Backing up to—Instagram is changing its ranking algorithms for and will now focus on original, small-scale creators. Before, the Meta-owned platform would exhibit a preference for accounts having a high following and post more reposted content, but that’s about to change. Instagram, on the back of ongoing feedback, is working to level the playing field such that all creators get a fair shot with visibility and reach as the Instagram community grows, and a raft of updates is rolling in over the next couple of month
What This Means for Smaller Creators
For years now, creators with a smaller following have been struggling to make it through the sea of Instagram, where very large accounts and content scrapers get in the way. But this new update is about to change that. By revamping its ranking system, Instagram will put more real content in front of users instead of mere reposts—key to having more unique voices discovered.
This has been deliberation by the big man on Instagram’s end, Adam Mosseri, on Threads and confessed it’s a slug for smaller creators. Instagram, now states, the new changes in the algorithm are only a continuation in supporting original creators by giving them more distribution.
Key Changes to Instagram’s Algorithm
1. Original Content over reposts: Prioritize original content. If Instagram finds multiple pieces of identical content, it will only suggest the original piece of content. That indicates changing less visible in the Explore pages, Reels, and in-feed recommendations of reposted content unless altered significantly, such as in the case of memes or parodies.
2. Enhanced Labels for Reposted Content: Labels on reposted content will be rolled out through Instagram, leading any viewers back to the original creator. While this label is removable by either the original creator or reposter for now, this could potentially change in the future. This added transparency will support proper crediting and direct the audience back to the original source.
3. Impact on Content Aggregators: This essentially translates to accounts whose content is mostly a result of re-share without much value-adding or upgrading will not show up anymore in recommendations. This will not hurt the visibility of aggregator accounts for users who are already following them, though.
How This Update Benefits Startups and Small Businesses
One would have expected such an algorithm update to benefit greatly only the big brands and businesses. With Instagram putting much more focus back on original content, brands that can do this and create engaging, unique posts can now reach out to even larger audiences without having a huge following. This will be especially useful to businesses whose online growth is critically dependent on organic reach.
How Virtual Assistants Can Help You Adapt to These Changes
As Instagram shifts towards original content, revisiting business social media strategies becomes essential. This is where the benefits linked with a Virtual Assistant fall. An experienced VA can help your brand outshine others by
– Tailor-Made Content: VAs can assist in strategizing original posts, from the design of your infographics to the art of writing compelling captions that would make your content stand out.
– Following Algorithm Changes: VAs follow the progress in the platforms. Hence, upon changes in your content strategy, it has been effected instantly to give you enormous reach and engagement in real-time.
– Social Media Management: Free your time to invest in your core business while the day-to-day task of social media management is taken care of by VAs who are adept at strategy on Instagram.
Conclusion
The new update in the algorithm being implemented by Instagram is a major relief for small creators who pull up original content. This is the greatest opportunity for startups and small businesses to be seen even more by the whole wide audience. You have this chance of optimizing your content for this update with the help of a Virtual Assistant and gain a lead over the competitors in the world of social media.
Ready to Upgrade Your Instagram Strategy?
Our team of professional Virtual Assistants can work with you to develop unique and engaging content with a persona that speaks to your audience authentically. Get in touch now to learn more about how we can further support your social media goals in making your business as successful as possible on Instagram’s new platform.
