Here’s everything about Instagram Reels Algorithm In 2022, continue reading to find out 11 tricks for navigating the Instagram Reels algorithm.
If you’re a social media enthusiast, you’ve probably already read our guide to the Instagram algorithm in your quest to improve engagement on your business Instagram account. But, if you really want your Instagram Reels to stand out, you should be aware that this Instagram feature has its own unique algorithm to contend with. So lube up and prepare to enter the ring.
Instagram Reels are, of course, the short-form videos introduced by Instagram in 2020 as a competitor to TikTok. Simple editing tools enable creators to use effects and filters, string together multiple shots, and incorporate music clips to create fun, engaging Instagram Reels in just a few minutes (they don’t disappear after 24 hours, unlike Instagram Stories).
Instagram Reels Algorithm In 2022: All You Need To Know (2/2)
11 tricks for navigating the Instagram Reels algorithm
All of this is a long way of saying that Instagram prioritizes Reels that it believes people will enjoy: new, fun, and relevant content. Maybe robots aren’t so dissimilar to humans after all.
Instagram’s Creators account recently posted a carousel confirming this. (Not the “embrace our robot brethren” part, but the “fun and relevant” part.)
Let’s break down the main takeaways here, shall we?
Produce high-quality content
When people click on the Reels tab, they expect to see content that is funny, entertaining, and interesting. That is the algorithm’s goal.
According to Instagram’s @creators account, Reels currently has live humans sifting through them to feature the best ones. Creating “the best” Reel is a tall and very unquantifiable order, but we’ve got 11 Instagram Reel ideas to get you started.
In a nutshell, just do your best to make your viewers laugh, teach them something new, or surprise them with a twist or challenge, and you’ll be on the right track.
Enhance the visual appeal of your reels
The algorithm prefers visually appealing videos. Shoot in vertical mode and avoid low-resolution photos and videos at all costs; if you’re feeling adventurous, try out all of Reels’ bells and whistles.
Videos created with the app’s camera effects and filters keep viewers engaged and receive an algorithmic boost as a result.
Avoid reposting TikToks
Instagram Reels may have begun as a TikTok clone, but they don’t want to be reminded of it — if you repost watermarked TikTok videos as Reels, you’ll be penalized.
We’re not speculating here: these are the facts! “Content that is visibly recycled from other apps (i.e. contains logos or watermarks) makes the Reels experience less satisfying,” the company explains in a blog post. “As a result, we’re making this content less visible in places like the Reels tab.”
Use the appropriate hashtags
Hashtags are a great source of discovery for creators, especially on Reels, so include at least a few in each Reel’s description. Use accurate and descriptive hashtags for the greatest possible reach: if the algorithm can figure out exactly what your photo or post is about, it can more easily share it with people who are interested in that specific topic. (Plus, unlike Instagram ads, hashtags are completely free!)
Instagram Reels can contain up to 30 hashtags, but best practices suggest that 3 to 5 well-chosen tags will suffice. Conduct research, explore your niche communities, and use hashtags that accurately reflect the topic of your post. Learn more about 2022 Instagram hashtags in our ultimate guide.
Include people in your reels
It is discovered that Reels that feature people perform exceptionally well in a recent experiment by Hootsuite to discover the engagement potential of Reels. And if users like a video, the algorithm will like it as well.
Hyper-stylized product shots and illustrations can be entertaining, but faces are what truly delights the Instagram audience.
Use popular music
If you use a popular sound clip, the algorithm (or should we say… algor-rhythm) will reward you by spreading your Reel far and wide.
Create content outside of Reels, too
Stories, posts, guides: the more Insta content you put out into the world, the more likely you are to be discovered. After all, we know that the Instagram Reels algorithm is keeping track of your history with other users. If someone has been peeping your other Instagram output, it’s a signal for the algorithm to deliver your latest Reel to them, too.
WAIT, in a surprise twist: did you know you can actually make Instagram Reels out of your old Stories Highlights? Watch our video to find out how:
Produce content outside of Reels as well
Stories, posts, and guides: the more Instagram content you share, the more likely you are to be discovered.
After all, we already know that the Instagram Reels algorithm keeps track of your interactions with other users. If someone has been viewing your other Instagram content, the algorithm will deliver your latest Reel to them as well.
Adhere to Instagram’s recommendation guidelines
In its Recommendation Guidelines, Instagram explains how it decides what to recommend and to whom. Consider this document your Social Media Commandments.
“We work hard to avoid making recommendations that are low-quality, objectionable, or sensitive, as well as recommendations that are inappropriate for younger viewers,” Instagram writes.
Content that promotes violence, self-harm, or misinformation, for example, will not appear as a recommendation in someone’s feed. For maximum reach, keep it civil and follow the Instagram rules.
Give the people what they desire
Use analytics to learn more about your audience and serve up relevant content.
Instagram Insights provides access to Reels analytics for both Business and Creator accounts, including performance metrics such as reach, comments, and likes.
…and when they want it
Because the Instagram Reels algorithm prioritizes recent posts, it is critical to post new content when the majority of your followers are online. As previously stated, achieving high engagement with your own followers is the first step toward landing a spot on the Explore page. (I hope you’ve been taking notes!)
Check out our analysis of the best time to post on Instagram for your industry.
Build an active community
Do you want your Reels to be seen by juicy, juicy “lookalike audiences” on the Explore page? It all begins with engaging your brand’s community.
If you want to create a social brand that has a significant impact, you must be patient and diligent. The good news is that while you’re spending time crafting the perfect Reel or engaging with your ideal audience, a dashboard like Instagram can do the heavy lifting for you.
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