Let's discuss that now.
Before we talk about how often it changes, it is also important to talk about what the Instagram algorithm actually is. The "algorithm" means an elaborate confluence of all standards and systems that Instagram uses to filter incoming content into your feed, Explore, Reels, and Stories.
Essentially, the algorithm tries to find out what user actions meaningfully relate to engagement with posts. It considers indicators that include:
Your interactions (likes, comments, shares, saves)
Your relationship with the person posting (Are you friends? Do you often DM each other?)
Content type (photos, videos, carousel posts, Reels)
Time spent on post
Popularity of content
That means there is no equal treatment; all content is subjected to algorithmic discrimination on your behalf to lengthen your duration in-app: showing you what you are most likely to care about.
Instagram's algorithm is often updated, however, the major restructuring happens several times within a year, usually about three or four times, such as every year.
The algorithm of Instagram is ever dynamic; it doesn't have a certain day like Google's because of SEO updates but is rather undergoing minor tweaks, tests, as well as adjustments on a weekly basis if not daily.
Examples of important updates include:
2016-from chronological feed-to-algorithmic feed
2018-2019-focus on meaningful interactions (comments, saves, DMs given more weight)
2020-2021-Rise of Reels and Strong Emphasis on Video
2022-New ranking signals to promote Original Content Over Reshared Materials
2023-Transparency push: Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri made explicit how each ingredient of Instagram's algorithm operates (Feed, Explore, Reels, Stories).
It has built its success on maximizing user satisfaction with the application in terms of time spent. In order to keep user engagement on the application high, it should be as competitive with TikTok, Youtube, and other platforms regarding providing users continual content they like and would not get bored with.
Here are the reasons why Instagram is constantly changing its algorithm:
This fine-tuning provides content that is indeed an appropriate match for the flu-shifting user interest and behavior.
All these updates would assist in lowering the measures of spammy techniques, false information, and lazy posts to ensure that user trust is not jeopardized.
Prioritizing the newly created formats (Stories were created in 2016, IGTV in 2018, and Reels in 2020) by the algorithm indicates that as much as possible, then all the functions must be taken in.
The parent company of Instagram, Meta, will have an ever-changing dimension on its business goals (for example: e-commerce, creator monetization)--so with these, the algorithm, too, will change.
The eruption of TikTok forced Instagram to zoom in on big-time changes because, without it, it would not survive. Therefore, frequent updates bring their relevance to competing terms.
Here are five methods through which you can check-change in algorithm of Instagram:
Sudden drop or spike in likes, comments, reach or video views across several posts may indicate a change.
It is expected that for a while the newly introduced tools( say collabs or reels templates) to have their uses centered on them by the algorithm.
Refer to accounts like @creators or Adam Mosseri's account, since he usually posts information regarding how the algorithm is structured.
Last but not least is that if many creators and marketers start discussing lower reach, shadowbanned accounts, or changing content strategies, it is mostly a bad sign.
Every now and then, the official blog and help center of Instagram releases new developments with regard to ranking factors and best practices.
With the algorithm changing thrice or four times a year, how can creators and businesses adapt and survive? One option is the sure-shot methodology for keeping its existence on the platform for the foreseeable future:
Whatever the changes to IG's algorithm, the content that earns saves, shares, commenting, & long watch time will always do well.
Go with everything; do not limit yourself. Here are a few examples of mixed formats that are at your disposal:
Reels (for reach)
Stories (for building relationships)
Carousel posts (for saves & shares)
Lives (for direct engagement)
Being consistent indicates that you are relevant. Be faithful to your posting frequency (just don't stress).
Respond to comments, direct message your followers, and engage with other accounts in your niche. The algorithm appreciates two-way interaction.
Insights can help you learn what is your audience's preferred content currently and what is doing well — do more of that!
Users have been requesting the return of the chronological feed since 2016. In response, Instagram announced its Feed View Options in 2022:
Home (algorithm-based)
Following (chronological)
Favorites (chronological from selected accounts)
Currently, however, the default view of the Instagram feed remains algorithm-based, and that is highly unlikely to change. The majority of users interact more with the feed being algorithmically curated than one presented merely in chronological order.
So how often does the Instagram algorithm change? The answer: All the time, but there are major shifts about three or four times annually. The best alternative for creators, marketers, and businesses is to adapt. Focus on fostering relationships, creating varied yet high-quality content, and keeping an eye on Instagram's official updates. By doing so, you will always be in a position to thrive, no matter how the algorithm changes.
