Understand How Instagram Ranks Your Content and Use These 12 Steps to Grow Your Reach on Instagram

Welcome. This is how you’re going to get more reach on Instagram. Ready? Let’s get started.

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Wondering how to improve your reach on Instagram? You’re not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a content creator coach. The truth is, your reach doesn’t just depend on luck or timing. It comes down to understanding how Instagram ranks your content so you can start creating strategically and grow your account with confidence.

So, in today’s post, I’m going to break down how Instagram ranks your content, and I’ll share 12 actionable ways that you can improve your reach on the platform.

Want to grow on Instagram fast? Use the 12 steps outlined in this post and apply them to my 10k Follower Plan.

What “Reach on Instagram” Actually Means

Let’s clear something up: reach on Instagram simply means the number of unique people who saw your post. That’s it. However, here’s where things get confusing… Many creators believe that if their reach is low, Instagram must be punishing them or hiding their content.

The truth? Instagram isn’t out to get you. The algorithm’s goal is to keep users on the platform by showing them content they’ll actually enjoy and engage with. So if your reach dips, it’s not because the app hates you — it’s because your content didn’t send the right engagement signals yet.

Once you understand that, improving your reach becomes a lot less about “fighting” the algorithm and a lot more about working with it. The key point to remember is that reach differs from impressions.

You can reach one account, but that account can see your post five times. That means that your reach is one account, but your impressions are five. Then your engagement comes from how that account interacts with your post. All of these factors contribute to how Instagram shares your post.  

Now let’s talk about how you can work with the Instagram algorithm to improve your reach.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025

Contrary to popular belief, Instagram doesn’t have a single algorithm controlling your reach. Each part of the app uses its own algorithm, and within each of these elements, there are different factors that determine how far your content goes. That means Feeds, Stories, Reels, and the Explore Page all have their own rules for how content is shown and interacted with.

These different algorithms are largely powered by AI and are constantly evolving. That’s why, if you want to grow on Instagram, it can be really helpful to follow accounts that stay up to date with these changes. On my own account, I share the newest features, latest trends, and ideas to help you grow your account. You can also follow Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, for updates on the more technical side of the platform.

Let’s break down each element so you can better understand how to improve your reach on Instagram:

Feed: Your feed is your personalized home base on Instagram. This is where you scroll through posts from accounts you follow, discover new accounts Instagram thinks you’ll like, and see ads. Here you’ll encounter static posts, Reels, and carousels. If you want your posts to show up on other people’s feed, that will depend heavily on how your followers are engaging with your content and how meaningful Instagram predicts your posts are to them.

Stories: Stories let you share everyday moments and connect more personally with your audience. The algorithm prioritizes content from accounts that users engage with the most. So, the key to ranking in Stories is to make sure that you’re engaging with your followers (this can be via commenting on their content or talking in DMs). 

Explore: The Explore page (found in the search tab) is where Instagram recommends content based on what it thinks you’ll enjoy. This page is great for reaching new people because most of the content you see here comes from accounts you don’t already follow. The key to appearing here is creating content that aligns with trends and engagement patterns in your niche.

Reels: The Reels feed is built purely for entertainment. Instagram curates Reels to keep users on the platform as long as possible, which means highly engaging, entertaining, and shareable content performs best. Most of what you see in the Reels tab comes from accounts you don’t follow, making it a huge opportunity to improve your reach on Instagram and attract new followers.

In short, if your goal is to grow and reach new audiences, focusing on ranking in Explore and Reels is essential, while Feed and Stories help you strengthen engagement with your existing audience. Understanding how each part of Instagram’s algorithm works is the first step to improving your reach and creating a more strategic content plan.

Instagram has become increasingly transparent in recent years about how its algorithms work. Adam Mosseri has created several videos discussing each of these algorithms, and he has written this article, which takes a deeper dive into Instagram Ranking.

12 Steps to Grow Your Reach on Instagram

Now that you have a better understanding of the Instagram algorithm, let me share 12 steps to help you grow your reach on Instagram so that you can finally go full-time as a content creator.

1. Always create high-quality content

While having good lighting and audio is important, you also want to focus on creating content that’s save-worthy, share-worthy, and encourages engagement.Every post should have a clear purpose beyond simply being seen. Think about what action you want your audience to take, whether it’s commenting, sharing, or saving for later.

