How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2024 (And How to Beat It)

In late 2023, a video by a fitness coach with fewer than 1,000 followers suddenly hit 2.3 million views on Instagram. What seemed like algorithmic magic was actually a well-executed content and engagement strategy—proof that beating the Instagram algorithm isn’t just for influencers with blue checks. It's a science, if you know the formula.

With Instagram pushing Reels, favoring “shareworthy” content, and subtly shifting how engagement is measured, marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs are all asking the same question: What really matters to the Instagram algorithm in 2024—and how can we win?

What Is the Instagram Algorithm, Really?

The term “Instagram algorithm” often gets thrown around like a black box of mystery. But in reality, it’s not just one algorithm—there are actually several working together to personalize your feed, Stories, Explore page, and Reels tab. Each one uses different signals to decide what gets seen and by whom.

Main Feed & Stories Algorithm

This part of the algorithm prioritizes content from the people you interact with most. Key ranking signals include:

• Relationship – Do you follow and engage with each other frequently?
• Recency – Was the content posted recently?
• Engagement Probability – Are you likely to like, share, or comment on it?

Reels & Explore Page Algorithm

Things look a bit different here. These surfaces are all about discovery, focusing on content from new accounts that might interest you:

• Watch Time – Are people watching the full Reel or swiping away?
• Shares & Saves – Is the content getting re-posted or saved?
• Interaction History – Do similar types of content usually do well for you?

“Instagram wants to keep people on the platform as long as possible. So content that causes comments, saves, DMs, and repeat views is gold.” – Social Media Lab, 2024

Instagram's Algorithm Changes in 2024

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri confirmed in early 2024 that the platform is "doubling down on creators" to compete with YouTube and TikTok. Here’s what that means from an algorithmic point of view:

1. Remixing and Original Audio Are Favored

Instagram Reels with original audio or creative remixes are more likely to surface on Explore and Reels tabs. The algorithm recognizes unique soundtracks as a marker of original content.

2. Saves and Shares > Likes

In 2024, Instagram silently pushed an update deprioritizing likes in favor of deeper engagement. Shares and saves now hold more weight than simple likes. This aligns it more closely with TikTok’s engagement model.

3. Consistency Over Frequency

Posting every single day might actually hurt you if quantity comes at the cost of quality. What Instagram currently prefers is consistent cadence:

• 3–4 high-performing Reels per week
• 1–2 Story sequences per day to stay top of mind
• Regular carousels that encourage saves

How Creators and Brands Are Beating the Algorithm

Up-and-coming creators, beauty brands, real estate marketers—they’re all finding algorithmic leverage in sustainable, replicable ways. Here's what’s working across the board:

1. Micro-Niche Your Content

Creators hyper-targeting specific niches (like “small space DIY” or “budget travel for couples”) are outperforming generalists. The algorithm amplifies content to clusters of similar user interests.

2. Use Smart Distribution Panels

Real growth isn’t just about the content. It’s about smart distribution. Platforms like Crescitaly.com provide creators and agencies with access to high-velocity engagement tools. Using Crescitaly’s advanced panel, creators can:

• Boost initial traction on new Reels or posts
• Test engagement thresholds with different audiences
• Track improvements through real-time analytics

3. Lean Heavily Into Reels

According to Crescitaly’s dashboard data from Q1 2024, Reels are seeing almost 3x the reach of carousels in most categories. That means if you're not posting video consistently, you're leaving impressions on the table.

4. Create for the Save, Not Just the Scroll

Here’s where psychology meets strategy. Posts that offer step-by-step tutorials, high-impact quotes, mini-infographics, or insider lists are more likely to get saved. The algorithm translates saves as “valuable content.”

“When someone saves your post, they’re telling Instagram, ‘I want to come back to this.’ That’s a major signal to the AI that your content is quality.” – Jaime Brooks, SMM strategist

Algorithm Strategy Across Other Platforms

While Instagram marches to its own algorithmic beat, it’s helpful to understand how sibling platforms work in tandem for a holistic social strategy.

TikTok: Content Quality Meets Early Engagement

TikTok’s For You Page uses highly predictive models. Videos are scored within the first 20 minutes based on watch-through rate, comments-to-views ratio, and “shares per second.” An underperforming video can still go viral days later if engagement spikes.

YouTube Shorts: Long-Tail Discovery

Unlike Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts can earn views over weeks or even months. Posting with intent—using searchable titles and pinning your long-form content strategically in the comments—generates compounding returns.

Telegram: Direct Delivery, Zero Algorithm

Telegram bypasses traditional algorithms entirely. That’s why many creators drive engagement by funneling their most loyal following there. You own that distribution channel—and Crescitaly supports Telegram growth too, if you're managing channels or bots.

Conclusion: Creating for the Algorithm... Without Losing Your Voice

The key to success on Instagram in 2024 isn’t gaming the algorithm. It’s understanding the platform’s incentives and aligning your content accordingly. Here are your action steps:

• Model your Reels around engagement triggers—not trends alone.
• Use panels like Crescitaly to amplify new content or test verticals.
• Post for the person watching… not just the algorithm. Authenticity converts.

Algorithms will keep evolving. But creators and marketers who create content that’s useful, emotional, or entertaining—and optimize distribution smartly—will keep riding the wave. You’re not at the mercy of the algorithm. You just need to understand how to speak its language.

Meta Title: How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2024

Meta Description: Discover what drives the Instagram algorithm in 2024—and how creators and marketers can get more reach organically.

Tags: Instagram, Instagram Algorithm, SMM panel, TikTok growth, YouTube Shorts, Telegram marketing, Crescitaly, Reels strategy