Engagement Metrics are Changing! Here’s How to Make Your Engagement Soar
A 2026 Instagram Algorithm Updates Guide
Getting likes is now the smallest part of the equation. When it comes to being seen, Instagram plans to pivot toward new, hyper-personalized content metrics.
What to Expect with Instagram’s New Engagement Metrics:
According to industry analysis, Instagram DMs and saves will be the primary drivers of visibility. Meaningful, intent-driven engagement is what will push your content to new users. Here’s a breakdown of how Instagram will weigh your posts in the new year.
The New Engagement Hierarchy for 2026
What matters more now is retention, saves, and shares, which is the opposite of what we saw in 2020.
Competition Rate/Watch Time will be weighed at 25%
Holding attention is key here. Content that keeps users engaged will see a significant boost in distribution.
Saves and Collections: 25%
Think of it as a “super like.” Saves indicate high intent and future value, mainly saves into named collections rather than quick saves.
Shares via DM: 20%
DMs are one of the strongest signals of value. We recommend giving users call-to-action options that encourage followers to share your content.
Comments over Seven words: 15%
The algorithm knows the difference between a fire emoji and a thoughtful comment. It will reward long comments and genuine conversation.
Likes will only be considered at 5%
Once a massive driver for success, it is now the least significant signal to overall ranking.
What Does This Mean for Your Content?
REELS REELS REELS
Video content is expected to receive 2.5x priority over static photos. As Instagram continues to prioritize video content to keep up with competitors, expect shorter, snippier videos, with 7-12 seconds as the sweet spot. And videos that capture users’ attention within the first 3 seconds will receive a 40% boost in reach. If you haven't started yet, put your most interesting soundbite at the top, then play the rest of the video.
Updated Reel Data Analysis
Expect frame-by-frame engagement, identifying the exact moments where viewers drop off or rewatch. This data will tell the algorithm what to prioritize, with preference to videos that receive consistent engagement.
Should I still Post Static Images?
Photos will now serve strategic brand identity purposes rather than the educational carousels we came to know and love. If you’re looking to boost engagement on static images, you’ll want to find your “send to a friend” hook so you receive the boost from shares.
The Egg Has Hatched: How AI will Hyper-Personalize Your Feed
The future is here, and there's no turning back.
Instagram has 15+ AI models that will moderate Meta's entire ecosystem and personalize your feed. Before, we used simple interest matching to predict behavior. But that is a thing of the past. Meta's AI systems will analyze not only what you engage with, but also how you engage. It will track your scrolling speed and hesitation patterns, automatically adjusting your algorithm in real time: less hashtag matching and more conceptual connections between the content you've viewed and the content you're suggested.
Stop Flying Blind! Ensure Your Successful Social Strategy in 2026
To thrive under the new algorithm, you'll have to adapt to an AI-driven system by creating:
Catchy short-form video content,
Building genuine community, &
Driving Consistent Engagement
Instagram will no longer reward passive likes and comments but instead prioritize boosting genuine human connection by pushing content with high share rates and replays.
Early Bird Gets the Worm!
Ready to future-proof your Instagram strategy? We grew our clients' follower base to over 50,000 in 2025 by prioritizing meaningful engagement. If you're ready to grow, book a call with us, and let's get started.