But what makes a post truly high-quality? Start with a strong hook to grab attention immediately, deliver a clear and valuable message, whether it’s educational, entertaining, or aspirational, and end with a positive call to action. This could be encouraging users to comment, ask a question, or share the post with someone else. High-quality content is not just seen, it inspires action and keeps people coming back for more.

2. Focus on Instagram SEO

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I’ve been talking about Instagram SEO for years, and today, it’s more important than ever. As Instagram evolves into a more search engine-like platform, it’s crucial to provide the platform with the right cues so it knows how to categorize your content.

And SEO isn’t just about hashtags. It’s about using high-quality captions, relevant tags, and intentional hashtags that clearly tell both Instagram and your audience what your post is about.

SEO does not have to be scary. What it stands for is “search engine optimization.” It’s basically the intentional strategy that you’re doing to try and get your content discoverable on Instagram search and explore. I’ve got a full post and video dedicated to Instagram SEO if you’d like to dive deeper, check that out next.

3. Post original content

If you want Instagram to prioritize your content, you need to show the platform that you’re committed to its ecosystem. That starts with original content. Instagram rewards creators who post content specifically designed for the platform, rather than repurposing videos from other apps.

Yes, it’s tempting to repurpose TikTok videos across platforms, but if you do, ensure the content is free of watermarks and, whenever possible, use the original Instagram sound rather than a TikTok download.

Instagram consistently repeats this advice: posting content that’s native to the platform is one of the best ways to maximize your reach. So get creative, make it yours, and post with the intention of giving Instagram a reason to show your content to more people.

4. Check your account status

If you’re worried about your reach, you can now check your account status. No more guessing about shadowbans or why your content isn’t performing. Instagram now tells you if your account is in good standing and eligible to be recommended to non-followers.

To check your account status:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to More Info and Support.
4. Tap Account Status.

Knowing your account is in good standing gives you peace of mind and helps you focus on creating content that reaches new audiences.

5. Monitor your analytics

Instagram provides you with a wealth of valuable data, so be sure to utilize it! Your analytics show what content is resonating with your audience, how people are engaging with your posts, and which types of content are helping you reach new users.

By regularly monitoring your analytics, you can clearly see what’s working and what’s not. Then, focus on creating more of what’s performing well and adjust or drop what isn’t. This will save you time and energy while maximizing your reach on Instagram.

6. Be ready to adapt

Sometimes, low reach isn’t about effort; it’s about the content itself. It can be tough to hear, but staying in your comfort zone often means relying on outdated formats or trends that no longer resonate.

​Social media is constantly evolving, and one of the best ways to grow your reach on Instagram is to stay flexible. Experiment with new content types, test different styles, and when something works, lean into it. However, don’t become so attached that you can’t pivot again when trends shift or engagement starts to decline.

​The creators who consistently see growth are the ones willing to adapt, evolve, and innovate, always keeping their content fresh and relevant. If this is something you struggle with, you’re not alone. I recently shared this post on Instagram that shares the story of how staying in my comfort zone has been hurting my account.

7. Post consistently

This is a tip we often hear, and it’s also one of the biggest challenges for creators. But consistency is key to growing your reach on Instagram. And before you panic, consistency doesn’t mean posting every single day. It means showing up regularly, whether that’s a set number of posts per week or per month, and sticking to it over time.

Of course, growth sprints can be effective (I cover this more in this post), but long-term growth comes from consistency. When your audience knows they can expect content from you, engagement increases, and engagement is a major factor in improving your reach on Instagram.

8. Engage, engage, engage!

Growing your reach on Instagram isn’t just about posting! It’s about building a community. Make sure you’re showing up for your audience by responding to comments, answering DMs, and encouraging conversations. Engagement signals to Instagram that your content is valuable, which helps improve your reach.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the questions your audience asks most. Those questions are gold for content ideas. Create posts or reels that answer these recurring questions, and you’ll boost engagement while positioning yourself as the go-to resource for your niche.

