Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has recently shared 17 crucial algorithm tips, best practices and growth strategies to help creators maximize their reach and audience engagement in 2025. After analyzing his interviews press releases and official statements we have compiled the most impactful insights for you.
Lets dive into these transformative strategies.
1. Instagram Stories
While Instagram Stories will not directly attract new Instagram followers they are essential for audience retention. The CEO confirmed that creators who post Stories frequently experience fewer unfollows. By engaging your existing audience through Stories you minimize churn and accelerate growth through Getting Instagram Likes UK.
Takeaway: Consistently post Stories to maintain audience engagement and reduce unfollows.
2. High Value Content May Reduce Reach
Highly polished content is not always better. While premium brands may benefit from high quality visuals creators in niches like music, comedy or sports often perform better with authentic relatable content.
Takeaway: Balance production quality with storytelling. Focus on ideas and content engagement rather than just aesthetics.
3. Carousels Perform Better
According to Instagram best practices carousels typically generate higher engagement and reach than single image posts. Adding context through text in the first slide can also increase user interaction.
Takeaway: Use carousels instead of single images and include engaging text in the first slide to encourage swiping.
4. Hashtags Are No Longer Essential
Instagram CEO stated that hashtags do not significantly impact visibility anymore. While they might offer some benefits Instagram AI now understands content context without relying on hashtags.
Takeaway: Focus on high quality content instead of spending too much time on hashtags.
5. Shares Are More Important
Shares (sends) play a more significant role in Instagram ranking algorithm than saves. Instagram prioritizes content that brings people together and encourages sharing. The more your content gets shared the more Instagram pushes it to new audiences increasing your reach.
Takeaway: Create relatable or informative content that people will want to share.
6. Watermarks Can Reduce Reach
Videos with third party app watermarks e.g. TikTok, may see reduced reach because Instagram prioritizes original content. However using your own personal brand logo is safe and will not affect your visibility making it a good alternative for branding without penalties.
Takeaway: Avoid third party watermarks to prevent algorithm penalties.
7. Post Soon After a Trending Video
If a post gains traction capitalize on the momentum by publishing another high quality post within a day or two. This keeps your audience engaged and signals to Instagram that your content is consistently valuable increasing the chances of sustained reach and visibility.
Takeaway: Post within 24 to 48 hours after a popular video to maximize exposure.
8. Consume Content in Your Niche
To create high performing content consume more content within your niche. This allows you to stay updated on trending formats understand audience preferences and generate innovative ideas. Analyzing top performing posts in your niche helps refine your strategy and discover what truly resonates with your target audience.
Takeaway: Stay updated with your niches trends to enhance your content strategy.
9. Ideal Posting Frequency: 23 Times/Week
Instagram suggests that posting around 10 times per month roughly 23 times a week performs best for most accounts. This frequency helps maintain engagement without overwhelming your audience. Prioritizing quality over quantity ensures that each post delivers value and keeps your followers interested.
Takeaway: Find a posting frequency that maintains quality and prevents burnout.
10. The Second Slide in Carousels Matters
Instagram reshows carousel posts with the second slide first if users do not initially engage. This means your second slide is just as important as the first. Make it eye catching informative or curiosity inducing to encourage users to swipe and interact more with your post.
Takeaway: Make your second slide as engaging as the first to improve performance.
11. The First Three Seconds
Most users decide whether to continue watching within the first three seconds. Use bold visuals onscreen text and clear messaging to hook viewers instantly. A strong start increases retention boosts engagement and signals Instagram algorithm that your content is valuable helping to expand its reach.
Takeaway: Capture attention immediately with strong visuals and engaging text.
12. Use Audio in Your Posts
Adding audio to Reels and even static posts enhances engagement making content more immersive. Music voiceovers or sound effects can increase watch time and interactions helping your content stand out. Trending audio also improves discoverability making it a crucial tool for visibility and audience retention.
Takeaway: Integrate background music or voiceovers to make your content stand out.
13. Consistency Over Perfection
Rather than striving for perfection focus on consistent posting to keep your audience engaged. Regular posting helps maintain visibility build a loyal audience and establish trust. Even if a post is not flawless showing up consistently strengthens your brand presence and keeps followers invested in your content over time.
Takeaway: Find a sustainable posting schedule and stick to it.
14. Collaborate with Creators
Instagram prioritizes collaborative content expanding reach by tapping into shared audiences. Partnering with creators in your niche exposes your content to a broader community leading to higher engagement. Co-created posts shoutouts and Reels collaborations can significantly boost visibility and attract new Instagram followers.
Takeaway: Partner with influencers or fellow creators for mutual growth.
15. Optimize Your Profile
Optimize your Instagram profile by ensuring your bio username and pinned posts clearly convey your niche and value. A well crafted profile helps attract the right audience improve engagement and make your brand easily discoverable. Keep it concise informative and aligned with your content strategy.
Takeaway: A well optimized profile can attract new followers and improve engagement.
16. Try Different Content Formats
Experiment with various content formats like Reels carousels and static posts to determine what resonates most with your audience. Different formats appeal to different users and testing helps you refine your strategy boost engagement and adapt to evolving Instagram trends effectively.
Takeaway: Adapt to audience preferences by diversifying content styles.
17. Post at Optimal Times
Posting when your audience is most active significantly improves engagement rates. Peak activity times vary by niche but generally evenings and weekends see higher interaction. Use Instagram Insights to analyze when your followers are online and schedule posts accordingly for maximum visibility and interaction.
Takeaway: Use Instagram Insights to determine the best posting times for your audience.
Start Implementing
Instagram algorithm continues to evolve but these 17 expert backed strategies will help you stay ahead in 2025. Focus on content quality engagement and consistency to see the best results.
Start implementing these tactics today and watch your Instagram presence grow!