Mastering the Instagram Explore Page Algorithm: How to Reset Your Feed and Go Viral

The Instagram Explore page is one of the most powerful ways to get your content seen by new audiences on the platform. With over 1 billion monthly active users, getting on the Explore page can increase engagement, followers, and reach for your brand or personal account.

But the Explore page isn't just about luck - the Instagram algorithm selectively curates content to show users based on their interests and activity. So how can you master the Instagram Explore page algorithm to reset your feed and go viral?

What is the Instagram Explore Page?

The Instagram Explore page shows a mix of photos and videos recommended by Instagram based on your interactions. The algorithm looks at the posts you like, accounts you follow, hashtags you search for and more to figure out your tastes and interests.

When you open the Explore tab, you'll see popular photos and videos tailored just for you. This is Instagram's way of discovering new accounts and content you may like but haven't found yet. Getting on the Explore page means reaching many new users who will discover your brand or account organically this way.

Why You Should Prioritize the Explore Page

Getting on the Explore page can transform your Instagram growth and success. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Reach New Audiences: The Explore page introduces your content to users who don't follow you yet but would be interested in your brand. This is an invaluable source of new followers and subscribers.
• Increase Engagement: When users discover you organically on Explore, they are more likely to engage with your content through Instagram likes, comments, shares, and more. This signals to Instagram that your content is relevant.
• Go Viral: Getting viral on Instagram means mass exposure and engagement. The Explore page's algorithmically curated feed makes it a prime way to get content going viral across the platform.
• Build Authority: Getting featured regularly on Explore shows Instagram that your account offers value. Over time, this can help boost your overall authority on the platform.
• Drive Traffic: The Explore page leads to genuine traffic as interested users discover and click through to your website or landing pages.

Clearly, if you want to succeed on Instagram, figuring out the Explore page should be a top priority. But how does it all work?

How the Instagram Explore Page Algorithm Works

Instagram has never publicly revealed the details of how the Explore page algorithm works. But based on extensive research and experimentation by social media experts, we have a good sense of the main factors:

Your Interests

The number one factor is your own account behavior - the posts you like, accounts you follow, hashtags you search for and more. The algorithm uses this to understand your tastes and preferences. Your Explore page will be populated with relevant content.

Post Engagement

Posts that get high engagement in terms of likes, comments, shares and saves are more likely to appear on the Explore page. Instagram sees this as a signal the content is resonating with audiences.

Post Recency

More recent posts have an advantage on the Explore page. Instagram wants to serve fresh, timely content to keep users engaged. So newer posts tend to get picked up more.

Account Authority

Established accounts with solid follower counts and engagement metrics have a better chance of ranking on Explore. But newer accounts can also break through with the right content.