Gaining visibility on Instagram Explore Page in 2024 is a powerful yet often underestimated way to discover new opportunities on the platform.
This handpicked content stream, guided by the algorithm, has the potential to amplify your reach, boost engagement, and foster growth.
So, how can you secure a coveted spot on Instagram Explore Page in 2024? Read on as we share 10 proven tips to help you achieve this goal.
What Is the Instagram Explore Page Algorithm in 2024?
Instagram’s Explore Page algorithm creates a customized Explore Page experience for each user, ensuring that every Explore Page is unique.
This is achieved by monitoring the type of content that users frequently engage with and displaying related posts on their Explore Page.
To access the Explore Page, users can simply tap the magnifying glass icon located at the bottom left corner of their screen.
Instagram clarifies that the content featured on the Explore Page originates from accounts users are not already following, as its primary aim is to “help you discover new things.”
With this in mind, securing a coveted spot on Instagram’s Explore Page can significantly boost engagement for your content, especially since you’ll be reaching individuals who are already interested in similar posts or videos.
How to Get on Instagram’s Explore Page in 2024?
Instagram’s Explore Page is managed by the app’s algorithm, which determines the content to display to users based on four primary factors:
1. Post Popularity: This factor gauges a post’s popularity by observing user interactions such as likes, comments, saves, and shares.
2. Explore Activity: It takes into account how you have engaged with different posts in your Explore feed in the past.
3. Interaction History: Your history of engagement with the account that posted the content is considered, as it indicates potential interest in their content.
4. User Interaction: The algorithm also considers how frequently users have engaged with that particular account in recent weeks.
In essence, the most effective way to have your posts featured on Instagram’s Explore Page is to ensure they are highly engaging. However, there are additional strategies you can employ to increase your chances. Explore these 10 tactics below.
#1: Look at Your Own Explore Page
Before you jump into creating fresh content, it’s a good idea to take a step back and do some research.
Spend some time exploring your own Explore Page and ask yourself:
– What types of posts are getting the spotlight?
– Which hashtags and keywords are being used in the captions?
– What’s making these posts so engaging?
Once you’ve gained a better understanding of what’s working, you can use it as inspiration for your own content strategy.
#2: Begin Making Reels
It’s no surprise that Instagram is giving Reels the limelight.
The ever-popular video feature is going strong, making it crucial to incorporate Reels into your strategy in 2024.
Not only does it have its dedicated feed tab, but it also commands more real estate on the Explore Page!
#3: Post When Your Audience Is Active
Your content stands a stronger chance of reaching a wider audience and sparking engagement when you post at times when your audience is most active online.
Now, you might be wondering, how do you determine those golden hours?
Well, after dissecting thousands of Reels, we’ve unearthed a valuable insight: the optimal time to post on Instagram tends to be in the early morning.
By sharing your content early in the day, you not only face less competition but also catch the attention of users during their initial scroll of the day — even if it’s a few hours after you’ve posted.
#4: Try With Carousel Posts
Here’s another way to amp up your engagement on Instagram: play around with different post formats.
Think about mixing it up with single static images, carousels, and video content.
Our research has revealed that carousel posts, in particular, tend to generate the highest average engagement rate among all feed post types (excluding Reels).
The bottom line? While it’s great to vary your post formats, getting imaginative with carousel posts can be a game-changer for increasing your engagement.
#5: Take advantage of Strategic Hashtags
While hashtags might not enjoy the same level of popularity as they did back in 2012, they remain a valuable asset for improving discoverability and boosting your chances of featuring on the Explore Page.
Consider them as labels for your content.
Even without hashtags, Instagram will strive to categorize your posts accurately, but including them simplifies the task for the algorithm, helping your posts reach the right audience more effectively.
#6: Collaborate with other brands and creators
Teaming up with brands and creators on Instagram offers a straightforward way to tap into each other’s audiences, a smart move to boost engagement and secure more appearances on the Explore Page.
In a successful partnership, it’s crucial that both collaborators share common interests and values. This ensures that the content produced in your collaboration resonates equally with both sets of followers, leading to increased engagement. When both sides have similar values and operate in the same industry, the collaboration (and its resulting content) feels like a natural fit.
It’s the perfect recipe for getting featured on numerous Instagram Explore Pages!
#7: Set competitions and giveaways
Instagram contests and giveaways can be a powerful strategy to boost engagement within your community, reach out to new audiences, and potentially land on the Explore Page.
But here’s a pro-tip: Take it up a notch by teaming up with another business or creator, just like Toronto-based vegan restaurant chain Fresh. Running a joint giveaway not only increases your chances of getting noticed but also doubles your visibility and engagement.
So, why settle for less when you can go big?
#8: Include Keywords in Your Captions
Adding keywords to your captions can make a significant difference in helping the Explore Page algorithm understand your content.
The best Instagram captions typically feature:
1. A compelling opening line that introduces the topic and hooks the reader.
2. A clear call-to-action (if you want viewers to comment or visit your website, make it clear!)
3. Simple, descriptive language that’s easy for the average user to grasp.
4. A consistent tone of voice that sets your brand apart from others.
While all these elements are essential, the third point is particularly crucial for getting noticed on Instagram’s Explore Page.
By including relevant, descriptive keywords in your Instagram captions, you assist the algorithm in properly categorizing your content.
#9: Use Instagram Analytics to Determine What Works
Occasionally, the Instagram posts that perform the best can catch you off guard. A photo or video you didn’t expect to resonate does, while others might not perform as anticipated. This is why keeping tabs on your social media performance is vital.
You can access Instagram analytics directly within the app, but using a third-party tool often provides a more convenient way to assess your post performance.
This approach offers a straightforward visual summary of your top-performing posts, enabling you to fine-tune your strategy and increase your chances of featuring on multiple Instagram Explore Pages.
#10: Try out with Instagram Explore Ads
If you’re aiming for a guaranteed way to connect with users through the Instagram Explore page in 2024, Explore Page Ad placements offer a reliable choice.
While your ads won’t directly feature on the Explore Page, they will appear within the in-feed section, nestled between non-paid photos and videos, once a user clicks on a post from their Explore Page.
It’s a foolproof method to extend your reach and enhance your visibility within the app.
So, there you have it — ten diverse strategies to increase your odds of securing a coveted spot on the Instagram Explore Page (while also boosting engagement). Give Reels and carousels a try, organize a contest or two, and most importantly, keep a close eye on your performance!