Let’s talk Instagram recommendations – the secret sauce to expanding your reach without burning out.
As a creative entrepreneur juggling business, family, and those precious moments of self-care (hello, pilates and coffee breaks!), you need a smart approach to social media.
If you’ve been feeling like your Instagram reach isn’t where you’d like it to be, I want to help you understand how Instagram ranking works—particularly when it comes to recommendations. You know when you see a post from an account you haven’t followed yet but it shows up on your feed anyway?
That’s what we call a recommendation. And trust me, it’s becoming more important than ever! As Adam Mosseri Head of Instagram posted only recently.
Recommendations are a powerful way to get your content seen by people who haven’t yet made the decision to follow you. This is how we’re moving the needle—getting as much reach to as many of you wonderful creators as possible. So, if you’re ready to see more people interact with your content (and perhaps even hit that follow button), here are 5 key things you need to keep in mind to make sure your content shows up in recommendations:
This one’s a simple but important tip: no watermarks. Instagram doesn’t favour content that’s branded with watermarks from other apps or creators. Keep your content clean and professional to give it the best chance to reach more people.
For photos and carousel posts, adding audio is crucial. Even if your content is static (like a photo), using audio helps the algorithm understand what your post is about and can increase engagement. Plus, audio adds a layer of connection, making your post feel even more dynamic.
Videos are a great way to engage your audience, but make sure they’re three minutes or less. People have short attention spans, and Instagram’s algorithm loves content that keeps viewers engaged. Shorter videos make it easier for people to stay engaged, which will improve your chances of getting recommended.
If you’re collaborating or sharing content that’s not entirely yours, then change it to make it original. You can take someone else’s video and add your own unique spin on it (like doing a green screen with your commentary). Instagram loves creative originality, and the more you make it your own, the more likely it is to be recommended.
This one’s a bit more technical, but important—head to your profile, three lines in the top right corner and then account status at the bottom, to check if your content is in good standing. Instagram keeps an eye on accounts that don’t follow its guidelines, so make sure everything is in tip-top shape to maximize your reach.
These five simple steps are game-changers for increasing your chances of appearing in recommendations. When you put these practices in place, it gives your content the best shot at reaching a wider audience and ultimately attracting more followers.
These aren’t just technical tips. They’re your pathway to:
If you’re ready to take control of your social media strategy and create content that resonates, I would love for you to join my mailing list. I send out tailored tips, insights, and strategies to help creative business owners like you grow your presence on social media with intention and authenticity—without feeling overwhelmed.
Because your creative business deserves to be seen. Authentically. Strategically. Your way.
Cheering you on,
— Lexie Founder, Socials for Creatives
