Despite only being in the first few months of the year, it is important to be ahead of the game with knowing how Instagram boosts and favours certain posts and content. The popular free social media networking app now utilises several AI systems, rather than one singular algorithm to look at posts.
With multiple systems to work around, it is crucial to be purposeful and detailed with your content, as well as knowing when and what to post. Below, we have rounded up the five most important tricks and tips to have the algorithm work in your favour.
Rinse & Repeat for Optimal Results
An Instagram Story Highlight is a hassle-free, quick way to get your story to the top of the feed. Accumulating several views and responses in a day is ideal, however, how can this be kept up in the long-term? Specific content you want to repeatedly post can easily be lost within the Instagram feed and grid, so it’s worth reposting your Instagram Highlight.
By re-uploading or reposting every 60 to 90 days, you’ are allowing the algorithm to organically refresh which means you’ll be introducing the content to more followers, or those who simply missed it the first time. Users have also reported that after 90 days, Instagram automatically decreases the quality of the post, so it’s beneficial to re-upload after a while to ensure the best quality for your content.
Profile Suggestion for Easier Networking
When looking at a user’s profile, you will see below several suggested accounts. These accounts are based on interest, similarity of content and what kind of content you’re engaging with.
In order to appear as a suggested account, you must have the correct settings in place. This simple trick can only be carried out via desktop, so ensure you have the right platform to do so. All you have to do is go to your profile, then to ‘Edit’, and then turn on ‘Show account suggestions on profile’.
Once this is toggled to on, your account will now be suggested to even more users, even those who aren’t following or vice versa. This almost guarantees better outreach as your account can easily be suggested to likeminded users who are more likely to engage with the content.
SEO Over Hashtags for Better Engagement
Hashtags used to have major signifiance, with many Instagram posts flooded with 10 or more hashtags within the caption. This can not only be time consuming but can also make the post look less appealing, especially if a good, witty or informative caption is overwhelmed by 50 different hashtags.
In 2026, SEO is now favoured by Instagram. Instagram now scans the grid post, reel, or highlight for keywords, bios, and alt text. By adding alt text if you haven’t done already, it’s a great method to promote inclusivity and boost your content simultaneously. Overusing hashtags can look spammy and messy, so you’re better off keeping your bio and alt text simple but informative. Describe the post properly, include keywords that are relevant to your niche, and use hashtags purposefully and sparingly.
Using DMs and Commenting for a Boost
Thoughtful interactions, such as replying to a question on a post or a DM asking to connect, can go a long way. Not only will it improve your community and network, but it will also benefit your reach within Instagram’s AI systems.
Statistically, posts that are naturally performing well will garner more replies, however, replying and commenting on a freshly posted piece of content can have the same effect. By replying, responding, or even asking a question in your caption, you’re creating community and the opportunity for more comments and engagement.
Cohesive Content for a Visually Appealing Grid
Although a pretty grid will not directly equal more engagement, a user’s time spent looking on a grid will. Time spent looking = More Engagement
To ensure non-followers and followers are looking at your content for long enough, make sure it is worth looking at. Matching colours, making elements such as fonts and emojis cohesive can really help your reach, as Instagram will consider your account as ‘Binge-worthy’ and thus will be suggested to more accounts and users.
About Us
Overall, Instagram’s systems and methods of making accounts more visible are constantly changing. Algorithms, suggested account features, and engagement metrics all evolve, which can make it tricky for businesses to stay visible and reach the right audience.
It is important to be aware of these changes and understand how to keep your content up to date. Regular optimisation of your profile, content strategy, hashtags, and posting approach ensures your account remains well-connected, discoverable, and ahead of the curve.
That is where SCS Marketing and PR comes in. We specialise in helping businesses navigate the fast-moving social media landscape, ensuring your content is not only seen but also resonates with the right audience. From crafting tailored strategies to optimising profiles and content for maximum visibility, our team provides ongoing guidance to keep your brand front of mind.
For more information please contact the SCS team on 01252 621293, via info@scsmarketingandpr.co.uk or complete our contact us form here.
