Is Instagram Slowly Killing its Platform?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely noticed a sharp decline in Instagram engagement since mid-2023. Major algorithm changes have significantly reduced the effectiveness of hashtags and favoured content from larger accounts or those willing to spend on ads.

So, is Instagram slowly killing its platform?

Reports of drastically reduced engagement rates from nano (1K-10K followers), micro (10-50K followers), and mid-tier (50K-500K followers) accounts have been rampant. User feedback on platforms like Reddit highlights the frustration:

“Instagram has removed the recent tabs and the ability to find recent hashtags. Now, you only see big accounts or posts. They’ve killed the ability to even see smaller-mid accounts, drastically cutting reach for most users.”

“My reach was cut by about 40-50% instantly after the new update. Try finding small accounts or posts yourself with hashtags, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Engagement is more than a popularity metric; it signifies credibility and impacts reach and visibility. Instagram's algorithm, influencing different content types (Feed, Stories, Explore, Reels), changes frequently, making consistency challenging.

How to Boost Instagram Engagement

Consistency: Maintain a consistent posting schedule. Posting 3-5 times a week is typically effective across industries.

Quality and Authenticity: High-quality, original content is key. Instagram prioritises authentic, valuable content over low-quality material. Showcase your brand personality and keep posts aligned with your brand's tone of voice.

Relevance to Target Audience: Create content that is useful, enjoyable, and inspiring. Use nostalgic music relevant to your target audience to evoke positive feelings and increase engagement.

Use Reel #Topics: #topics help categorise Reel content and serve it to users who have engaged with similar content.

Test and Review: Constantly test new formats, themes, topics, and posting schedules to see what increases engagement rates. Measure and improve based on your findings.

We hope you found our insights helpful. If you need assistance growing your brand presence on social media, Evolare Digital is here to help. Let's connect and explore how we can help you transform your social media strategy. Together, we'll think big and soar higher!

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