Instagram in 2025: the ultimate guide to beating the algorithm

Growing on Instagram in 2025 can feel like cracking a secret code. The algorithm’s always changing, but once you understand it, you can use it to your advantage. Here’s how Instagram’s algorithm works across feed, stories, and reels — and how you can make it work for you.

What is the Instagram algorithm? 🤔

Behind every post, story, and reel, there’s an algorithm working to keep you engaged. It’s designed to show you the content you’ll like most based on your interactions, such as your likes, comments and saves. 

But Instagram uses multiple algorithms, each focusing on different parts of the app, to personalize your experience.

How does the Instagram algorithm work in 2025? 🔍

The Instagram algorithm in 2025 is more complex, taking into account numerous signals that help decide what content appears in your feed, stories, and reels. Here’s a breakdown of how the algorithm works for each of these features:

Feed algorithm: the OG 💬

The feed shows posts based on:

1. User activity: The algorithm watches everything you do 👀 — what types of posts you like, comment on, and share. If you love photos of food 🍕 or videos of cats, it’ll start showing you more of that kind of content. The more you interact, the better it gets at reading your mind!
2. Post popularity: When a post gets a lot of likes, comments, or shares, it tells the algorithm, “Hey, this is good stuff.” So those posts get pushed to more people, including you!
3. The person behind the post: If you like, comment, or share posts from a certain person or brand a lot, Instagram will prioritize their content in your feed. Basically, if you engage often with someone, you’ll see more of their posts.
4. Interaction history: The algorithm remembers you 😎. If you always like someone’s posts, their content is going to keep showing up for you.

Our tip: Be interactive. Respond to comments, slide into DMs, and create content that sparks conversations. The more engagement you get, the better your chances of showing up in others’ feeds!

Reels algorithm: the new superstar 🎬

Reels are huge in 2025, and they’re one of the best ways to get discovered. But how does the algorithm decide which reels to show you?  

Well, it is almost similar to the feed algorithm when it comes to user activity and popularity. But these 2 next are important as well:  

1. Creator consistency: If a creator consistently makes reels that people love, Instagram will keep showing their content to more people. So, if your reels are fire 🔥, you’ll keep getting boosted!
2. Engagement with creators: If you’ve interacted with a creator’s reels before, Instagram will make sure their future reels show up in your feed. It’s all about the algorithm building connections.

So be consistent! Post reels regularly, stay creative, and make sure your content is shareable. The more interaction and creativity you bring, the more your reach will grow. 💥

Stories algorithm: stay at the top of their mind 📲

Stories are a more intimate space where you connect with your followers throughout the day. So, how does Instagram decide which stories to show at the top of your feed? Here’s how it works:

If you’ve been binge-watching someone’s stories 😜, their next story will show up at the top. It’s like Instagram’s way of saying, “Okay, we noticed you’re into this!” And when you’ve reacted to or messaged someone’s story in the past, their stories will pop up first. More interaction = more visibility. 👀

Instagram also takes into account your closeness to people. If you engage a lot with close friends or family, their stories will be placed higher in your feed. 🌟

Tip for beating the stories algorithm: Post regularly and get interactive! Use polls or question stickers to get your followers involved. The more they engage, the more likely they’ll see your future stories!

So the Instagram algorithm in 2025 is all about…

Engagement and personalization! Post regularly, interact with your followers, and create content that resonates with them. With these tips, you’ll make the algorithm work for you and your business. 🚀

Do you want to know more about the importance of online engagement?  In this blog, we give out free tips & tricks on how to boost your online engagement.

But if you don’t want to do it alone, we’re here to help! We know exactly how to make the algorithms work for your brand. So book a chemistry call and discover how we can take your brand to the next level! 💥📲