Shedding More Light on How Instagram Works: What Stops Us From Starting?

Shedding More Light on How Instagram Works: What Stops Us From Starting?

Have you ever wondered how Instagram decides what content to show you on your feed, explore page, and reels? It may seem like a mystery, but in reality, Instagram uses a variety of algorithms, classifiers, and processes to curate your experience on the app.

In 2016, Instagram realized that people were missing out on a significant portion of the posts in their feed. On average, users were only seeing 30% of the content shared by the accounts they followed. This led Instagram to develop a new algorithm that ranked posts based on what users care about the most.

Contrary to popular belief, Instagram does not have a single algorithm governing what you see on the app. Instead, different algorithms are utilized for different parts of the app, based on how people use them. For example, when it comes to stories, people tend to look for content from their closest friends. On the other hand, the explore page is designed for users to discover something entirely new.

So, how does Instagram determine what content to show you? It all comes down to "signals." These signals are the information Instagram has about the post, the person who made the post, and your preferences. There are thousands of signals that Instagram takes into account to curate your experience.

In your feed, Instagram looks at five key interactions to determine the relevance of a post. These interactions include how likely you are to spend time on a post, comment on it, like it, save it, and tap on the profile photo. The more likely you are to take these actions, and the more weight Instagram places on those actions, the higher up the post will appear on your feed.

When it comes to the explore page, Instagram predicts your interest based on likes, saves, and shares. These actions help Instagram understand what content you find engaging and are more likely to interact with. The explore page is designed to show you content from accounts you don't follow, with the aim of introducing you to new and interesting content.

Reels, Instagram's feature for short-form video content, is all about entertainment. Similar to the explore page, reels primarily show content from accounts you don't follow. Instagram predicts your interest in a reel based on how likely you are to watch it all the way through, like it, find it entertaining or funny, and visit the audio page.

Now that we have a better understanding of how Instagram curates our experience, let's shift our focus to a different topic - what stops us from starting. Steve Shipley, author of "What Stops Us From Starting?", emphasizes the importance of taking that initial step. He quotes Nike's famous slogan, "Just Do It," and agrees that the scariest moment is always just before you start.

Shipley highlights the fact that nothing happens until you start. Whether it's pursuing a new hobby, starting a business, or even posting on Instagram, the first step is crucial. By executing even the simplest activities to start, we open the floodgate of progress. Once we overcome the fear and inertia, we find the motivation to continue and make progress.

In line with Shipley's advice, Stephen King, the renowned author, also emphasizes the importance of taking action. King suggests that aspiring writers should write extensively and read extensively. This advice applies not only to writing but to any creative endeavor. By immersing ourselves in the craft and consistently practicing, we improve our skills and increase our chances of success.

So, what actionable advice can we take away from these insights?

1. Just Start: Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Take that first step towards your goals, whether it's posting on Instagram, starting a new project, or pursuing a passion. Remember, the scariest moment is always just before you start.

2. Consistency is Key: Whether it's writing, creating content, or any other pursuit, consistency is crucial. Make it a habit to engage in your chosen activity regularly. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your craft, and you'll see progress over time.

3. Immerse Yourself: If you want to excel in a particular field, immerse yourself in it. Read extensively, consume content related to your interests, and learn from those who have succeeded before you. By immersing yourself in the craft, you'll gain valuable insights and inspiration.

In conclusion, understanding how Instagram curates our experience can help us make the most of the platform. By being aware of the signals Instagram takes into account, we can engage more effectively with the content that interests us. Additionally, by embracing the advice of Shipley and King, we can overcome the obstacles that stop us from starting and make progress towards our goals. So, let's take that first step and make our mark on Instagram and beyond.