Instagram Algorithm Explained: What Works Now

# The Instagram Algorithm Explained (2026) The Instagram "algorithm" is actually multiple algorithms for different parts of the app. Understanding each is key. ## The Feed Algorithm Your main feed prioritizes content from accounts you interact with the most (likes, comments, DMs, profile visits). - **Key Signals:** Recency, relationship, and user interest. - **How to Win:** Post consistently and encourage engagement (especially comments and saves) to stay at the top of your followers' feeds. ## The Reels Algorithm This is a "discovery" algorithm, similar to TikTok. It's designed to show you content from accounts you don't follow. - **Key Signals:** Watch time, completion rate, shares, and use of trending audio/effects. - **How to Win:** Create highly engaging, short-form vertical video that hooks viewers in the first 3 seconds. ## The Stories Algorithm Stories are for your most engaged followers. The accounts you see first in your Stories tray are the ones you interact with most frequently. - **Key Signals:** Taps, replies, and interactions with stickers (polls, quizzes, sliders). - **How to Win:** Use interactive stickers daily to boost your position in your followers' trays. ## The Explore Page Algorithm The Explore page is a collection of content based on your interests and engagement history. Getting on the Explore page exposes your content to a massive new audience. - **Key Signals:** Saves and shares are powerful signals for the Explore page. - **How to Win:** Create high-quality, niche-specific content that is highly "savable" (e.g., tutorials, tips, resource lists). Using relevant keywords and hashtags also helps Instagram categorize your content for the right audience.