5 Tips for Outsmarting the IG Algorithm

Brace Yourself: There are Multiple Algorithms!

You might feel overwhelmed to learn that Instagram has different algorithms for each type of content: posts, Reels, Stories, and more. While you can find detailed explanations of these algorithms from online resources, I’d like to share 5 tips that will help artists work with the algorithms. Instagram wants you to be discovered and your account to grow—and their algorithms will reward an active account that touches and is touched by many other accounts.

Boost Engagement by Initiating Engagement

As you may know, the Instagram algorithm favors accounts, posts, and Reels that have higher engagement. One way you can boost engagement is to regularly engage with your followers as well as non-followers. It’s like being at a party where you don’t know anyone: You wouldn’t just sit there and wait for people to notice you! You’d compliment someone’s jewelry, introduce yourself to someone over the punch bowl, and ask to help out in the kitchen. The Instagram version of this is to comment whenever someone takes the time to leave you a comment and to get out there and leave kind or interesting comments on other people’s posts. It’s true that you can form relationships with others this way—and the more that your account engages with another one, the more likely that Instagram will suggest your account to that person’s followers.

Here’s an example of a recent “how to” Reel that garnered a lot of engagement and went viral…as of this posting, it has reached over 4500 viewers (25 shares 164 likes):

Expand Your Reach by Collaborating!

Instagram has a new feature that’s being rolled out called “collaborate.” It’s a way of creating a post that is shared by two accounts at the same time. Not only does this show the algorithm a strong relationship between the two accounts, but it’s a great way for both of you to expose your account to the other account’s followers!

If you’re an artist that wants to sell paintings, consider selecting an interior designer that’s in your geographic location. If the fit seems right, get to know this account better and see if they’d like to do a collaborative post. A post about how an interior designer can help people find the perfect artwork to complement their home would be a great idea! 

Use Niche Hashtags and Keywords

Instagram shows people the types of content that they think they like. The more specific you can be in your hashtag strategy and the words you use in your captions, the more likely you’ll be to find your perfect customers. If you specialize in abstract paintings of the ocean, be sure to write that in your bio and captions, and use the appropriate hashtags.

Another idea for gaining exposure in your niche is to find relevant “theme accounts.” A theme account curates a selection of posts around one topic: pottery, pencil drawings, acrylic painting, abstract florals, etc. Some of these accounts have huge followings. If you find one that aligns perfectly with your work, tag the account in your post! If they repost your post, your exposure will go through the roof and your engagement will, too. Instagram’s algorithm will get the message that your posts deserve priority.

Keep Their Attention

Instagram wants people to spend more time on the platform, so the algorithms favor content that people spend more time with. Capitalize on this by creating videos or carousel posts where there are multiple slides. If you post a countdown such as “The 5 art materials I’d bring to a desert island,” do it in increasing importance, so viewers will feel suspense as they wait to see what the most important item is.

Ask for What You Want

Why are you on Instagram in the first place? If your goal is to grow your audience, ask for follows, likes, and shares and use polls and questions in Stories. Ask interesting questions to generate comments. If you’re selling your art, drive people to your bio so they can head to your sales site.

Ready to Outsmart IG?

Rather than shaking our fists at the Instagram algorithms and feeling like we’re at their mercy, let’s appreciate the opportunity that Instagram provides us and take actions that help us grow.

Which tip do you think you’ll try first?

I’d love to hear in the comments below.