How to Hack the Instagram Reels Algorithm in 2024

Unlock the secrets to enhance your Instagram Reels strategy🍦

Navigating the Instagram Reels algorithm can significantly boost your presence on the platform.

The impact is clear: At Velvet Studios, we've observed a 49% surge in engagement by integrating Reels into our Instagram approach.

Creator Olivia Noceda's experience aligns with this; she gained over 60K followers by shifting to a Reels-focused strategy.

But what's the secret behind the Instagram Reels algorithm, and how can you use it to your advantage? Let's dive into what we've learned.

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Understanding the Instagram Reels Algorithm

Similar to the Home feed, the Instagram Reels algorithm customizes its video suggestions based on user interactions.

Key factors according to Instagram include:

• Who: If you often engage with a specific user's content, their posts are more likely to appear in your feed.
• What: The type of content you engage with dictates what you'll see more of. For instance, beauty enthusiasts will see more beauty-related content.
• When: As digital creator Laurise McMillian points out, timing is crucial. The algorithm considers the post's timing and your scrolling habits to determine what to show you.

Also noteworthy is that the algorithm will less favor content that's obviously repurposed from other platforms or of low quality.

Essentially, if your videos are fresh, engaging, and high-resolution, they're more likely to be recommended by the Instagram Reels algorithm.

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Tips to Leverage the Instagram Reels Algorithm in 2024

With an understanding of the algorithm's preferences, you can refine your strategy for better outcomes.

Instagram suggests that effective Reels should:

• Be entertaining and captivating, with elements that amuse, surprise, or inspire.
• Be inspirational, potentially setting off a trend for others to join in.
• Incorporate creative elements like text, filters, or camera effects.
• Utilize a vertical format (9:16) for a more immersive experience.
• Include music from Instagram’s library or original audio sourced from Reels.
• Be innovative and authentic, experimenting to see what resonates with your audience.

Conversely, Instagram recommends avoiding Reels that:

• Suffer from low resolution and appear blurry.
• Are clearly repurposed from other apps, evident through logos or watermarks.
• Are bordered.
• Overuse text, obscuring the majority of the image.
• Violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines.

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By adhering to these tips for Instagram Reels, you're more likely to effectively "hack" the algorithm, thereby expanding your reach and growing your follower base.