The Secret To Beating The Instagram Algorithm // Black Velvet Set + Leather Jacket

Aside from James Nord, I’m not sure I know anyone who actually prefers the new Instagram algorithm, but I’ve pretty much come to terms with it. Rather than complain that the overwhelming majority of my followers aren’t seeing my posts, even when I pay to boost them, I’m going to talk about what I’ve learned about the algorithm since it rolled out..

1. It affects everyone.
   Even though it looks as if some people are not affected, we’re all in the same boat.

2. In some ways, it does work.
   The point of the Instagram algorithm is to organize your feed in a manner that shows you what you’ll most likely want to see. It’s great that every time I log on, the first images I see are ones of my friends, but it starts to get frustrating when I follow 900+ people, yet I’m only being shown the same 20 people’s photos every day. In order to potentially change that, I would have to go through the accounts I’m following, find the ones I especially love, and spam them until they start showing up on my feed organically. Not super realistic.

3. Engaging really helps.
   The more you engage with other accounts, the more your photos will get seen.

4. The more Stories you post, the more visibility you’ll get.
   But just remember every time you post, you’re also opening yourself up to more unfollows, so I highly recommend not posting for the sake of posting if that content will be below your usual photo standards.

5. The better your photo, the more it will get seen.
   This fact is honestly what stops me from complaining so much about the algorithm. Whenever I post a wedding photo or a shot of me and my husband, I know my views will skyrocket and my engagement will go up. Why? Because based on previous experience, I know my followers love those types of images. So instead of getting upset that those pictures achieve the type of engagement I want for all my photos, I should just realize that I’ve literally found the way to beat the algorithm. Ready for it? Post photos your followers will love.
   
   It’s easier said than done, especially since my husband can’t star in every single one of my pictures, but that’s the honest to G-d answer to better engagement. Post engaging photos. Maybe that means getting more creative with your photography, adding props, changing your edit, borrowing a cute dog, being more open in your captions… Experiment with different types of content, see what works best with your audience, and run with it. I guarantee the algorithm won’t affect you as badly.
   
   No one said this life was easy, but I’m okay recognizing that my photos are not reaching their potential and I understand that if I would push myself more creatively, my engagement would most likely increase as a result. My blogger friend Andrea of A Slice O’ Pi is honestly killing it in the blogger world right now because not only does she invest in good photography, she takes the time to plan each shoot. She spends hours location scouting, buying props, and setting up shoots. I’ve said it many times before, but generally with blogging, you get out what you put in. Now if anyone has any ideas on how I can create images as engaging as my wedding photos, I’m all ears. Until then, good luck and hope this insight helped!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN:
Black Velvet Set: Urban Outfitters (c/o)
Black Leather Moto Jacket: Eleven Paris (c/o)
Red Pearl Strap Bag: ZAC Zac Posen (c/o)
Black Pointy Toe Booties: Ivanka Trump (c/o)

xx Esther