03/10/2026
I decided to create more educational content because, after 15 years in social media, I still see the algorithm being explained like it’s far more complicated than it actually is.
Once you understand the basics of how it works, everything starts making much more sense.
This really is Instagram’s algorithm explained in a few simple visual slides.
If your account feels stuck, here’s what I’d start with:
1. Clean up inactive followers.
If someone no longer uses Instagram, they may still be part of the audience your content is being tested on, but they are never there to react.
Inactive followers are not helping you.
Do not remove hundreds of people at once. Make changes gradually so you do not trigger Instagram’s spam limits or account restrictions.
Want me to explain shadow bans properly next? Like this post and I’ll do that one next.
2. Look at who YOU follow and interact with.
Instagram also learns from your own activity.
Start liking, commenting and messaging people who are actually relevant to your business.
For clinics, this could mean other clinics, local businesses, practitioners and potential clients.
If you are an academy, connect with practitioners and clinics who could genuinely become students. Local clinics in your area to start from.
Looking for treatment clients? Check who follows competitors in your area, but do not blindly follow everyone. Their audience may be just as random as yours.
The goal is not simply MORE followers.
It is the RIGHT followers, the RIGHT interactions and content that gives them a reason to react.
That is when reach starts to move.
Kate
