{"id":6906,"date":"2021-02-19T14:21:29","date_gmt":"2021-02-19T20:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/twprod.wpengine.com\/instagram-reels-algorithm\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T19:04:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T01:04:30","slug":"instagram-reels-algorithm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tailwindapp.com\/blog\/instagram-reels-algorithm","title":{"rendered":"New Instagram Reels Algorithm Update (+ Tips!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Instagram<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The launch of Instagram Reels turned heads around the world, and users flocked to the new medium to create engaging content for their followers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But with the rise of Instagram Reels came a rise in rumors and theories about the Instagram Reels algorithm – we\u2019re sure you\u2019ve heard some of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re confused about how Reels works, and how to get the most chance of reach and engagement from your content, we have good news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 9, Instagram released some important clues about what will be prioritized on Reels – and what will be deprioritized by the algorithm! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, we found a way to make your life (and social media management) a bit easier with our new feature. Now you can plan, schedule, and post Reels with Tailwind! <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to find out if your Reels content is in line with the new algorithm update, or if you might need to make some changes to your Instagram Reels strategy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The exact algorithm behind Reels remains a bit of a mystery, but we know a few things for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram is encouraging adoption of this new tool, which means Reels content is front and center on the platform right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reels appear in larger squares on the Explore tab, are suggested to users in their feeds, and have the star spot on the Instagram navigation bar (right in the center!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these features spell a big opportunity for uses to have their Reels content seen by existing followers – and potential followers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However,  some types of Reels content now have priority, and some will start declining in the algorithm. We\u2019re going over what you need to know in the next section!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes to the Instagram Reels Algorithm You Should Know About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A few changes to the algorithm and some new best practices from Instagram will help guide your Reels content strategy. Here are the most  important points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reels Reposted From Other Platforms Won\u2019t be Recommended<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And yes, this  includes TikTok videos! Here\u2019s what Instagram had to say about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve heard that low video quality reels (i.e.blurry due to low resolution) or content that is visibly recycled from  other apps (i.e. contains logos or watermarks) makes the Reels experience less satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, we\u2019re making this content less discoverable in places like the Reels tab.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humor and Entertainment Will Be Recommended<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This one should come as less of a surprise, but after surveying users and observing interactions with recommended Reels, Instagram is doubling down on engaging, light and humorous Reels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople tell us they want to see entertaining, funny, and interesting content in places like the Reels tab, and we\u2019ve gotten better at recommending that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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