting with your audience.

So if you are trying to add more one-on-one touch points

with your audience, then definitely take a stab

at notes just to see how your engagement does get affected.

Instagram offers a massive opportunity to drive traffic

to your online store.

If you have Instagram shop, you can link to your products

and this is a really great way to make it easy

for your customers to make a purchase from you.

You can even take advantage

of Instagram's latest feature, shopping on Explore.

This makes reaching new customers so much easier

than before.

And if you do wanna grow your business with Instagram

and you do wanna manage your store effortlessly

and you wanna offer a seamless shopping experience

for your audience, then I recommend

that you sign up for a free trial with Shopify.

You can use the link in the description box

for a free trial to start building your Shopify store.

Okay, who's gonna show me up in the comments?

What Instagram algorithm hacks have I missed in this video?

I wanna know.

Are you using some hacks that are really

helping you with your strategy?

Let me know in the comments section below.

Other than that, guys

thank you so much for tuning into this episode.

And if you are new here, don't forget to subscribe

because we are a channel that helps you start

run and grow an online business.

So if that's you

you need these tips in your life, hit that subscribe button

hit that like button for us, hit that notification bell.

My name is Michelle Bali

and I will see you guys in the next one.

Bye.