6 Urban Legends about the Instagram Algorithm (and what you should *actually* be focusing on instead)
Are you tired of hearing conflicting information on how to grow your account or what Instagram is really doing behind the scenes? So many social media gurus will deliberately exaggerate or dramatize information about Instagram in order to get clicks, so it can be difficult to discern between myths and the truth. That's why it's important to do your own research and fact-checking, or tune in to podcasts like this one where we aim to provide accurate information and separate fact from fiction, which is what we will be covering today - plus, we'll be discussing what you should actually be focusing on instead of all these myths. So sit back, relax, and let's get started.
Instagram is “shadowbanning” me so I’ll pay for ads to get more reach and engagement
Urban Myth: Shadowbanning is Instagram's practice of banning an account that it deems unsuitable. This can be implemented against any account without prior warning, in such a manner that the user does not even realize that the ban is in effect. You could lose your account privileges temporarily or permanently thanks to shadowbanning.
People who believe they have been shadowbanned complain that they are seeing a significant decrease in engagement with other Instagram users.
The Truth: Instagram ****will tell you if your content is not eligible for recommendation in your Account Status (this will likely only be the case if you’re showing nudity or drug use) and you’ll also be notified if you’ve defied any Community Guidelines. There is no secret other level to getting reach - either your content is against Reccommendation Guidelines, or Community Guidelines. If that’s not the case and you’re still not getting reach - take a look at the content you’re making and think about how you can make it more engaging for your target audience.
Instagram owns your content
Urban Myth: When you post content on Instagram, you relinquish ownership of the content.
The Truth: Whoever made the post or captured the content is the owner of the content. So if you post a photo of yourself on Instagram or on any other social media platform, you automatically own the copyright to it. If you post someone else's video or photo, you don't own it. You only own the things you create.
Instagram prioritizes “influencer” content in my feed instead of showing me friends and family
Urban Myth: Some people believe that Instagram prioritizes "influencer" content in their feed instead of showing content from their friends and family.
The Truth: Instagram users a variety of signals from your behaviour on the app to determine what content to show you. a few of them actively prioritize showing you content from people you know: (Instagram knows that you are more likely to spend more time on the app if you see content from people who are interesting to you, ie. you know them) Additionally, the algorithm is not categorizing accounts based on “creator” and “non-creator” it’s much more of a spectrum than a binary. Not all creators have business accounts, and not every business account is an “influencer” Yes, Instagram wants creators to find their audiences, but there is no function in the platform that categorizes and prioritizes “influencers” If you’re seeing more influencer content it’s because 1) your friends and family don’t post that much (likely) and 2) you engage with influencer content so the algorithm is showing you more of it
Instagram is hiding my posts from its users
Urban Myth: Instagram is intentionally hiding your posts from other users to prevent them from seeing your content.
The Truth: Instagram no longer shows posts in chronological order by default. Instead, it uses an algorithm to determine which posts to show to users based on their previous engagement history. This means that your posts may not appear on a user's timeline in the order that you posted them. However, this is not a deliberate effort to hide your content from other users, but rather a way to show them the content that they are most likely to engage with.
The algorithm likes video content more than photo content
Urban Myth: Some people believe that Instagram's algorithm prefers video content over photo content.
The Truth: They show content most likely to engage a given user. Instagram has no vested interest in what format of content is popular on their app - they just want people to spend more time on here. So depending on what you engage with more often, Instagram will show you more of that. If you see a lot of videos (that’s because you spend time watching videos on here! spend more time on photos if you want to see them more!)
You are not allowed to use a scheduling tool
Urban Myth: Instagram penalizes users who use scheduling tools to post their content and may shadowban, block, or delete their accounts.
The Truth: Instagram does not have any issue with users or content creators who use scheduling tools to post their content. There is nothing in their guidelines that prohibits the use of schedulers. In fact, Instagram has their very own scheduling tool you can use within its app. The biggest concern is that you forget about engaging with your community, so just set a reminder to hop on Instagram the same day you make a post so you can respond to comments and DMs, and be active in your stories!
What you should actually be focusing on instead of all of these myths
Instead of getting caught up in myths and hacks, the key to growing your Instagram account is to focus on creating quality content that resonates with your audience. Here are three tips to help you do just that:
Use a mix of formats, not just Instagram Reels.
It's no secret that Instagram is currently emphasizing video content, with Reels being the fastest-growing format. However, it's crucial to use a mix of formats, including Stories, in-feed video, and carousels, to expand your reach. While Reels are great for bringing in new viewers, other formats can help you keep your existing audience engaged. By using a variety of formats, you can create a well-rounded presence on the platform.
Post consistently and engage with your audience.
One of the most important things you can do to grow your Instagram account is to post consistently. This means finding a posting frequency that works for you and sticking to it. But posting consistently is only half the battle. You also need to engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, asking your audience questions, and getting creative with your content. By doing this, you can build a community around your account and increase the chances of people sharing your content.
Focus on creating good content
Focusing on creating high-value and high-quality content is the most important growth strategy on Instagram. By consistently creating content that resonates with your audience and provides value to them, you can build a loyal following and increase your chances of being shared and discovered by others. This means taking the time to understand your audience, experimenting with different formats, and always striving to improve the quality of your content. Ultimately, if you want to succeed on Instagram, it all starts with creating good content.
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Thanks for tuning in to this episode about Instagram myths! We hope we were able to provide some clarity and insight into the truth behind some of the most common myths floating around. If you're struggling to grow your Instagram account, remember to focus on creating quality content and engaging with your audience. And if you need some extra help, our Instagram services over at Creatorly Media can help take your account to the next level. Check out our website, www.creatorlymedia.com/services, for more information and let us help you reach your Instagram goals!
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