Instagram has released the second installment of its new “How Instagram Works” series. On the program: an overview of how its search algorithms work and several tips for appearing in the most relevant search results…
Last June, the first article in this series was published examining how Instagram’s feed rankings work. In this first series, the platform reveals how to match content with user interests, and how creators can ensure that their posts reach the target audience in the app.
In this second set of suggestions on how Instagram’s algorithm works, there are three key things to consider:
- Your Activity in the App Instagram ranks your search results based on your activity in the app, including accounts you follow, posts you’ve viewed, and how you’ve interacted with certain profiles in the past;
- text you type Instagram tries to match what you type with usernames, bios, captions, hashtags, and relevant locations;
- popularity of each request Instagram takes into account factors that may affect your ranking of the results displayed. This includes the number of clicks, likes, shares and follows on a particular account, hashtag or location.
So the basics of Instagram search are pretty straightforward. The social network uses the keywords you enter in the search box to highlight the most relevant content. Thus, any account, post and/or hashtag that goes against its recommendations will rank low in search results.
In other Instagram recommendation guidelines, the types of content that can limit the reach of posts and downgrade an Instagram account include:
- promotion of cosmetic procedures;
- exaggerated health publications of the “miracle cure” type;
- promotion of deceptive business services, such as payday loans or “risk-free” investments;
- of a sexually explicit or suggestive nature;
- promotion of the use of certain regulated products, such as tobacco or vapor products, adult products and services, or drugs;
- duplicate content without added value;
- Promotion of a contest or gift.
How to optimize your profile on Instagram?
Based on this information, Instagram provided three recommendations to manufacturers and brands for maximum visibility on the app:
- Nickname and profile name: Instagram’s search results are mostly text, so using a pseudonym or profile name related to the content of your posts is “your best bet for appearing in relevant searches.”
- Keywords and Location in Bio: Make sure your bio includes keywords about who you are and what your profile is about;
- Keywords and hashtags in captions: To find an article in search, put the keywords and hashtags in the caption, not in the comments.
By implementing these tips, you can better optimize your Instagram approach and develop a better social media strategy. Also consider Instagram’s professional dashboard for better organization in your strategy.
These tips will help guide you on the right path. To train yourself on this topic, don’t hesitate to register for our web marketing training with social media strategy component.
Source: Instagram