How to Get Around Instagram’s New Algorithm

Last week, I shared a post about changes in Facebook’s algorithm so far in 2017, which ended up inspiring me to write today’s post about new changes to Instagram’s algorithm. Instagram is definitely one of the most popular social media platforms out there, but it’s no secret that users have noticed a decrease in followers and engagement over the past couple of weeks. This is due to Instagram’s new changes in its algorithm – and you can now see how to get it around it below.

Post during peak times.
Most people that I speak to do this already, but if you aren’t, you need to start NOW! If you have a business Instagram account, which you should if you own a business, you can find out the times that your followers are most active by clicking on the three bars in the top-right corner of your profile. If you don’t have a business Instagram account, you can use a third-party, like Iconosquare, to find which times are best for you.

Use less hashtags.
I know this one is going to sadden a lot of people, as it has already saddened myself and my other social media manager friends – but you actually need to start using less than the 30 hashtag maximum or else that will weigh your post down. Find what hashtags work best for you and stick to them – because you’re going to have to use less hashtags, you want to make sure that the ones you’re using will maximize your engagement and reach.

Post a MAXIMUM of three times per week.
I know that this is going to kill a lot of my girl boss friends as well – but don’t post any more than THREE times per week. I see a lot of people posting once, or even twice, every day – but unfortunately, that doesn’t fly with Instagram anymore. Because it’s suggested to cut down on your posting, you should make sure that the content that you are sharing is really good – like REALLY good. Honestly, this suggestion is a huge relief to me – I’m so caught up on scheduling my clients’ social media content that my Instagram tends to get left behind. This will save me tons of time from trying to put content together for myself!

Take a look at your Instagram and see how you can work these tips into it. Instagram is one of the few platforms left that isn’t making you pay to get the reach and engagement that you deserve, so it’s best to maximize the opportunity while you can. Have you started to implement these strategies into your Instagram account?

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