Trying to keep up with the Instagram algorithm is hard, right? You find something that works and start to make progress, but then the goalposts move. And then they move again.
As social media managers, we’re used to this, but it doesn’t stop us from raging every time we have to take stock and reset our IG strategies!
Don’t worry… You can overcome the challenges of keeping up with the algorithm and growing your Instagram account. Here are eight curated tips to hack the algorithm, making Instagram a powerful platform for brands and creators alike in 2025.
Hack #1: Prioritize Original Content
A major shift in Instagram’s algorithm over the last year is the prioritization of original content. That means that accounts that share reposted content or recycled material are now less likely to appear in recommendations. As a result, it’s more important than ever to create fresh, high-quality content.
Whether you’re a creator or a brand, the algorithm rewards posts that offer something new. Not only does this help you stay in users’ feeds, but it also boosts your chances of appearing in Instagram’s Explore pages and suggested content sections.
For example, adaptogen drinks brand Recess does this by providing mocktail recipes made with their products.
“Earlier this year, (Instagram head Adam) Mosseri announced that accounts sharing reposted content are going to be removed from Instagram’s recommendations, and therefore were going to be deprioritized in the algorithm,” explains ’s Social Media Manager, Chantal Hermetz.
“That was a big step in Instagram taking a stance against spam accounts and prioritizing original content, from both brands and creators.”
Actionable Tip: Spend time regularly brainstorming new ideas and ways to deliver fresh content to your followers. Show behind-the-scenes videos, launch new product teasers, or create Instagram-exclusive content that can’t be found anywhere else.
Hack #2: Optimize for Instagram SEO
Instagram SEO isn’t new, but in 2025, it’s becoming increasingly important for discoverability. Keywords matter more than ever. Instagram’s search function allows users to discover posts, profiles, and even products based on the words you use in your bio, captions, and alt text.
And when it’s easy to find your content, you’ll be encouraging those interactions that the algorithm sees as strong signals.
For brands, this means using the right keywords across all areas. Incorporating relevant search terms like your product category, location, or industry phrases can make it easier for potential customers to find your profile when searching within Instagram.
It’s not just about hashtags anymore; keyword-rich bios and captions are becoming essential tools for discoverability.
Actionable Tip: Review your bio and recent posts to ensure they include relevant, searchable keywords. Use natural language and make sure to add keywords to the alt text for images.
Hack #3: Post Instagram Reels and Stories
Short-form content remains one of Instagram’s most powerful tools. In 2025, Reels and Stories will remain important for reaching more users, with Reels in particular continuing to see a huge push from Instagram.
The platform’s algorithm favors content that keeps users engaged, and views have now become one of the most important metrics, especially when it comes to Reels. Meanwhile, Instagram Stories will keep your profile at the top of followers’ feeds, increasing your visibility.
Whether you’re using Reels to showcase your brand’s personality, highlight a product, or create educational content, you’ll want to captivate users in the first few seconds. And as Instagram’s algorithm is constantly promoting new features, make sure you experiment with interactive elements like stickers and polls in Stories to keep your audience engaged.
Actionable Tip: Post Reels and Stories regularly to stay in front of your followers, but make the content worth sharing. Use quick, eye-catching visuals that capture attention in the first few seconds to maximize views and engagement.
Stay consistent by pre-scheduling Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories with ‘s Instagram Management Platform. What are you waiting for? Start your free trial and begin planning and scheduling your content at scale:
Hack #4: Encourage Meaningful Engagement
Engagement remains one of the biggest signals to Instagram that your content is valuable. Posts that receive comments, shares, or saves are often served higher than those that only receive passive interactions (such as likes).
Shopify does this well here, showing real customers and asking users to comment and share their milestones.
Use your captions to prompt engagement. For example, you could ask your audience for their opinions, encourage them to share their experiences, or just tag a friend. When users spend more time interacting with your posts, the algorithm is more likely to push your content to a wider audience.
Actionable Tip: Create opportunities for conversation by asking questions in your captions. You can also use features like polls, quizzes, and question stickers in Stories to interact with your audience in real time. Then, calculate your engagement rate using ’s Instagram engagement rate calculator to see how you stack up against the competition.
Hack #6: Adapt Quickly to Algorithm Changes
The Instagram algorithm is always evolving, and not all changes are publicly announced. However, some key updates, like Mosseri’s announcement about reposted content, offer crucial insights into what Instagram values.
“The best way to stay on top of Instagram algorithm changes we’ve found is to follow Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, @Mosseri on Instagram and stay up to date with his official video announcements,” says Chantal.
