Instagram Growth Strategy: Mastering the Algorithm

Instagram growth strategy helps you understand how the algorithm shapes what people see and when they see it. In 2025, that system has evolved into many parts. In this article, you will discover how Instagram now ranks content across feeds, Reels, Stories and Explore. You will also get tips to work with the algorithm rather than fight it.

Instagram Growth Strategy and Algorithm Basics

Instagram’s algorithm refers to several systems that decide the order of content. Each system, such as for feed or Reels, uses distinct rules and ranking signals. Ultimately, Instagram wants to show users content they find relevant and engaging.

While many people refer to one “Instagram algorithm,” the platform describes its system as “a variety of algorithms, classifiers, and processes, each with its own purpose.”

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work in 2025?

In 2025, Instagram uses multiple algorithms, each tuned for a specific feature: feed, Reels, Stories, and Explore. Each algorithm uses “signals” to decide which posts appear and where.

Across all of them, Instagram tends to favour content that earns interaction (likes, comments, shares, saves). It also considers content type, recency, and your past activity.

Let’s break down how each algorithm works.

How the Feed Algorithm Works

The feed algorithm mixes posts from accounts you follow with suggested content. Instagram considers three main signal types:

• Your activity – it looks at posts you’ve liked, commented on, shared, or saved.
• Post information – it checks how much interaction a post already has and how quickly people are engaging.
• Poster information and relationship – it looks at how often you interact with that person or account.

Thus, the more engagement your posts receive, the more likely Instagram will show them widely.

Instagram Growth Strategy for Reels

The Reels algorithm behaves similarly to the feed’s ranking logic. It considers:

• your interaction history with Reels
• information about the Reel (e.g. audio, video content)
• information about who posted
• your past relationship with the poster

Instagram encourages creators to experiment, use text, camera effects or filters, and surprise viewers early in the clip.

Reels that capture attention quickly tend to perform better because the algorithm rewards content that keeps people watching.

How the Story Algorithm Works

Stories use a simpler set of signals, but they rely heavily on closeness and history. Instagram shows stories based on:

• your viewing history – which stories you watch more often
• engagement history – which accounts you reply or react to
• closeness – it believes you’ll prefer content from closer friends or frequent contacts

Because of this, people often see stories from their closest network first.

Instagram Growth Strategy on Explore Page

The Explore tab shows content from new accounts (i.e. ones you don’t yet follow). Its ranking depends on:

• post information – how quickly a post gets interactions
• user activity in Explore – what kind of content you have engaged with there
• poster information – how often this account gains engagement with others

Because of that, posts that rapidly gain traction are more likely to reach new users via Explore.

How to “Reset” the Algorithm

You cannot fully reset Instagram’s algorithm, but you can refresh what you see. For example:

• Clear your search history
• Tap “Not Interested” on suggested posts

If your account struggles to appear in feeds, you might suspect a shadowban. However, in many cases you can regain visibility by changing your interaction patterns.

Instagram Growth Strategy: 7 Winning Tips in 2025

To perform well under Instagram’s systems, focus on engagement, consistency, and relevance. Here are seven actionable tips:

Tip 1: Use Instagram SEO

Add keywords to your captions, name field, and bio so people can find you. Also, include subtitles in Reels for better discoverability.

Tip 2: Encourage Interaction via Story Stickers

Stickers such as polls, emoji sliders or question boxes invite responses. Use them early in a Story for better results.

Tip 3: Create Captions that Spark Conversation

Ask questions or invite opinions. Use calls to action like “tag a friend” or “double tap if you agree.” That can yield more comments, which algorithm values.

Tip 4: Use Relevant Hashtags

Quality over quantity matters. Use niche and relevant hashtags – even five to ten – rather than dozens of generic ones.

Tip 5: Optimise for Views

Given updates from Instagram, an effective Instagram growth strategy shows why views may matter more than likes. So aim for content that retains attention.

Tip 6: Cross-Promote Your Content

Use collaborations, “Collab” posts, or link your Instagram on other platforms. That expands your reach and encourages cross-platform engagement.

Tip 7: Track with Analytics

Look at which posts do best over time. Use data to refine what you do next. Consistently measure reach, engagement, and follower growth.

How to Stay Ahead of the Algorithm

Winning with Instagram in 2025 means knowing your niche deeply, creating content your audience loves, and posting regularly. Plan a content calendar in advance so you remain consistent. In turn, the algorithm will reward your account with better reach.

When you combine a strong content strategy, good SEO, and constant learning from analytics, you stop fighting the algorithm. Instead, you make it work for you.