Instagram is a powerful platform for marketing. 75% of Instagram users will take action after seeing an Instagram post. This could be visiting a website, following a brand on Instagram, or buying something directly.

It’s becoming harder for companies to use Instagram to be a cost-effective marketing tool. Kobe Digital recommends that you keep up to date with all the latest developments, regardless of whether you are doing it yourself or using a Social Media Agency to help you.

Instagram’s algorithm, which is similar to the Facebook algorithm, is a combination of factors that determines the order in which content appears on a user’s feed. According to Instagram, its recent updates to the algorithm and features such as Stories and Reels are all about improving user experience.

Instagram CEO Adam Moressi stated in a blog post that Instagram wants to “make the most of your time” and that technology can be used to personalize your experience.

These changes make it harder for businesses to be noticed, even if they don’t pay for advertising. Let’s examine how these changes affect your ability to reach your target audience and what you can do to change them.

What’s Changing?

Recent updates to the feed include the ability to choose a following’ or an favorites’ feed. Rumors also suggest that there have been changes made to the dimensions of still images posts. Although users have many options in how they view content, most people still use the default feed.

Moressi’s most recent announcement was the shift in ranking towards original content. Moressi stated in a public statement that “if you create something from scratch you should get more credit than when you re-share something you have found from another source.” We will do more to value original content, especially when compared to re-posted.

This is happening in the context that Instagram had begun prioritizing reactive video content in the form reels. Instagram is now competing with TikTok to get user attention. It has shifted towards a more refined and perfected feed that features fewer repeat posts from multiple users.

Instagram may also be trying to change the size of still images posts in order to fill the screen the same way reels do.

This would be a major change for both content creators as well as business owners. Instagram may allow square images to continue to be posted, but it is now rumored that they will add a blurred border to images that don’t fit the new dimensions.

This border effect could ruin your aesthetic. It is also possible that more portrait images may be prioritized by the algorithm in the news feed.

Growing your Business Organically

Since the Instagram algorithm has changed over the past couple of years, it is now harder for businesses to grow organically .

It can be difficult to consistently post original content. It does not mean that you have to post original content every day. You should get a higher ranking than someone who re-posts the same infographic.

It’s never been more important to take the time to create content that covers every aspect of your business. The real business is what consumers want to see – reels showing how it works and products being made. Instagram should give a 360 degree view of your business.

How to Shift Your Strategy

Businesses are finding it harder to reach their followers with the Instagram algorithm update. With some marketing and careful planning, your brand can still grow its audience and increase engagement using the latest features of Instagram.

You must first focus on creating quality content. Reels and Stories allow you to create original content and experiment with different formats. Reels can be a powerful way to get someone’s attention on their feed. They’re basically another form of advertising that allows for you to showcase a variety of products.

IGTV also offers new opportunities for brands interested in content creation. If you have the resources or know someone with them (such as an influencer), then consider featuring their videos on a channel, or even collaborating.

Although these changes can seem daunting, if you continue to post quality content and engage with your audience, you will see success on the platform.