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Instagram’s algorithm in 2025: what you need to know and how to adapt to it

Have you noticed that your reach on Instagram has suddenly dropped? That’s no coincidence. Social media is constantly evolving, and Instagram’s algorithm is no exception to that rule. With over 2 billion monthly users, the platform is more relevant than ever, but many brands and creators are finding that their posts are performing less well than before. This is because Instagram has tweaked its algorithm. The focus is shifting from likes and followers to engagement, with sharing and saving playing an increasingly important role. For many brands, this means that old strategies are no longer sufficient and that a new approach is needed. How does Instagram’s algorithm work in 2025, and how can you ensure your content continues to perform well?

Shares are the new likes

We get it – algorithms sound complicated, and to be honest, they are. But don’t worry, we’ll explain it in a way you can understand. Instagram’s algorithm consists of various components, each of which determines which content is shown in its own way. Your feed, Stories, Explore page and Reels all operate according to their own principles, but the common thread is that engagement remains the key to success. In early 2025, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri confirmed that watch time, likes and – more importantly – the number of times a post is shared or saved are key indicators of your visibility. This means that content which users actively want to save or share with friends is far more likely to go viral. This fits in with a broader trend that you may well recognise yourself: users are liking posts less and less, but are instead forwarding them more often via DMs.

How Instagram

determines which

content you see

Alongside the rise of sharing and saving as engagement factors, we’re also seeing a shift in the way content is discovered. Whereas Instagram used to revolve around following accounts, users now increasingly rely on the algorithm to discover new content. This means that having a large number of followers is less important than ever, and that even small accounts can achieve a significant organic reach.

A ‘pretty’ feed is no longer enough

For brands, this means that an effective content strategy no longer needs to revolve solely around attractive images and a perfect-looking feed. Content must offer value, whether in the form of entertainment, education or inspiration. Posts that users want to save or share are therefore most likely to rank highly in the algorithm. This calls for a creative approach. Behind-the-scenes content, relatable situations and interactive formats: these are all examples of content that users actively want to share or save. By using these, you can cleverly capitalise on the updated algorithm.

How we are responding to these developments ourselves

As standard, our experts closely monitor developments in the digital landscape and ensure that brands can proactively respond to changes, rather than having to react to new trends after the fact. This enables us to develop well-founded content plans and choose the right formats, timing and channels to make the most of the algorithm. In addition, we continuously analyse data to determine which content performs best, test new formats and optimise campaigns based on real-time insights. In this way, we ensure that our clients are not caught off guard by updates, but instead use them to their advantage.

Do you want your brand to stand out in the ever-changing media landscape?

Get in touch with DRIIVN and find out how we can take your social media strategy to the next level.

Why

Choose DRIIVN

If your

Full-service marketing agency?

DRIIVN offers a comprehensive package of online marketing services, from SEO and social advertising to branding, design and web development, with a team that works together to help your brand grow. By outsourcing your marketing to us, you’ll benefit from expertise, cost savings and innovative technologies, allowing you to focus on what really matters.

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