Instagram's algorithm changes constantly. Here's what matters in March 2026.
Ranking Factors (by importance)
1. Watch time / Dwell time: How long people spend on your post. This is now the #1 factor. Carousel posts and longer captions increase dwell time.
2. Saves > Shares > Comments > Likes: Saves signal value. Shares signal virality. Comments signal engagement. Likes are the weakest signal.
3. Speed of engagement: How quickly you get engagement after posting. First 30 minutes matter most.
4. Relationship: Content from accounts you regularly interact with ranks higher. DMs, comments, and story views build 'relationship score.'
What the Algorithm Punishes
Engagement bait ('double tap if you agree'). Watermarks from other platforms (TikTok logo on Reels). Recycled content that's been posted before. Low-quality images or videos.
Practical Strategy
Post when your audience is online (check Insights). Use 3-5 relevant hashtags (not 30). Write captions that ask genuine questions. Post consistently (4-5x/week). Use our content creator to generate Instagram captions that drive engagement.