How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025

Everything was going fine; Instagram was going well, and you were getting significant growth, and one day, suddenly, the growth stopped. In fact, the growth went backwards. And everyone started blaming the algorithm. Do you want to know how the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025? And why do people talk about it so much?

Every business, creator, or influencer faces this issue. Do you ever wonder why Instagram changes or modifies its algorithm? This happens now and then. Also, do you think you had some bulletproof techniques for your Instagram strategy that would dodge every algorithm change, and your content would always get more views, no matter what?

Instagram has officially shared the information on how it ranks content for a user. Also, Adam Mosseri has shared much information about the Instagram algorithm.

We will discuss all of the above points in this blog. Just relax, take a deep breath, and we will go one by one.

What is Instagram Algorithm?

An algorithm is a way of doing things. You give the input, the input is processed in a particular order called an Algorithm, and you get the output.

When you put your input or post content on Instagram, Instagram processes your content according to its algorithm, and you get the result accordingly.

Why does Instagram have an algorithm?

1. When Instagram was launched in 2010, it was just a social media platform where people shared their photos.
2. There was no algorithm back then, and people would see photos on Instagram in chronological order.
3. As more and more people joined Instagram, the platform was loaded with photos, and it was impossible to show users every single photo.
4. That is when the Instagram algorithm kicked in; the basic idea of the algorithm is that people get the most out of Instagram.

How does the Instagram Algorithm work?

Let us understand in detail.

Instagram claims that it does not work on a single algorithm; it has many algorithms, classifiers, and processes, each with its own purpose.

Instagram says it uses a different algorithm for different sections.

How does the Instagram algorithm work for feed?

When you have an account on Instagram, Instagram says that the first place in your feed is given to the people whom you follow. You will always see the recent posts and updates from your favourite people (people whom you follow)

Also, Instagram says that it observes the signals like

1. The posts you are watching( is it popular)
2. Do more people like it?
3. At what time was it posted
4. At what location was it posted
5. Did you interact with the person (who is posting content) earlier
6. Your previous activity on Instagram. (This will help Instagram understand what kinds of content you would prefer watching. )

Instagram also observes

1. Your last five activities in your feed
2. If you have commented, spent more time on a post, liked it, reshared a post, or tapped on a profile photo, Instagram takes these activities seriously.

What does Instagram avoid

1. It avoids showing you too many posts from the same person.
2. It gives less weightage to the stories that were reshared from the main feed. (except the cases where Instagram sees that there is a big event, like the World Cup or a Disaster, etc, and people want to see such stories)

How do Instagram algorithms work for explore pages?

Instagram knows that you do not want to see any old stuff in the Explore section. A user is present in the explore section to get fresh air or, in other words, discover new content.

1. Instagram observes people who are similar to you, meaning those who like the same content as you do. When similar people like something, Instagram also suggests that content to you as well.
2. Instagram prioritizes any activity that you do on fresh content, like liking, commenting, sharing, or saving.
3. Instagram observes the interaction you make with the person who posted the content. It shows whether you had any previous interaction with the person.
4. Also, it sees how others are interacting with the person posting content. This helps Instagram keep track of any budding creator.

How does Instagram’s algorithm work for Reels

Like everyone, Instagram also knows that Reels should be entertaining. Users see more reels from people whom they do not follow.

1. In this case, too, Instagram takes your interactions and activity with the reels seriously—activities like liking, commenting, sharing, or saving.
2. Instagram also does the survey sometimes, asking users whether the reels were funny or entertaining.
3. Instagram also gathers information about reels like
   1. Audio track used
   1. Visual analysis (pixels, scenes, frames)
   1. Popularity metrics (views, likes, shares)

What does Instagram avoid in Reels?

1. Low-resolution videos
2. Watermarked content (e.g., TikTok logos)
3. Muted reels
4. Having heavy borders
5. Reels with heavy texts blocking the content view
6. Reels focused on political content

How does Instagram algorithm work for stories?

Stories are a wonderful way of connecting and knowing the whereabouts of the people you follow.

