The Most Important Thing: Instagram Algorithm Edition

The Instagram Algorithm is so much easier than you’d think, and there really is no need to be overwhelmed. Let me break it down for you. 

The Most Important Thing – Creating Value 

The most important thing you need to understand is that you must create value for your viewers: otherwise, why would they watch your reels? What do they get out of watching your content? Was it entertaining for them? Did they learn something? Was it an interesting story that they just had to find out what happened in the end? You must always be sure to frame your content from a viewer’s or potential client’s perspective. Always make sure to ask yourself, “What is in it for them?” This is why we focus so heavily on intentional, thoughtfully crafted media here at Elevate Media YYC. 

Think about Instagram’s goal for why they created the algorithm. They want people to use their platform and stay on it for as long as possible. They incentivize people to stick around by constantly showing them content that they will enjoy and find valuable. 

What Happens When You Provide Value 

When you provide value to your viewers they will 1) watch until the very end, 2) replay the reel, and 3) comment, share, or save your reel. THIS IS WHAT THE ALGORITHM LOOKS FOR. These three points are the signals that tells instagram that your content is of high-value and is worth showing to more people. Therefore, it is absolutely critical to strive for hitting at least point number one, with hitting all three being the best way to increase your odds. 

How You Can Do This 

This is the fun part – you get to be creative with how you achieve these three points. I’ve had a lot of success with my clients’ content with really cool entertaining videos hitting their target audience, educational videos that provide quick tips, or short trending reels. Try these out and see what is working for you and your audience. Keep an eye on your analytics to see what is working and do more of that. It’s that simple!  

Side Note: When I Say “The Most Important Thing Is” 

When I say The Most Important Thing Is… I really mean that there are many factors that are the ‘most’ important. They are all important in their own way and they work together to prove to

the algorithm that your content is of high-value. Having a strong digital presence is a process of piecing together each important factor. 

The Most Important Thing – Your Unique Goals 

It is also worthwhile to note that your video doesn’t always need to have lots and lots of views. Believe it or not, going viral does not equal getting a lot of clients or sales. For a small business whose goal is to get local bookings, your biggest goal is showcasing your expertise and proving that you are a trusted professional in your industry locally. You may get 5 clients or sales from a testimonial video, while it only got 1,000 views. Views can be a tool in getting clients and sales but they are not the end all be all. 

Goals can also be broken down post by post within your content. Maybe one reel was shot on an iphone showing an authentic look at the behind the scenes of your business, with the goal in mind of strengthening your personal brand and getting people to feel that they know you. While the next reel was a high-end, professionally made reel showcasing your product or new service launch, with the goal of getting viewers to associate your product/service as high-end and high-quality. 

The Most Important Thing – Consistency 

Another key point is to always be consistent if your goal is to hit the algorithm. This does not happen overnight! It takes time to get results, just like it takes time to see weight loss or muscle gain from going to the gym and eating healthy – when all of a sudden one day it all pays off. Posting consistently ensures you remain relevant, increase your chances of hitting your target audience, and prove to Instagram that you are providing valuable content. 

The Most Important Thing – Target Audience 

You want to hit your target audience. A horse video is of zero interest to someone who doesn’t care about horses. You must ensure you use keywords in your captions and hashtags to help categorize your content. You need to define to yourself who your exact target audience is. 

A Checklist For Increasing Your Chances of Hitting The Algorithm 

What value am I providing to the viewer? 

Will viewers be curious enough to watch until the very end? 

Will viewers replay, share, or save my content? 

How can I encourage engagement such as asking questions or commenting?

What is my goal for this content? 

Who is my target audience? 

What hashtags and keywords relate to my target audience? 

Do I have a plan in place for consistency?

Real Life Application 

Apply this knowledge this week by: 

1. Defining your target audience and their interests. 

2. Create and post an educational or entertaining reel with the checklist from above. Make sure to define your goal of the reel, provide value for the viewer, and have fun with being creative! 

Mindset Tip 

Keep in mind not to get discouraged if your posts don’t get a bunch of views right away. It takes time for the algorithm to categorize your content. Keep showing up for the long run and before you know it you’ll be getting results!