Recent Instagram Change You Should Know About

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I’ve said that when it comes to the Internet and technology, the only constant is change. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out and know what you’re doing with your social media marketing plan, one of the “big three” (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), steps out to throw you a curveball. 

This time, it’s Instagram’s turn to change things up with recent adjustments to their algorithm. Let’s look at what this change actually is and how it can impact your social media presence. 

Instagram Is All About the Content

One of the hardest parts about keeping an active social media presence is finding ways to create new content. In the past, one of the easiest ways to do this was with a repost. 

You could find a comment, post, or meme that your audience might find interesting and repost it. This would figure into your algorithm as “content” and move you up in the SEO rankings. Now, that’s all changing. 

Since April 20, 2022, Instagram has revised its algorithm to prioritize original content. In other words, you’ll be rewarded for creating something new and original as opposed to just sharing content that someone else created. 

And this makes a lot of sense. As the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, says, “If you create something from scratch, you should get more credit than if you’re resharing something you found from someone else.” If you create a thoughtful and insightful post that has clear value for your brand, then your post will rank higher than other marketers who attempt to ride your coattails by reposting your original content. 

The change is also meant to keep Instagram from becoming just a collection of the same dozen pieces of content being reposted over and over again. In the past, Instagram was already prioritizing original content over repostings. But now, they’re shifting even more into prioritizing the original content and they’re also using improvements in their systems to help better identify original content.

Based on this, here’s a rundown on exactly what this will look like for you:

  • If your Instagram profile does nothing (or almost nothing) but repost videos or images from other people’s profiles, then you’ll find yourself dropping in the overall rankings.

 

  • If your Instagram profile already features mostly original content, then your account probably won’t be impacted by these changes.

 

  • If you use other social media apps to post your content or if you create your content using a different app and then post it on Instagram, you’ll still reap the benefits as you will be considered the originator of the content.

 

  • If you repost customer-generated content, don’t worry. This will not be considered “original” content because you didn’t create it. But reposting a picture of a customer wearing your merchandise, for instance, is still an important marketing tool. You just want to make sure that this is not all you are posting on your account. Instead, mix it up with original content as well.

 

  • Finally, don’t panic if things shift slightly in the next weeks or months. Instagram will be working to better define “original content” which means posting and tools may be in a slight state of flux until their AI gets a grasp on things.

 

Learning the Changes on Any Social Media Platform Is Half the Battle

Businesses constantly have to innovate to stay relevant in their fields. Instagram is making this change to prevent its posts from becoming a redundant collection of the same reposted material. And, as a result, your business may have to innovate to stay relevant on social media and reach a greater audience. Make sure to create a schedule for posting original content so that you can regularly have something unique to say.

Tired of Keeping Up with the Algorithms?

I help clients stay on top of the increasing changes and updates in the social media landscape. Using a dynamic, custom strategy for each client, I ensure your social platforms are working for you. Interested in learning more about how getting help could increase your bottom line? Let’s chat