In recent months, Reels have become a must-have for content creators on Instagram. Now, the social network has shared new details and information about how the Reels algorithm works.
Reels are a medium with which Instagram users can create content in short video format to which audio tracks and songs can be added. The maximum length of a video is 60 seconds.
Instagram Reels not only serves to publish videos to entertain users, but it is also used for different purposes to those originally established, becoming one of the many marketing strategies for brands.
How the Reels algorithm works
Instagram highlights how it determines which Reels each user may be interested in based on four key factors:
- Those users who view a completed Reel.
- Those who Like the reel
- Users who rate the reel as entertaining or funny.
- Those who go to the audio page to create their own Reel.
On the other hand, social network Instagram also shared four main signals that can expand Reel coverage:
- Their activities: Reels that have been liked, commented on and interacted with.
- Interaction history with the person who posted the reel.
- Information about the reel, such as audio, video type (pixels, frames) and popularity.
- Information about who posted the video and how they interacted with other users.
Instagram also wants to encourage participation, so if it is likely that after watching a Reels the user will create their own based on the original, they will also see more of that content. For creators, this may be another reason to try using audio trends to help maximize editing exposure.
Improve Reel Reach
To improve the reach of reels posted on Instagram, the following factors should be considered that can drive and improve the reach of Reels:
- User activity: the social network Instagram looks at the Reels that users have liked the most, those that have been most commented on or interacted with recently.
- The interaction history with the person who posted.
- Information about the Reel such as the audio track, video comprehension based on pixels and full frames, as well as its popularity.
Information about the content of the Reel
Instagram also assesses the quality of the content included in the Reel, such as the selected audio track, the popularity, as well as the video comprehension based on pixels and frames.
Reels artificial intelligence
The Reels algorithm is based on showing more content based on the history of the user’s visits. Instagram tries to show those Reels that match the audience’s interests.
Content that the algorithm will not recommend
- Reels with low resolution
- Watermarked content from other applications
- Videos that violate the Instagram Reels policy.
- Material made by political figures (political parties, governments…).
Ultimately, the most interesting content for Reels users is content that is entertaining and encourages audience response.