On Twitter, it is frequently quite valuable for a topic to appear in the trending box. The same notion applies to the “top posts” section on Instagram. So what exactly is the box, and how can we game the system to make sure our posts are prioritized?
1. Invest in content of superior quality.
Adding value to your content may be the single most important thing you can do. The more valuable your content is, the higher its quality must be. Here, we’re speaking on a technical level. Buy a better camera. Learn to modify photographs beyond the use of simple filters. Smooth away imperfections, adjust colors, and cut out distractions.
Whenever feasible, script your videos and ensure that the audio is of great quality. Consider hiring a photographer or filmmaker to complete the work if you are unable to do it yourself. Yes, it’s expensive, but maybe the return on investment will be sufficient to offset the cost.
2. Post Just Before Busy Times
Audience engagement can be tracked by monitoring the use of specific hashtags and observing when most people in either group are online. Utilize this information to post when the greatest number of users are logging in. Within the first hour of posting an image or video, you can reach the largest audience possible by taking advantage of this feature.
It may be advantageous to invest in solutions that allow you to schedule your posts to go live during peak hours, especially if you are often busy during those times. Scheduling on Instagram is difficult, but it is possible if you use reliable software.
3. Post compelling, visually engaging content.
Scroll back up and examine the Instagram hashtag that we suggested. You can learn a lot by looking at the most commented-on posts. You see cats with odd appearances, cats in unusual locations, and comically mistagged items.
However, if you scroll down, you will discover numerous images of ordinary housecats engaging in ordinary housecat behaviors. Consider the “average” image in the feed, then consider how yours can stand out. Anything that distinguishes you from the crowd will garner greater attention and increase your likelihood of being highlighted.
4. Observe and anticipate trends
Monitoring local and worldwide trends might provide insight into where the focus and interest will be in the following hours or days. Successful content creation at a rapid pace positions you to be a trendsetter.
One of my go-to strategies involves keeping tabs on what’s popular elsewhere (say, on Facebook for news or (Twitter for hashtags) and then bringing those trends over to Instagram. They are not always effective, but occasionally they are, and you might be part of the wave that brings a trend to the new network. The key, though, is the timely response; you cannot use a trending hashtag a week after the traffic spike and expect significant results.
The disadvantage of using trends is rapid and severe competition. Even if you manage to have your article featured in the part that highlights the most popular trending posts, it will only remain there for a few hours or a day at most.
5. Create captivating captions.
The photograph attracts attention, but the caption is the clincher. You want a caption that captures your audience’s attention and, most importantly, attracts likes and comments.
Something instructive, something engaging, and something actionable; experiment to determine what your audience prefers. In general, it’s a good idea to pose a question to increase user participation and, as a result, create opportunities for you to participate back.
6. Promote via influencers
Receiving a shout-out from an influencer on a new post might generate a substantial amount of additional traffic and engagement. If you receive an influx of visitors immediately after your post goes up, it can propel you into the “top posts” box.
Marketing with an influencer is challenging. You must identify the appropriate influencers, attract their attention, and possibly compensate them. Nonetheless, it can be beneficial, so it is worth investigating.
7. Pick Mid-Range Hashtags
Examine the hashtags you want to appear in the top posts box. What level of competition do they face? If there are hundreds of thousands of weekly postings, it will be difficult to stand out unless you already have a large audience.
If there are only a few postings per year, you will easily stand out, but you won’t receive much engagement by being at the top. You must identify hashtags that fall somewhere in the Goldilocks zone.
8. Concentrate on Rapid and Early Engagement
I’ve referred to this a few times, but Instagram‘s algorithm significantly favors content that receives a lot of engagement within the first hour or two after being uploaded.
It is extremely time-sensitive, so even if your previous posts resonate well with your audience, they will not get highlighted. You need a rapid, early surge to reach the top positions.
I work at Likes Geek as a marketing researcher and journalist with over 5 years of experience in media and content marketing. With a demonstrated history of working in the international news and financial technology publishing industries. I manage content and the editorial team at Likes Geek.