News: The latest rumour about Instagram’s new privacy policy allowing them to use your photos is entirely FALSE. To dispell some other myths, keep scrolling.
Whether they make claims about exposure, hashtags, engagement, or new secret rules, they have been causing panic and anxiety for countless Instagram users. Not to mention, it’s becoming a little confusing and overwhelming. Take a deep breath, friends! I’m here to put that anxious mind of yours at rest. 90% of what you’ve heard about the “new algorithm” is false. That’s right! Here are some widely spread rumors that are simply not true.
Seven Rumors About the New Instagram Algorithm:
1. Using All 30 Hashtags Can Get You in Trouble, Shadowbanned or Marked as Spam
Nope! This is 100% just a rumor about the new Instagram algorithm. Why would Instagram allow you to use up to 30 hashtags if they didn’t want you to use them? Keep in mind, it’s important to mix up your hashtags with each post, but never feel like you should only use 5 hashtags on each post… you would be limiting your exposure for no reason!
2. Hashtags Only Work in the Caption/Hashtags Only Work in the Comments
I’m not sure why this ever became a rumor. I only put my hashtags in the comments, and I appear in all hashtag searches. I have great engagement (and hashtag exposure stats) as proof! Countless accounts use hashtags in the comments, and those work, too! Honestly, this all comes down to preference. Even Instagram’s instructions state you can put them in the caption or comments… or both (as long as you’re not being sneaky to use 60 hashtags). HACK THE INSTAGRAM ALGORITHM: TIPS & TRICKS TO HELP YOU GROW YOUR ENGAGEMENT.
3. Don’t Edit Your Caption for 24 Hours
What?! Why would this be a rule? If you made a grammatical error, mistake, or see something you’d like to tweak, PLEASE DO! Again, Instagram wouldn’t make this an option if they didn’t want you to use it. Editing your caption would never hurt you in terms of the algorithm. Just another false rumor about the new Instagram algorithm…
4. Use Only Small Hashtags
While it’s important to integrate smaller and community-focused hashtags, you may be seriously limiting your reach or engagement. Let’s say you made a post that performs really well – your post could end up on the top posts of your hashtags! However, if you only used small hashtags, your feature will be a lot less significant. I encourage you to at least sprinkle in 5 large hashtags – it can’t hurt. The Social Media Manager’s Guide Learn how to manage multiple accounts without going crazy! First Name Email
5. Pods Are a Great Way to Get More Engagement and Beat the Algorithm
Friends, Instagram is smart. Really smart. If the same 10 people are engaging with your posts every single day, Instagram knows. Not to mention, the comments get to be pretty repetitive and obviously forced. [clickToTweet tweet=”Discover seven false rumors about the #Instagram #algorithm. #Plann ” quote=”Rather than joining a pod, use your time and energy engaging with existing and potential followers!”] Fake engagement will only get you so far. (In fact, it can get you in trouble!)
6. All Businesses Should be Using Personal Accounts
I understand this one, but it’s simply not true. Considering Facebook is now pay-to-play, many are concerned Instagram will be the same. However, many leading experts (myself included) have tested this theory, and proven it untrue. While this may change in the future, I would assume that Instagram would force all businesses to switch over if this ever becomes the case. If you prefer a personal profile, keep it personal! I chose to switch to a business profile because I love seeing the analytics. But, don’t stress either way… it’s all in your preference.
7. The Algorithm is Changing All The Time
Instagram’s algorithm changes in at least one tiny way every single day. If there were ever a large change to its algorithm, you would hear it directly from Instagram.
Takeaway
I hope this puts your mind at ease and opens your eyes to the truth of the new Instagram algorithm. Don’t feel guilty or upset if you’ve shared these rumors or believed them to be true. It’s really easy to panic or believe what someone tells you because the Instagram algorithm can be a bit confusing. Just remember that any huge changes would be announced by Instagram. Any small changes are typically pretty self-explanatory, but should also be tested and shared by a reliable resource. Don’t believe everything you hear! Anyone can publish an article with opinions or guesses. Have you heard (or believed) any of these rumors? Be sure to share this article so we can get debunk those rumors together!
