Let me clear up the biggest myth about Instagram's algorithms for you: they're not some mysterious enemies deliberately hiding your posts like they've got a personal vendetta against your lovely bedroom photos.
They're actually quite simple. And once you understand what they want, you can give them exactly that.
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Instagram makes money when people stay on the platform longer.
More time on app = more ads they can show = more revenue for them.
So the algorithms' job is simple: find content that keeps people scrolling instead of closing the app to do something more fun… like laundry.
That's it. Nothing more mysterious than that.
Their entire reason for existing is to put content in front of people (or accounts) that will value that content.
How long do people spend consuming your content?
The longer they stay, view or read… the more valuable Instagram considers your post.
Think of it as the digital equivalent of someone actually listening when you tell them about your organic breakfast options.
How quickly do people like, comment, save, or share after seeing your post?
Fast engagement signals quality content.
Slow engagement suggests people are scrolling past faster than a guest heading for the door when they spot your "detailed house rules".
Do people read your entire caption or watch your full video? High completion rates tell Instagram people find your content worth finishing.
Stop trying to "hack" the algorithms like some sort of digital magician.
Start creating content your Perfect Potential Guests actually want to consume (once you've defined your Perfect Potential Guest in granular detail, of course).
When they engage genuinely with your posts, Instagram says "These people like this host's content. Let's show it to more people like them."
The algorithms then become your distribution partners, not obstacles you're fighting like a guest trying to work the smart TV remote.
Not just pretty descriptions that say less than a politician's promise. The secret to captions that actually convert browsers into bookers?
Read the complete guide based on my proven Flip The Script system here.
The algorithms reward reliability, not constant posting like an over enthusiastic host sending daily "how was your stay?" messages
Questions, tips, insights that make people want to respond rather than scroll past
What makes your specific property or properties unique to your Perfect Potential Guests? Talk about those, not your cat (unless your cat is part of the experience).
Understand what's working and double down on it like a returning guest who knows exactly which room they want.
Respond to comments and DMs promptly and meaningfully and interact with other creators' content
Most hosts think they're fighting the algorithms. Really, they're just not giving them what they want: content that keeps people glued to the Insta instead of switching to TikTok.
Once you understand this, everything changes.
Your reach increases.
Your engagement improves.
Your Perfect Potential Guests start finding you.
The algorithms stop being this mysterious force working against you and become exactly what they are: systems designed to connect quality content with interested audiences.
And you? You start creating content that qualifies as "quality" in Instagram's eyes.
What hosts often miss is that understanding algorithms is worthless without foundational systems to leverage them.
Without a profile that actually converts the visitors these algorithms send you… literally everything else you do on the platform is a total waste of time
Second, you're gonna need a targeted, time-saving content creation system that works without burning you out.
Get these right, and the algorithms become your growth engine.
Stop trying to outsmart the algorithms with hacks, tricks & trending audio.
Start giving them exactly what they want: content people actually engage with.
Target your Perfect Potential Guest with your content & everything else soon follows.