If you’ve been trying to grow on Instagram and feel like your posts are vanishing into the void, I have news for you: Instagram doesn’t have just one algorithm, it has seven.
Yep, seven separate systems are scanning every post, Story, Reel, caption, and even your profile to decide who should see your content and who shouldn’t.
Once I understood all seven and started triggering them together, my reach skyrocketed.
This post is your shortcut to that same advantage.
1. Reels Algorithm
The Reels algorithm is all about retention — how long people watch, whether they rewatch, and if they share or save.
What to focus on:
- Hard hooks in the first 1–3 seconds
- Loopable content so the last frame flows back to the first
- High-contrast visuals and motion resets
2. Feed Algorithm
Your feed posts are ranked based on relationship signals (who you interact with most) and format weight (photo, carousel, or video).
What to focus on:
- Reply to comments quickly to boost post ranking
- Use carousel posts for in-depth value — they keep people swiping longer
3. Stories Algorithm
Stories work on the Engagement Warm-Up System. High sticker interaction (polls, sliders, questions) tells Instagram you’re creating two-way content, which primes your audience to see your future posts.
What to focus on:
- Use interactive stickers daily
- Post before and after your main feed content to “sandwich” engagement
📌 Want my method for using Stories to reach non-followers? Download the Instagram Stories Growth Guide.
4. Explore Page Algorithm
This algorithm decides if your content gets shown to non-followers. It looks at relevance, keywords, and niche profile categorization.
What to focus on:
- Use niche-specific keywords in captions, on-screen text, and hashtags
- Keep your niche consistent so the algorithm knows exactly where to place you
5. DM Algorithm
Instagram rewards creators who spark private conversations. Shares, replies, and keyword-triggered DMs all strengthen your reach.
What to focus on:
- Use comment keywords that lead to a DM delivery
- Share save-worthy content people want to send privately
6. Profile-Level Algorithm
This is Instagram’s metadata + category mapping system. It scans your bio, username, highlights, and overall content themes to categorize your account.
What to focus on:
- Keep your bio keyword-rich and niche-specific
- Align your profile category with your content type
7. Caption NLP Algorithm
NLP (Natural Language Processing) scans your captions for keyword density, semantic context, and clarity.
What to focus on:
- Put searchable keywords in the first 125 characters
- Use variations of your main keyword throughout your caption
- Avoid keyword stuffing, it needs to read naturally
How to Trigger Multiple Algorithms at Once
The real magic happens when you stack these triggers:
- A keyword-rich hook on your Reel (Reels + Explore + Caption NLP)
- Profile SEO in place (Profile-Level)
- A DM keyword CTA (DM Algorithm)
- Story engagement before and after the post (Stories Algorithm)
That’s how you build momentum and get Instagram to push your content to both followers and non-followers.
💡 Want the full system? Get The Algorithm Advantage — my complete blueprint for triggering all 7 algorithms in sync.
