Search Algorithm Updates

Social media platforms frequently make changes to the algorithms that determine how content is ranked, prioritized, and displayed to users in search results. These algorithms are adjusted to improve the relevance, accuracy, and personalization of the search experiences users have while using the platforms, but each platform also has its own unique set of goals—some of which may be more favorable to the platform than their users (promoting 'high-quality' content, for example, which in some cases may be code for 'content that keeps people within our platform,' as opposed to content that might be better for users but less favorable to the platform).

Still, when you run a search on a social media platform, you want a search result that fulfills your intent; when you use the filters or other tools available to you, you want those to lead you to the most relevant content for your needs. So, here in 'Instagram algorithms' land, what to watch for; how to understand what happened; and why it matters. Work with the algorithms to maintain discoverability.