9. Use Stories to connect with your audience

Stories are one of the best ways to build a deeper connection with your audience. Think of Stories as your “close friends” space. This is where you can share behind-the-scenes moments, quick tips, or glimpses of your day that make your followers feel like they’re getting the inside scoop.

You don’t need to share everything, but consistent, authentic Stories help your audience feel seen and valued. Additionally, the more your audience engages with your Stories, the more Instagram will prioritize displaying your content, which will help increase your overall reach on Instagram.

10. Collaborate with other creators

Collaborating with other creators is one of the most effective ways to improve your reach on Instagram. Instagram even made this easier with their “Collaborate” feature, which allows posts to appear on both creators’ feeds.

When you collaborate, your content can reach not only your audience but also the followers of other creators. Additionally, these posts are more likely to be recommended in the Feed, Explore, and Reels tabs, providing a significant boost in visibility. Collaborations are a win-win: you share audiences, increase engagement, and strengthen your Instagram ranking, and all while creating content that feels authentic and fun.

11. Use the tools available to YOU

There are so many tools available to help you grow on Instagram and improve your overall Instagram Reach. Here are a few of my favorites:

• The ‘Ideas Tab’ on Edits
• This is a simple way to organize your projects in Edits.
• Weekly ‘Trend Alerts’ to help you stay on top of content creation
• Trend recaps to help you plan upcoming posts
• This video with 10 secret Instagram features
• This mini course helps you hit 100k followers on any platform.

12. Join the Ivy League for Content Creators

And remember, you don’t have to do this alone! I’ve created the Ivy League for Content Creators, where you can not only learn how to improve your reach on Instagram but also discover how to monetize your content and turn creation into a full-time, high-paying career.

The BSP Model® is a complete roadmap to building a powerful personal brand, growing on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and creating multiple income streams that work together. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling toward six figures, this all-in-one course bundle meets you where you are and grows with you.

Ready to level up your content game? Learn more about the Ivy League for Content Creators.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Instagram Reach

Now that you have the tools and strategies to improve your reach on Instagram, let’s talk about some common pitfalls that can actually hold your growth back. By being aware of these mistakes, you can elevate your content and ensure your efforts pay off.

• Posting without a clear call-to-action – Always guide your audience on what to do next, whether it’s commenting, sharing, saving, or tagging a friend.
• Leaving comments unresponded to – Engagement is a two-way street. Responding to comments helps build a sense of community and encourages further interactions.
• Ignoring SEO – More and more people are using Instagram to search for things, so make sure that your content is searchable in your captions, videos, posts and profile. 
• Overwhelming your audience with Stories – Sharing too many Stories without supporting feed posts can reduce reach and engagement. Keep a healthy balance.
• Ignoring new features – Instagram rewards early adoption, so try incorporating features like Reels, Guides, or Collabs to boost reach.
• Using watermarked content – Original content performs best. Watermarks from other platforms can hurt your reach.
• Ignoring your analytics – Your analytics are your roadmap. Check them regularly to see what’s working and adjust accordingly.
• Not posting consistently – Consistency signals to Instagram (and your audience) that your content is reliable, which helps boost your overall reach.

Being mindful of these common mistakes ensures that the work you’re putting in actually translates into real growth and engagement.

Quick Checklist: Before You Hit “Post”

Before you publish any content, run through this short checklist to make sure your post is optimized for reach and engagement:

• Did you grab attention in the first 3 seconds with a strong hook?
• Does your caption clearly communicate your message and include relevant keywords?
• Did you include a clear call-to-action (comment, share, save, or tag a friend)?
• Is your content original and free from watermarks?
• Are you posting at a time when your audience is most active?
• Did you add relevant tags, hashtags, or location info to increase discoverability?
• Does this post align with your overall content strategy or signature series?

Running through this checklist each time helps you stay consistent, intentional, and strategic with every post. And once you’re confident your post checks all the boxes, hit publish!

Growing your reach on Instagram isn’t about chasing trends or trying to “hack” the system. It’s about staying consistent, paying attention to what works, and utilizing the available tools to grow your account. Becoming a full-time content creator is possible! I see my students doing it every day!

Platforms are always evolving, and it’s my job to understand those changes so YOU can stay ahead. If you’re ready to take your growth even further, check out my 10k Followers on Instagram Roadmap next.