How to Personalize the Instagram Algorithm

Instagram’s algorithm is a mystery to many. However, it works tirelessly to curate Instagram feeds and show users the content they find interesting.

Also, many Instagram users don’t know they can personalize the algorithm to cut out content they don’t like and make their online experience more relevant and enjoyable.

If you’re tired of seeing posts irrelevant to your interests or scrolling past a string of ads you don’t want to see, don’t despair.

You can retake control of your feed by strategically tinkering with the Instagram algorithm.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?

To effectively personalize your Instagram algorithm, you must first understand why it works the way it does.

Instagram’s algorithm employs various signals that decide which content users see on their feeds. These signals include online interactions, engagement, relevance, and timeliness.

Instagram analyzes these signals to display content users will want to engage with.

How does this information help you tailor the algorithm to your preferences? These are just some techniques you can easily implement to see fast changes.

Engaging With Relevant Content

Instagram is already monitoring the content you engage with, which means it collects data every time you like or share content and when you leave comments on posts.

When you keep engaging with the content you’re interested in, you signal to the algorithm that you prefer what you see.

In turn, the algorithm takes note and will show you more of the same type of content while keeping irrelevant posts out of your feed.

Follow and Interact With More Relevant Accounts

To personalize the algorithm even more, you should continue to follow and interact with new accounts that share content you’re interested in.

Seek out accounts that align with your niche and make a point of it to engage with their posts regularly.

This engagement establishes a connection between your account and theirs and helps the algorithm understand that you want to see more content from these accounts in your feed.

Use the Instagram Explore Page

Instagram introduced its Explore page to help users find new content that still aligns with their interests.

This page remembers your previous interactions and engagement with recommended posts and allows the algorithm to present you with accounts and even hashtags you may find interesting.

It’s a good idea to keep exploring this section of Instagram to customize your feed.

Take Advantage of Hashtags

Hashtags not only help you promote your content to relevant users, but you can use them to discover and categorize the content you want to see.

When you follow and interact with hashtags, you further enhance the algorithm’s understanding of your preferences.

While it may not happen overnight, the algorithm will recognize your interaction with these hashtags over time and begin to prioritize it on your feed.

Let the Algorithm Know What You Don’t Want To See

In addition to telling the algorithm what you like to see, you can also inform it what you don’t want to see.

Instagram offers a valuable feature called ‘Not Interested’ that allows users to provide feedback on the content in their feeds.

If you scroll past several posts that don’t interest you, tap on the three-dot menu and choose this feature.

Create Your Own High-Quality Content

Tailoring the algorithm to suit your preferences doesn’t mean only focusing on what others post. You should create and post your own high-quality content.

Instagram prioritizes all content that receives high engagement, so when you invest the time to create visually appealing photos and videos, you increase the chances of your posts showing up in your followers’ feeds and attracting new followers with the same interests.

In the same vein, you should ensure that your Instagram profile is optimized.

Your profile and bio are basically a snapshot of the content you love. Streamline it to align with your interests, and you will attract followers that share your passions.

The easiest way to compile a striking profile is to use great keywords that signal to the algorithm.

Use Instagram Stories

Instagram elevates accounts that regularly use Instagram Stories because they help contribute to higher user engagement.

These features will go a long way in creating the perfect Instagram feed, and you can use them to experiment with different content formats, such as how-to videos, tutorials, and Q&A sessions.

Use Instagram Shopping

If you have an e-commerce business, you should definitely take advantage of Instagram Shopping. This feature allows you to sell your products directly from the Instagram platform.

You can also use it to further personalize your algorithm by setting up a shop and tagging your products in your posts and stories.

When you create a post, you can tag specific products mentioned in the image or the video. When users tap these tags, they can view more details about the product and the direct purchase link.

Use the shop tab on your business or creator profile to categorize your products and add descriptions and collections.

Doing this will allow users to browse and discover your offerings, even if they’re not actively engaging with your posts.

Furthermore, you can study the insights on your shopping content provided by Instagram. You can monitor metrics like taps on tags, page views, and conversions.

This information will help you understand which products sell best and make it easier to tailor your feed.

Always Review and Adjust

You’re probably not always going to stick to the handful of interests you have now. As your preferences evolve, you should review the accounts you follow.

Unfollow users and accounts that you don’t want to engage with anymore, and actively look for new accounts that cater to your developing interests.

Personalize Your Instagram Algorithm and Reap the Benefits

Tailoring the Instagram algorithm to your preferences requires ongoing experimentation, optimization, and active participation.

Take control of your feed by creating and engaging with high-quality content and building an Instagram community that shares your interests.

By implementing the above strategies, you can create an Instagram feed that reflects your style and aspirations and inspires you to greater heights.