Instagram keeps a keen eye on how users react to the stories

1. How one taps into the story
2. How one replies to the story
3. How does one move to the next story.

Also,For stories, Instagram takes care of all the signals, like

1. How frequently the user views the particular person’s story
2. How do users engage with stories, like liking or sending DMs to that story
3. What is the closeness of the user to the person posting stories?

What can we take away from this?

1. Instagram values engagement (likes, comments, shares, etc)
2. Instagram also values how users interact with the person posting content. (like DMs, comments, watching stories)
3. Instagram values how users take an interest in content, how they tap on stories, reels, and other forms of content.
4. The small factors like location and posting timings, are also important for Instagram
5. If people similar to you, having similar interests as you, like or interact more with the content on Instagram, Instagram would suggest that content to you

So, reaching the right people with the right content is important.

Now, let us see what Adam Mosseri has said about the Instagram algorithm.

After going through his numerous reels, we have listed down the most important points that would help you grow on Instagram and understand How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025.

When you know the game, you will play like a star.

How ranking works on Instagram 2025?

Instagram will always remain a platform that supports all kinds of creators.

1. There are two types of audiences on Instagram
2. One who is connected with you, your followers and whom you follow
3. One who is not connected.

1. For both kinds of audiences, the overall factors that matter are
2. How much time do they watch?
3. Whether they like the video or not
4. Are they going to share the content with someone?
5. Average watch time
6. Likes per reach
7. Sends/shares per reach
8. However, if we become more and more specific, for the audience who are connected, their likes would matter more than shares.

While for the audience who are not connected, their shares would matter more than likes

How does Instagram algorithm work for reels

I. Adam Mosseri suggests that quality will matter more over quantity, obviously, but Instagram values frequency.

The more people see and hear from you, the more they will engage with you. But that does not mean posting 3 times a day.

This means posting quality content consistently. Like every great institution in the world, Instagram values consistency.

II.Also, he warns that Reels with logos and watermarks  can sabotage your reach

III. Adding engaging music will increase your reach. Music does not have to be trending always.

1. Also, keep on experimenting, as Instagram has launched “Trial Reels”. You should definitely experiment with it.

In Trial reels, your reels are not shown to your followers but rather to your non-followers. This will boost your reach and give an idea of what content of yours is also liked by non-followers

• Keep reels under 3 mins.

How does Instagram algorithm work for story views?

1. Adam Mosseri explains that there are more chances that your stories are seen by the people who are following you, so you can try to keep the content authentic and raw, as that builds more authenticity.
2. Post the stuff in your stories that people are more passionate about.

How can I increase my reach on Instagram?

First, let us see how to fix low reach on Instagram.

1. There should be no watermarks in your content.
2. The videos you make should be less than 3 minutes.
3. You should add audio to your posts and carousels. Instagram started with posting photos, and today, it is known more for reels. So, if you want your pictures or carousels to gain more reach, add music to them.
4. Ensure that your status is not restricted.
5. Open your Instagram and click on your profile pic at the bottom rightmost.
6. Now, click on the three vertical bars in the rightmost upper corner (hamburger icon)

• Go to “Account status.”
• Check if Instagram has given you green ticks on “Removed content and messaging issues,” “what can’t be recommended,” “monetization,” and “Features you can’t use.”

Now, let us see the Top 3 things that are more important for good reach and to crack the algorithm in 2025

Now, you have learnt what Instagram has said about its algorithm.

Why does my Instagram algorithm keep changing?

1. Everything is changing, starting from people’s tastes and choices to the way leaders are viewed.
2. Instagram keeps on making minor tweaks now and then to balance people’s needs and interests.
3. According to CEO Adam Mosseri, Instagram never makes any major changes, but gradually, over time, these small tweaks assemble and make a big change.

Instagram algorithm changes 2025( How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025)

Although we have discussed and seen how Instagram watches people’s interactions and responses. Still, let us examine the major shifts that have happened over time and are important to note

H3:

Instagram algorithm best practices (That can dodge all algorithm changes )

Why only worry about how the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025, rather let us discover the ultimate algorithm.

