Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 08:48 am
If you wish to multiply your Instagram audience, one way to do so is to look at Instagram’s Explore page. This post will examine the Explore page, how it works, and how your content can get on it. For those who struggle with getting any traction on Instagram, or wish for their content to make it onto the Instagram explore page, this is the best way to do it. We also will explore the algorithm, in order to give you the exact steps necessary to help you gain followers for your pages easily too.
What is The Instagram Explore Page?
The Explore page is Instagram’s way of showing new content to an Instagram user. Users can view their following page, which displays content from people with whom they have already followed. However, the Explore page consists of pictures, Reels, and videos from users who they do not follow.
The Explore page is magical because it won’t be the same between users. Instagram uses a complex algorithm to recommend content based on users’ previous searches, who they follow and the content they post.
The Explore page is represented by a compass icon on the app, which is fitting. It’s like adventuring into unknown, yet simultaneously familiar, waters.
How Does the Algorithm Work?
Like most websites, the algorithm is not fully understood by those who don’t work for Instagram. However, Instagram has shined some light on how it recommends content.
Simply put, Instagram recommends content on the Explore tab using three methods:
The Accounts That You Follow
As you follow accounts on Instagram, the algorithm starts building a profile of who you like to follow.
Instagram’s algorithm is excellent at figuring out the common hashtags and content that the people you follow post and recommend similar profiles to you. For example, if you follow an account that posts hiking content, Instagram may recommend other accounts that post about the great outdoors.
What You’ve Liked
Liking posts on Instagram not only show the person who posted the content that you appreciate it, but it’s a tool the algorithm uses to recommend more content of a similar nature. If you appreciate someone’s content, liking it is a mutually beneficial action.
Mutual Connections
These are accounts that follow many of the same accounts that you do. The more mutuals you have with a person, the more the algorithm recommends their content.
In short, it’s an ever-evolving way to discover new content. Since your tastes may change, so will the Explore tab as long as you keep using Instagram. In addition, it’s an algorithm based on machine learning. This means that it will keep refining itself as technology evolves.
You Giving Feedback
The algorithm is, of course, not perfect. You may see content that you do not personally enjoy. Seeing content you don’t like can be frustrating, but you shouldn’t just scroll past it. Instead, it would be best to let Instagram know you are uninterested. You can click the three dots next to a picture and select “Not interested.” This will hide the post from your feed and tell Instagram to stop recommending similar posts.
How You Can Grow by Being Featured on the Explore Page
On Instagram, one of the people’s biggest goals is to be on the Explore page. If you’re an aspiring influencer account or use Instagram for your business, being on the Explore page can grow your account.
Here’s how the Explore page helps you grow.
It Promotes Your Posts to Your Target Audience
One challenge of growing on any social media platform is reaching your target audience. Having people follow you is not enough; you want people who like the content you post and are willing to support your business endeavors.
It used to be that finding your target audience was a massive journey, with you fine-tuning demographic research and whatnot. And while that still is important, social media can take some of the guesswork out of it by using its algorithm to find followers who are already interested in content similar to yours.
You would be surprised by how powerful this page is. Some accounts have only a few hundred or thousand followers, and then when they get on the Explore page, their following skyrockets. It’s almost like hitting the clout lottery.
It’s Free Advertising
While Instagram has ads you can pay for, getting on the Explore page is free. It’s not something that you can buy your way into.
It Helps Boost Your Content
When you’re on the Explore page, your posts will get more likes, comments, and shares. This can help to propel your content into further bounds.
If you’re trying to post content relating to a product, this can also help with that product’s sales and support to drum up some hype.
You Can Study Your Audience Better
As mentioned, the Explore page helps your target audience follow you. However, you should not only let your audience come to you, but you should see what they post. You can learn more about who your audience is following and what content they enjoy, and you can evolve with their tastes.
How Do You Get on the Explore Page?
Now that you know about the Explore page and why it’s vital for growing your account, this begs the question: how do you get on the page? Is there a secret handshake you have to do? Can you bribe an Instagram employee?
The truth is that there is no magic method for appearing on the page other than creating engaging content. In other words, you must post photos, videos, Stories, and Reels that get people to like and comment on them. The more engagement a post has, the more likely Instagram will feature it on your Explore page.
