“How to become an influencer” is by far the hottest question of the times, followed by endless suggestions about the Instagram algorithm. If you are asking yourself how you can be an Instagram Influencer who earns a lot of money through “just sharing” photos, we have some news for you. But first let’s debunk the idea that being an influencer is “just sharing” aesthetically pleasing content.
There are hundreds of algorithms that come into play when it comes to becoming an influencer. Even though these algorithms are not known by many, Instagram actually favors people who find these strategies by themselves and implement them on their accounts. We are not here to give you the full list as the list changes every year, if not month. But we are going to give you some tips & tricks on how to improve your Instagram game.
How Do You Win the Instagram Algorithm and Become an Influencer?
1- Create a Schedule Around Peak Times & Share Regularly
Instagram’s first and most basic algorithm used to be its chronological order. However, when the platform removed its chronological order, and started using user preference data on what to show on the home page the algorithm changed for good. To take this seemingly disadvantaged algorithm on your side, you have to post regularly & constantly. Sharing a post or a video at the same time and on the same day every week will increase the chances of that post being seen by people who are also active at that time.
You should also check peak times in your specific target audience & location to choose a time slot to post. The best way to find your peak time is to experiment with it. Share 3 posts a day and see which one gets a better reaction, or if you want the peak time to adapt to you, start posting at a specific time everyday, that way you will find who is active & what you should share to make it to their homepage.
2- Create Video Content
Instagram is not just filtered photos anymore. As the fastest consumed social media platform, you have to keep your audience engaged for more than 3-5 seconds on your posts if you want to win the Instagram algorithm and succeed. Best way to do this? Creating video content that is attractive & intriguing. Don’t just sit & talk to the audience, give them something that other people can’t give. Make them laugh, make them think, and keep them on your post.
3- Use Hashtags But Not Too Many
Hashtags are often looked down on by influencers & users as it may look like an attention seeking strategy. However, keep in mind that you are seeking attention, and you have to make your post reach people who don’t follow you so they can see you. Using hashtags is the best way to reach your target audience, but if you use too many, you will be shadowbanned by the Instagram algorithm which means your content will not be shown to anyone, even to your followers. So use 7 to 8 hashtags that are related to your content, and stop filling your caption with the most generic ones.
4- Comments & Likes Are Not That Important
Of course it is important to see the number of likes & comments the first time you check an account. However, Instagram is already testing its new feature of hiding likes. As likes & comments can be illegally manipulated, their time is now over. If you want your content to reach more people & become popular, you have to make people save & share them. The more a content is saved & shared, the more Instagram favors it. So ask your followers to save your posts, and you’ll be alright.
This is from us for now on how to improve your Instagram & reach more people, and become an influencer. A quick reminder, stop rushing to get to thousands of followers, it takes a lot of time & work to become an influencer. Be patient, and be constant. Keep following us to learn more tips & tricks of how to grow your audience!
You can also check out our article on 2021’s Instagram Trends and stay up to date with the platform!