How to grow on Instagram (according to Instagram) in 2024

Introduction

Instagram has recently shared valuable insights into how users can effectively grow their presence on the platform. In a series of updates and announcements, Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, provided key strategies that users can implement to enhance their engagement and reach. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful advice shared by Instagram for 2024.

Understanding the Algorithm

One of the primary factors affecting visibility on Instagram is its algorithm. Adam Mosseri highlights that shares are one of the most significant signals to Instagram’s algorithm. Specifically, he explained that the sends per reach metric—how many people sent your post via DM—plays a crucial role in determining how widely your content is distributed.

Focus on Shares: Create content designed to encourage sharing among your audience, as this will increase the likelihood of your post being seen by more people.
Independent Evaluation: Each post is evaluated independently, meaning a single underperforming post will not negatively impact future posts unless there’s an issue with content restrictions.
Editing Content: Editing your posts does not impact its ranking or visibility. Changes such as modifying your caption won’t lead to restricted performance.
Evergreen Content: Content can continue to reach new audiences even weeks after it’s posted. If your content has evergreen appeal, it can maintain relevance beyond the initial posting phase.
Experimentation is Key: Don't let algorithm concerns hinder your creativity. Continue to explore new styles and formats to engage your audience.

Hashtags: Still Important?

As of 2024, hashtags may not be the powerhouse they once were, but they still play a role in content discovery:

Visibility vs. Reach: While hashtags can make it easier for specific audiences to find your content (like puppy lovers finding a hashtag for puppies), they don’t necessarily increase overall reach.
Quality Over Quantity: Choose relevant hashtags carefully instead of flooding your posts with too many generic tags.

Content Strategies for Engagement

Instagram has outlined various strategies to enhance engagement:

Emotional Connection: Content that stirs strong emotions—be it excitement, joy, or even fear—tends to perform better.
Niche Focus: Targeted content aimed at specific communities typically resonates more deeply, encouraging not just public but also private shares.
Utilizing Features: Engage with new features consistently to stay relevant. For example, the Close Friends Lives feature allows users to go live only for their selected audience, enabling intimate engagement.
Carousels for Visibility: Utilizing carousels can provide multiple chances for visibility since Instagram may show different slides to users who skip through them.
Reels Are Essential: Over 50% of all engagement stems from Reels. Instagram recommends posting about ten Reels a month to maximize audience connection.
Notes for Engagement: The Notes feature isn’t for discovering new audiences but for connecting with existing followers to spark conversations.

Conclusion

Implementing these strategies and staying informed about Instagram's latest updates can significantly enhance your growth on the platform. By focusing on engagement, utilizing the latest features, and understanding how the algorithm works, you can better position yourself for success on Instagram.

Keywords

Instagram Growth
Instagram Algorithm
Shares
Evergreen Content
Hashtags
Digital Engagement
Reels
Emotional Content
Carousels
Content Strategies

FAQ

Q: How can I increase my reach on Instagram? A: Focus on creating shareable content that evokes strong emotions and resonates with a specific audience.

Q: Are hashtags still relevant in 2024? A: Hashtags can help users find your content, but they do not guarantee increased reach. Quality hashtags relevant to your posts are essential.

Q: Does editing a post affect its performance? A: No, editing your post (like changing the caption) does not influence its ranking or visibility.

Q: What type of content performs best on Instagram? A: Content that elicits strong emotions and targets niche audiences tends to perform well.

Q: How many Reels should I post monthly? A: Instagram recommends posting around ten Reels per month to maximize engagement.