So, how can you do that? Here are some ways.
Post Great Content and Use Your Own Explore Page as Inspiration
Great content comes before anything else. If you have content that your audience will like, it can put you on the map. You may know what to post, but you must also refine it to ensure it fits your target audience and that they will be enticed to like and comment on it.
What content you need to post will drastically depend on what business you are in. However, there are some ways you can improve your content. One idea is to treat the Explore page as an inspiration source for your own content. When you see content similar to your interests, create some in your own style.
Post Content That Invites Users to Like and Comment
Not every post you make has to be engagement bait, but having a post that encourages audience interaction occasionally can help your content appear on the Explore page. If you’re selling a product, you may have a giveaway where people can win free swag if they like, comment and follow.
In addition, you may post memes and other content that invites a discussion. Use these sparingly, especially if they differ from the brand voice you want to convey.
Use Strategic Hashtags and Keywords
One way people discover your posts, both through the Explore page and organically, is through hashtags and keywords. Be sure that every post you make has the right hashtags and keywords for your niche.
Once again, treat other posts as a source of inspiration. You may notice quickly that many who post have less broad hashtags. Using a hashtag millions of others use can drown your post. However, if you make a hashtag too specific, no one will use it. Ideally, you’ll want to research hashtags and keywords that are a happy medium.
Use Reels
Reels were introduced to Instagram a few years back as a competing video format. Reels are short-form vertical videos, and the algorithm massively favors them over traditional content.
While they have been around for a while, many Instagram users, especially those who still see it as a photo-sharing app, have not used them. Their loss is your gain as you post Reels relating to your brand. It’s much easier to be on the Explore page this way.
Post When Your Audience is Online
Instagram is an app where you are rewarded when you post content when your audience is active. If you are making content when your audience is offline, you may not get as much engagement as possible.
How do you know when your audience is online? The Insights tab has audience information that can help you, including giving you an idea of when your audience is most active.
There is a chance that your audience is active when you’re not. If this happens, then what can you do? Instagram has an option to schedule posts, so you can prepare them at a time that will get you the most engagement. In addition, there are third-party apps that you can use to schedule posts.
Interact With Comments
The more interaction in the comments section, the more likely it is to get on the Explore tab. One way you can do so is by interacting with the comments.
If people leave a positive comment, give it a heart reaction. If they have a question, answer it to the best of your ability. Even if the person has a criticism, respond to it and have a discussion.
This can help you in the algorithm and show your audience that you care what they have to say. While you cannot interact with every comment that comes your way, especially if you’re a more significant creator, interacting with a select few comments can incentivize people to comment.
Be Active
Another way you can be on the Explore page? Keep your account active. If your account is inactive, Instagram is less likely to promote your posts on the Explore page. However, if you post consistently, you may have a chance to be on it.
So, how active is active? You don’t need to be terminally online and post every single thought you have on the Instagram app. However, you should post at least once a week, preferably three to five times. This is a good balance between being active also having a quality over quantity approach. In addition, it can lessen burnout as a social media creator.
Consider Ads
While Instagram Explore is free, paying to boost a post may increase your chances of getting on the Explore page. Even if you don’t get on there, a boosted post can be visible to your target audience, as the customization options are endless.
We say to use this as a last resort, but you may be surprised by its effectiveness.
Keep Trying!
Even if you do everything right, getting on the Explore page is challenging. There are many, many, many people competing to be on the Explore page, and you may not get it the first, second, or third time.
Ideally, you’ll want to learn from your mistakes. If your posts aren’t making it to the Explore page, why? One reason may be that your niche has too much competition. Is there a way to narrow that niche while still having a potential audience? Is your content stale?
It will take a while, but if you keep at it, you’ll be able to get on the Explore page and attract a new audience. Instagram is a competitive platform, and the ones who give up initially won’t make it.
Final Thoughts
The Explore page is the best way to grow your Instagram account, but it requires your posts to be engaging. If you can find the right formula, your content can appear on the Explore page, and then you can grow in popularity like never before.
Now that you know about the Explore page brainstorm ideas on how to get on it. Does your current social media marketing strategy work, or are there ways you can improve it? Do your research and see how you can improve.
