How to ‘Hack’ the Instagram Reels Algorithm.
Knowing how to ‘hack’ the Instagram Reels algorithm is a massive advantage for anyone looking to grow on Instagram. Why is this important? Because the results are real.
In one of our previous blogs, we’ve seen how Olivia Noceda, a content creator, has gained over 60k followers in 6 months after shaking things up and moving to a Reels-only strategy. Later, the scheduling app saw a 500%+ increase in engagement rate after embracing Reels in its social media strategy.
How does the Reels algorithm work, and how can you ‘hack’ it?
Like the home feed posts, the algorithm for reels prioritises videos based on what viewers think will be most likely to engage with.
According to Instagram, the key things they use for this are:
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Who: Who’s posts are you currently interacting with? If you always like or comment on someone’s posts, they are more likely to show up on your feed.
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What: What kind of content do you engage with? If you love coffee shops, then the algorithm will keep serving you coffee shops related content.
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When: This one is a little trickier – Laurise McMillian explains, “This focuses on when a post has been posted to decide if it’s relevant to you.” Another thing it takes into account with this is how often you go on the app.
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It also takes into consideration how often you scroll on the app — so it will pick and choose what to prioritize.
Original content is their focus, and they’ve been clear that they will deprioritise content that is visibly recycled from other apps (i.e. contains logos or watermarks) or is low-quality.
According to Instagram, brands, businesses, and creators should create Reels that:
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Are fun and entertaining – bring in surprises, make your audience laugh, and keep them engaged.
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Inspire people
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Use creative tools i.e. filters, camera effects or text
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Use vertical video
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Use the Instagram music library’s music and/or original audio
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Are experimental – be original, shake things up, be yourself
Things to avoid?
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Blurry and low res videos
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Recycling videos from other apps – login or watermarks are a clear giveaway.
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Videos with borders
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Text covering most of the image
Ready to talk about how you can create engaging Reels for your business? Reach out for a free Call with Francesca now.
