Instagram, one of the biggest social media giants, has come a long way since its debut in 2010. Initially, it was all about sharing pictures, but it has become something much more. So, what’s so great about Instagram? Why does everyone seem to love it despite the rumors of it being addictive and often problematic?
Let’s start with reels; Instagram introduced Reels as a response to the popularity of short video content. Users, generally influencers/creators, create fun 15 to 60-second videos, often set to music. Similar to YouTube’s Shorts feature, reels are short, often funny, and addictive.
Instagram has also become a hub for shopping. Features like Shop and Checkout on Instagram allow users to explore and buy products from their favorite brands without leaving the app. This is also quite convenient for small business owners who wish to advertise their products more and more.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why people you’ve never DMed appear at the top of the send-to list when you’re going to share a post.
When Sending Posts to Friends on Instagram, Why Does it Show People I’ve Never DM at Top of List?
So, let’s get straight to the question: why is it that when you’re trying to share an Instagram post, people you’ve never DMed appear above your most engaged-with users? Well, the answer to this is simple, although inconvenient.
But, before diving into it, we must understand how Instagram creates its send-to list when sending posts. When you DM or share a post privately with friends/followers, Instagram offers a list of accounts for you to choose from. This list is thoughtfully curated based on various factors.
Let’s first discuss which factors influence this list the most.
Frequency of interactions
Instagram’s algorithm analyzes how often you engage with different accounts. It takes into account likes, comments, and DMs. Accounts with higher interactions are deemed more relevant to you; this results in them appearing at the top of your send-to list.
But at the same time, Instagram aims to strike a balance between showing you accounts you interact with often and suggesting new connections to enhance your experience.
Recent interactions
Recent interactions are a higher priority in determining the send-to list’s order. Accounts you’ve engaged with in the past few days or weeks are given more importance, as Instagram assumes these connections are more current.
If you’ve recently started interacting with a new account, it may appear prominently in your send-to list to reflect your evolving interests.
Profile views
Profile views are considered signs of interest or curiosity. If you’ve viewed someone’s profile, Instagram may interpret this as a potential connection, even if you haven’t messaged them directly. This is more likely if they reciprocate your interest by visiting your profile.
Mutual following
Accounts you follow and who follow you back are typically given a higher priority in your send-to list. This is because a mutual follow suggests an established connection and relevance. The algorithm aims to balance the visibility of mutual connections with other accounts to provide a well-rounded experience.
User Engagement
Instagram may prioritize accounts with high engagement rates, such as influencers, celebrities, or popular content creators. These accounts generate more user engagement and are given prominence in your send-to list.
This is because the platform encourages users to discover new content and accounts. By featuring highly engaging accounts, the platform aims to expose users to a broader range of content and connections.
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