Instagram’s Algorithm Change: What it Means For Your Pet Business

Social media is an incredibly influential tool for businesses today, and Instagram has become one of the most popular and essential platforms for expanding your brand. As a result, constant algorithm updates have become commonplace and something that businesses need to stay on top of.

One of the most significant algorithm changes to date is the platform’s shift to become more video-based. In recent years, Instagram has been pushing video content increasingly, a deviation from its roots as a photo-sharing app. This push towards video content led to an increase in Instagram’s popularity for younger age groups, and consequently, the infamous Instagram Reels were born: short-form videos that live squarely within Instagram’s ecosystem.

However, in recent months, many Instagram users have noticed their Reel views going down. This drop ultimately led the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, to release a statement that confirmed that Instagram had over-focused on video content during recent years, neglecting to show users photos as much as they had in the past.

Instagram’s algorithm shift came as a result of this shift in focus, and it’s fascinating to see how it will play out in the next few months. The platform’s new algorithm will show users a more balanced mix of photos and videos, encouraging businesses not to focus on only one type of content. Instagram claims they have placed equal value on both types of content, meaning pet businesses are free to create whatever engages their audience the most, based on their marketing goals.

Furthermore, Instagram’s recent algorithm change highlights that engagement on the app is still subjective. Authenticity is still winning when it comes to consumer engagement, no matter the style of content. Businesses need to incorporate honesty and transparency into their accounts along with their carefully curated marketing tactics. Authenticity encourages trust from potential customers, optimizing brand loyalty in the long run.

So if you’re a pet business, what exactly does this all mean? How will this shift in Instagram’s algorithm affect the way you present your business and services to your audience?

Pet businesses need to keep a few things in mind when creating content for Instagram today. The shift in Instagram’s algorithm to one that promotes both photos and videos is a great opportunity to experiment with new types of content that highlight animals’ unique personalities.

Pet brands can create short-form videos showcasing their latest services and products, such as a how-to video on homemade dog food, playing fetch games with furry customers, or offering an ‘ask your vet’ series. These videos can be used to help highlight unique features of the business, and provide consumers with informative and fun experiences.

One of the best aspects of Instagram’s algorithm shift is the ability to target specific customers through posts about favorite moments or times of the year. For instance, pet businesses can create reels or photo posts that relate to popular pet events throughout the year, such as National Dog Day or Cat Day, to increase engagement with their audience.

Finally, the way in which you engage with your audience on Instagram plays a critical role in business success on the platform. Lean into your audience’s love for cute and dynamic pet content, and use user-generated content as a building block for Instagram success. Sharing photos and videos of happy customers and their pets can promote brand loyalty and extend followers’ reach by leveraging that content to be shared by other customers with furry friends.

Understanding and dissecting the way Instagram’s algorithm works is important for pet businesses to ensure you are reaching your target audience and maximizing your brand’s success across platforms. As I’ve said, Instagram’s algorithm recently shifted its focus to balance its content between photos and videos after receiving feedback from users. Therefore, pet businesses should create a mixture of photos and videos, using a mixture of posts to feature the unique features of their services and animals to stand out on the platform. Stay authentic, focus on engaging with your audience, and using user-generated content, and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits of Instagram’s algorithm changes.