Oh Instagram… How we love/hate you. So there has been some buzz on the internet on what updates are being pushed through in Instagram. I'm here today to go through them with you all, so you can be sure that the content you are creating is being seen. Whether you're a small business or just wanting to increase your followers, these tips will definitely help you out. A majority of these updates I got from the Pigeon Letters, a blog written by Peggy Dean. She's a freelance artist and online instructor. I've seen these reported changes on one other blog and another YT video, but nothing on the major marketing blogs just yet. While I don't know if these updates are for sure, going through them they definitely make sense. 1. Your post is first shown to 10%, and then MAYBE the rest. Instagram wants to first see if 10% of your audience likes it first before letting others see it.2. If you're in a pod, GET OUT. This will get you shadow banned. If you don't know, pods are groups who agree to like and comment on one anothers posts.3. Your exposure is based off your engagement. Respond to your comments within 60 minutes, and if you're going to be commenting on other peoples post make sure they are at least five words or more.
4. Hashtags in comments wont help you, they need to be in your caption. Stick to 5 hashtags that are not oversaturated to avoid IG thinking your spamming with your 30+ hashtags5. Strangers will be popping up in your feed based off of things you like. And no, they wont be showing up in chronological order.

6. If you didn't know yet, you can follow hashtags. So there is chances your post can still be seen if you do some good hashtag research!

What tips do I have for you all? Well, I don't think anyone needs to leave IG just yet.

1. Start following hashtags to see what hashtag you feel your content will fit in best.
2. Create your own personal hashtag, and use that as a way for your followers to find your stuff as well as others who might contribute to your brands hashtag!
3. Get rid of your bots, if you're using any. Waste of money, especially now that IG is getting smart with cracking down on them.
4. Start engaging on IG for at least 30 minutes a day. This small change makes a huge difference
5. Hashtags you use should have around 20k and 600k posts within them. This way they wont get lost in the noise.
6. Don't use the same hashtags over and over again.
7. Upgrade your IG to a business account if it makes sense to you. You'll get access to analytics to see what is working and what isnt

I hope this list helps you all out! Comment down below with your thoughts, and makes sure you hit the subscribe button for more videos!

Music Credit: "Celery" by Birocratic - (https://birocratic.bandcamp.com/album/beets-3)