1. Whenever you get any confusion, just return back to the basics. Instagram is a social media platform and every platform desires that people spend more and more time on their platform.

Therefore, think of Instagram audience and think what can you give your audience, so they would spend more time on your content.

1. Try making content engaging, include polls, questions, puzzles etc. Make audience interact and engage with you
2. Being authentic and having a particular niche is an evergreen formula. People love it and so does Instagram
3. Have a clear and precise bio. Be specific how you can help them, or entertain them or educate them. People see clear bio and hit “follow”
4. Whenever Instagram brings any new features like new Instagram stickers or Trial reel feature, use them as Instagram has launched them and it will push users to use them.

And, boost users who use them.

• For initial days, follow people who belong to your niche, Instagram would know that you are from that niche and start recommending your content to the users who like that niche
• Most importantly, be consistent. More frequent post does not guarantee good reach. By being frequent you can grab the eyeballs of many but there is sweet spot between being frequent and being consistent.
• Keep on checking analytics, you will automatically understand what is working and what needs to be changed. Keep a check on
• The engagement you are getting(likes, comments, shares, DMs or saves)
• The number followers(whether they are increasing or decreasing)
• To get the best results post at the times when followers are most active. Keep experimenting with timings and observe that whether there is any change in the engagement metric
• And most importantly, avoid activities that can lead to Instagram shadow banning you.

Let us learn all the reasons why Instagram can shadow ban you

How do I stop Instagram from banning my account?

1. While showing content on the explore page, Instagram is more careful and avoids recommending offensive or content related to political views. (as users see the content from people whom they do not follow here)
2. Instagram hates the content that shows violence, tobacco usage, vaping, or certain drugs. These types of content are allowed on the platform, but Instagram does not encourage this kind of content.
3. Instagram has a feature where people can tap on “Interested” or “Not Interested”. Make sure people do not hit the “Not Interested” button frequently.

Let us understand Instagram community guidelines.

1. Always post original content, even if you are reusing someone else’s content, make it yours, edit it properly, and post
2. Nudity is strictly prohibited on Instagram, but in special cases, such as medical and artistic purposes, it is allowed.
3. Never spam anybody, spamming, promoting illegal content, or hate speech is not allowed on Instagram. (abusing anybody based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or disease)
4. Any kind of content that promotes self-injury or graphic violence is not allowed on Instagram. (unless it is for informational purposes)

FAQs

1. How to reset Instagram algorithm?

You cannot reset the Instagram algorithm, but you can always follow some basic steps to outsmart the algorithm

1. Be authentic, have a particular niche
2. Be consistent, it does not matter whether you are posting 3 times a day or 3 times a week, but be consistent.
3. Post content in the highest quality, in the correct aspect ratio.
4. Engage with others, give positive comments on others’ content, and also engage with people similar to your niche.
5. Think of ways to increase interaction on your content, post polls, questions, and encourage users to comment and share your content.
6. H3:What are the main factors of the Instagram algorithm ?

Instagram will always like what people like, so it observes the signals like
I Number of likes the content receives

II. Number of comments the content receives
III. Number of shares the content receives
IV. The time for which the content is watched
v. How people interact with the account posting content.

• How often should you post on Instagram?

I. There is no particular answer to this question, but remember posting too much requires more patience and time, which can lead to burnout.

II. Plan a sustainable number for your Instagram and try to follow a pattern.

 III. Remember the more people see you, they will remember you, but in the long run consistency is the key.

IV.Try to have a series or pattern In your content. As this will help you from creating anything random.

• Should you upload at highest quality on Instagram?

Yes, you can upload the content at the highest quality. But rather than focusing on high-quality content, you should focus on making content that is useful for people.

Content first and quality later.

Key Takeaway

Rather than getting confused and thinking about How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025, always focus on what people like more on Instagram. Instagram replicates people’s behaviour. Also, Instagram is a platform where you can express yourself freely. So, you can be yourself, authentic, and attract more and more people like you.

Do you want to learn how to increase followers on Instagram? Keep on reading our blogs to know more techniques on Instagram.