The Instagram Reels algorithm works a little differently than other Instagram algorithms, but it carries so much importance. Here’s what you need to know.

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Contrary to popular belief, the Instagram algorithm doesn't hate you. It doesn't have favorites either. What it has are specific factors that guide which users (and how many of them) can see your videos. 

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In order to optimize your video content, it’s important to understand how the Reels works and what content it prioritizes.

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Here's your ultimate guide to the Instagram Reels algorithm. We'll explain how the algorithm seems to work, explore recent updates, and show you how to optimize your content to get noticed by the algorithm.

Everything You Need to Know About the Instagram Algorithm

To make sure each user sees content that they’ll most likely enjoy, Instagram algorithms prioritize content according to criteria, or ranking factors, which are information cues the social media platform collects from each user. 

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Each user’s signals may be different. They include the ways users or accounts interact with content and content creators. Although these signals likely run into thousands, the most important ones include:

• Your activity and preferences, such as the posts you’ve liked or accounts you interact with frequently
• Information about the content, such as the location you posted it from, its length, format, and how many people have interacted with it
• Your interaction history with the content or content creator, such as if you’ve ever viewed their content or engaged with it
• Information about the content creator, such as their engagement rate and the popularity of their posts

Why the Reels Algorithm Is So Important

While Reels is the most important feature you can learn about, it’s only one of many on Instagram. Keep in mind the search, feed, and Stories features each work within a different algorithm that prioritizes different factors. 

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However, of all of Instagram’s features, Instagram Reels is the most important feature for your growth right now. Here’s why:

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1. Instagram Reels is the only content feature on the platform with organic reach. Instagram Reels is the only feature on the Instagram application that allows users to reach a good number of people without running ads. Brands can purchase placements on Instagram Stories and home feed—but there are only so many impressions or reach they can buy. With Reels, however, the reach is priceless (at least, for now).
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2. Instagram is turning its focus to video content. Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri, admitted that while the platform will still support photos, more of Instagram will soon become video. Just scroll through your Feed, and you’ll see this change has already started.
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3. The Instagram Reels algorithm promotes short-form videos of nano influencers (Instagram accounts with less than 10,000 followers). Unlike the Explore page algorithm, which curates popular Instagram posts by creators with large followings, the Instagram Reels Algorithm seeks to promote content from all sizes, giving accounts with little following a “chance to find their audience.”

How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works

Now for the juicy bit of what we know about the Instagram Reels algorithm and how it decides how to distribute content to other Instagram users. These ranking factors, in order of importance, include:

• What Reels a user has engaged with in the past
• Whether a user has an aligned interest with the content of the Reel
• Whether and how you used trending audio in the Reel
• How much engagement your Reel racks up

The Instagram Reels ranking factors show why the Instagram Reels algorithm is more likely to favor smaller Instagram accounts. According to the signals, the algorithm first checks for related interests before checking for popularity. 

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The best part is, you have the power to influence it when you use trending hashtags and audio. With trending hashtags, you can use relevant keywords that let the algorithm know your target audience. By using trending audio in your Reels, the algorithm may see that you’re posting something plenty of people are searching for.

How to Grow Your Account Using the Instagram Reels Algorithm

Now that it’s clear why Instagram Reels matters so much and how this specific algorithm works, here are some hacks you can implement in your content strategy to get your content picked up and recommended by the Instagram Reels algorithm:

1. Create High-Quality Original Content

Invest in your content creation process, and use a high-quality phone camera, lights, and even sound equipment. Instagram rewards aesthetics, so ensure your videos are high resolution and quality. Also, ensure you create your own Reels in the Instagram application. 

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Instagram recommends you:

• Use high-resolution video
• Edit your videos to be less than 90 seconds
• Shoot with 9x16 dimensions, with no borders

2. Jump on Instagram Trends

Trends happen when there are enough numbers to prove that there is a demand for that type of content. The algorithm takes notice of this. So the more you follow the type of videos that are trending, like certain challenges, the more you can use them to drive your content, and the more likely you are to get noticed by the algorithm and show up in more people’s Reels. 

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However, try to jump on trends that aren’t extremely popular yet so you have a chance to stand out on the platform.

3. Stick to a Clearly Defined Niche 

Sticking to a well-defined niche is important for growth on the Instagram platform. You want to create content that aligns with a particular topic, so the algorithm knows who to recommend your channel to. This is also important for relating to your target audience. Having a niche also positions you for brand ambassadorship opportunities.

4. Use Trending Songs and Sounds as Audio

In addition to making your video content follow Instagram trends, use trending songs and sounds to get discovered by the algorithm.

5. Post Your Videos at the Right Time

There is only so much content your target audience can view at a time. You want to post your content when they have the highest chance of viewing it. To ensure timeliness, look at your account insights for metrics to see what period your audience is most active, then post before the peak time.

Using the Instagram Reels Algorithm to Explode Your Reach

The Instagram Reels algorithm drives what videos the platforms recommend to you on the Instagram Reels Tab. Instagram Reels is the only feature on the platform that focuses on organic reach.

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Unlike other algorithms that place a high importance on how popular a piece of content is, the Instagram Reels algorithm considers this as one of many factors for choosing how to recommend your content.

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To make the most of the algorithm, focus on creating high-quality, original content that keeps up with trends, including songs and sounds. Do this while focusing on your niche, and reviewing your data to understand when to post on the platform to optimize your views.

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Keep in mind that algorithms change constantly, and no one can claim to know all the factors of how an algorithm works. Plus, while Reels is a great option for nano-influencers now, this can change later. Lastly, if you are using Reels but are wondering why your content isn’t getting distributed, this could be because you’re contravening Instagram’s recommendation guidelines.

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For more social media marketing tips and monetization guides, visit the Hype blog.