9 Secrets Instagram Doesn’t Want You to Know About the Algorithm

It’s time for you to finally outsmart the Instagram algorithm. I’m going to share with you 9 Instagram secrets that will explode your growth. In the last six months, I’ve grown from 18k Instagram followers to over 60k followers. And I’m still growing by the hundreds every day. Here are 9 secrets Instagram doesn’t want you to know about the algorithm.

 

 

I’m not some anomaly that actually had her followers explode–this can happen to you too. And it all comes down to understanding the Instagram algorithm and how it works. When you figure out its secrets then you learn how to use it to your advantage and finally start to see the increase you’ve been dreaming of. 

 

Instagram Algorithm Basics

Before we jump into the 9 secrets, let’s make sure we understand the basics of what the algorithm actually is. The Instagram algorithm is actively trying to figure out who you are as an Instagram user. Its goal is to keep people on the app and it does this by figuring out what type of content you consume. And if you are the content creator, it is finding out the best people to put your content in front of, so people stay on the app even longer. 

 

 

9 Secrets Instagram Doesn’t Want You to Know About the Algorithm

With that being said, we want to make sure we are creating content that makes it really easy for Instagram to figure out how we are and what type of content we create. In doing so, it’ll make it a million times easier for Instagram to put our content in front of the people who are interested in us and would want to follow us. So, how do we start working with the Instagram algorithm? 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #1: Find your niche. 

The first thing to do is find your niche and post content centered around that. Brainstorm 5-10 keywords people would use to search for your type of content. Use these keywords as a guide and build your content around those words. Use those keywords in your reels, your captions, hashtags, and alt text. 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #2: The algorithm uses SEO.

Instagram is actually a search engine. It is becoming more and more of a place where people go to search for certain things. We want to make sure that our SEO (search engine optimization) is properly taken care of on every single post we make. This means we are using those keywords that people would use to search for us in our bio, hashtags, and all of our content. Check out my video HERE to learn more about how to use SEO throughout your Instagram account.

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #3: Post frequently.

If you want to grow on Instagram and you’re only posting 1-2 times per week, it is going to take you a very long time. And this is true for a lot of reasons. For instance, the more you post the better chance you have of your content getting seen by the right people.  Also, the most content you create the better you get at creating content. 

I recommend posting on Instagram 4-6 times per week. If you really want Instagram to work for you then commit to posting almost every day, if not every day. I promise the more you create the better off you will be and you’ll see those exciting results a lot sooner rather than later!

 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #4: Use good hooks.

Put yourself in the place of someone who is searching on Instagram. Think about what makes you stop when you are scrolling. It’s probably because of a good hook or headline, right? Good hooks are what make people stop and watch your video all the way through. If you’re not including a hook or headline on your content, people will just keep scrolling on by. 

A good hook grabs peoples’ attention, helps them know what the content is about, and shows that there is going to be value brought to them. Creating good hooks can be tricky, especially if you’re new to it. You can grab my FREE 131 Instagram hooks guide HERE to help get you started! 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #5: Create content for those not following you.

In order for you to grow, you need your content to be put in front of the people who do not follow you. The way to do that is through the explore page. Look at your Explore page right now on your Instagram and find the ones that you’d want to click on. What makes you want to click on them? Use those answers to help guide you on what type of content you want to create for your potential followers. 

Biz Pro Tip: Let’s talk about images vs. video. Back at the beginning of 2023 Instagram released a statement saying they were taking video a little too far and have now course-corrected a little bit. They were pushing video content way more than image content, but have now started to push image content out there again. So, in terms of growth, try to do a mix of carousel posts and reels because both can help bring in thousands of new followers. 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #6: Use video subtitles.

Whether you are posting in your stories or a reel, always include video subtitles. 85 percent of people using Instagram are not using it with the sound on, so using subtitles will help keep people engaged. You can use the simple caption add-on that Instagram provides, but I personally use the app Captions. This app makes it so you can highlight each word as you say it and just makes it more fun all around. You can check it out HERE. 

 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #7: Post stories.

Instagram stories is one of the most powerful ways for you to connect with your followers. There is no other app feature that even comes close to the power of stories. They are so powerful because it’s you showing up in the middle of your day and people get a glimpse of what you really do in your daily life. And just think about how amazing it is to have people watch you in your stories every single day. That is just mindblowing to think about the commitment your people have to you.

And because these are your die-hard followers, you can use your stories to sell your products, and really convert your followers into life-long customers. I know posting stories can sometimes feel awkward, but DO IT ANYWAY! The more you do, the more comfortable it will become and the better you will get at it. 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #8: Do Instagram lives.

I recommend doing an Instagram live at least once a week. This is where new involvement can happen and it’s definitely a huge growing moment for you. Just accept now that your first live won’t be that great. But as you keep doing it you will get better at it AND you start connecting with your audience in a different way that is meaningful to you and them. 

 

Instagram Algorithm Secret #9: Get social and make friends!

Instagram should be fun! It’s a place where you can meet new people, make new friends, and build your business–and you can do all of this in a really fun and authentic way. Start engaging with other people by liking and commenting on their content. 

One of the best things you’ll ever receive from Instagram is community and connection, and you get it by taking the initiative and reaching out to other people that you’d want to be friends with. Yes, it takes work but I promise building your community will pay off in dividends for years to come. 

 

 

9 Secrets Instagram Doesn’t Want You to Know About the Algorithm

Alright, those are the 9 secrets Instagram doesn’t want you to know about the algorithm! These are the 9 things that I really nailed down and actively paid attention to them as I grew my account over the past six months and I am completely blown away by the results. If you liked what you read here and want to keep getting the best tips and tricks for growing an online business, follow me on Instagram @iammichellegifford!