Instagram can seem complicated. Here is the big picture.
Accounts and following
You create a profile and follow others. Their content appears in your feed, stories and Reels.
Where content appears
- Feed: posts from people you follow plus suggestions
- Stories: 24-hour content at the top
- Reels tab: mostly recommended short videos
- Explore: content from accounts you do not follow
- Search: accounts, keywords, hashtags and places
How ranking works
Instagram uses different systems for each area. Main signals include:
- Your activity (what you like, share, save)
- Your relationship with the poster
- Information about the post (how quickly it gets engagement)
- Information about the poster
Read Instagram’s algorithm.
Engagement
Likes, comments, saves, shares, watch time and profile visits tell Instagram what people value.
How people grow
Consistent content, Reels, collaborations, hashtags and keywords, and targeted promotion such as ViralSocialUp.
Monetisation
Brand deals, affiliate links, subscriptions where available and selling products.
Read What is Instagram?
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