Creative Marketing Agency

If you’ve ever wondered why your content isn’t reaching people outside your follower list, you’re not alone. Instagram’s recommendation algorithm is key to going viral and growing organically. In this article, we’ll break down how to get recommended more on Instagram — showing up in Explore, Reels, and suggested posts — so you can grow faster and smarter.

Understanding Instagram’s Recommendation System

What Is the Instagram Recommendation Algorithm?

Instagram’s recommendation system decides which posts appear in places like Explore, Reels, and the suggested content in users’ feeds. It uses signals such as user activity, content engagement, originality, and relevance to serve content users are most likely to enjoy.

Where Your Content Gets Recommended

• Explore Page: A curated feed of posts based on what users interact with.
• Reels Tab: Highly viral video content from creators, often from outside your audience.
• Suggested Posts: Content shown after a user scrolls past the last post from followed accounts.
  

Key Ranking Signals Used by Instagram

• Engagement rate (likes, shares, saves, comments)
• Watch time and replays (especially for Reels)
• Relationship between the user and creator
• Use of original audio and fresh content
• User interactions with similar content
  

Optimize Your Content to Be Recommended

Use Relevant and Niche-Specific Hashtags

Hashtags help Instagram categorize your content. Use 5–15 hashtags that reflect your niche, location, and target audience (avoid spammy or banned ones).

Post High-Quality, Engaging Visuals

Instagram prioritizes content that’s visually appealing and formatted properly for the platform (4:5 for feed, 9:16 for Reels).

Use Trending Audio and Reel Formats

Jump on trending Reels templates and sounds to ride the algorithmic wave. Just make sure it aligns with your brand.

Create Original Content (No TikTok Watermarks)

Instagram deprioritizes content reposted from other platforms. Avoid videos with watermarks or duplicate content.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Stay consistent with colors, tone, and message. This improves brand recognition and encourages engagement over time.

Engagement Hacks That Trigger the Algorithm

Encourage Saves and Shares Over Likes

Saves and shares signal strong value. Include a CTA like “Save this for later” or “Share with someone who needs this.”

Ask Questions and Use Polls/Quizzes in Stories

Interactive content gets higher engagement and tells Instagram your audience is interested in what you post.

Post at Peak Times

Use Instagram Insights to post when your audience is most active. Timeliness boosts early engagement and helps with reach.

Reply to Every Comment to Boost Activity

Replying increases engagement and signals that your content is active and valuable to others.

Collaborate With Creators or Influencers in Your Niche

Collabs allow you to reach new audiences — and Instagram recommends co-authored content more frequently.

Avoid Mistakes That Hurt Your Recommendation Rate

Don’t Repost Other Users’ Content Without Credit

Uncredited or reused content is flagged as low-quality. Always create your own or properly credit collaborators.

Avoid Posting Low-Resolution Images or Videos

Pixelated, blurry, or off-center content gets deprioritized quickly. Always aim for HD-quality uploads.

Refrain From Using Banned or Overused Hashtags

Instagram suppresses content using banned or repetitive hashtags. Rotate and research before every post.

Steer Clear of Engagement Pods or Spammy Tactics

Artificial engagement can result in shadowbanning or algorithm penalties. Grow the honest way.

Use Instagram Insights to Guide Your Strategy

Track Which Posts Get the Most Reach and Saves

Your top-performing posts give clues about what the algorithm prefers. Study them and create more of the same.

Measure Follower vs Non-Follower Engagement

The goal is to boost visibility beyond your followers. Look at which posts attract new eyes.

Adjust Content Based on What Instagram Is Promoting

If Reels are gaining more traction this month, shift more of your content strategy to short-form video.

Increase Visibility Fast

Run Contests or Giveaways That Require Sharing

Encourage users to tag friends or share your content — this boosts organic reach instantly.

Use Paid Promotions Strategically to Boost Strong Posts

Boost posts that are already performing well organically to reach similar users and amplify your momentum.

Use SEO-Driven Captions and Alt Text for Posts

Yes, Instagram has SEO too! Use keywords naturally in your captions and add descriptive alt text to improve discoverability.

Conclusion

If you want to grow on Instagram, getting recommended is non-negotiable. By creating high-quality, original content, engaging with your audience authentically, and staying in tune with Instagram’s evolving algorithm, you’ll increase your chances of being seen by non-followers and going viral. Don’t just post — post smart.

Start applying even one or two of these strategies today, and watch your visibility grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does Instagram decide what content to recommend?
A: Instagram looks at factors like engagement rate, originality, content relevance, and a user’s past behavior to determine which posts to recommend.

Q2: Why am I not getting recommended on Instagram?
A: Common reasons include low engagement, unoriginal content, poor visual quality, and not using relevant hashtags or trends.

Q3: What kind of posts get recommended the most?
A: High-quality Reels or carousels using trending audio, original visuals, and niche-specific content tend to perform best.

Q4: Do hashtags help in getting recommended?
A: Yes, but only if they are relevant, specific, and not banned or overused. Strategic hashtag use increases discoverability.