You just posted to your Insta Story and you’re looking hella cute. One thing immediately races through your mind: did my crush see it yet? You decide to wait a few minutes before checking who has seen your Story, and alas, your crush is at the top of your list! Adrenaline pulses through your veins and then you wonder – wait, why is my crush at the top? Are they creeping my profile?
Read on – today we’re going to talk all about how Instagram decides how to rank who sees your Instagram Stories!
To creep, or to be creeped?
According to an article recently posted by Later, the people who show up at the top of your Story viewers list are not the ones stalking you, but rather the other way around. Depending on how you navigate the app, Instagram tries to figure out who is most important to you and who you would like to see at the top of your list (you know, like a little ego boost).
How does Instagram decide who you want to see?
The Instagram algorithm is a complex tracking system that traces your every move on Instagram, as well as your activity on their sister-company, Facebook. The primary goal behind the IG algorithm is to provide you with content from your “closest friends and family”, which you would most likely be the most interested in. Essentially, based on your interest, timeliness, and relationship with certain accounts, you’re more likely to be exposed to their content than others.
Based on the IG algorithm, the people who show up at the top of your Stories viewers are the accounts whose profiles and posts you:
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Visit the most
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Like and comment on the most
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Watch Instagram Stories of the most
So while the accounts you diligently keep tabs on won’t be able to tell that you’re visiting their profiles (possibly several times per day, let’s be honest!), remember that Instagram sees all and is manipulating the way you use the app to bring you who and what you want to see. The Big Brother complex is real!
However, these aren’t the only factors that determine the order in which you’ll be shown your IG Story viewers. Depending on how often you check your Story, the IG algorithm will present your viewers in a different order, in an attempt to provide you with new information every time you do check in on your viewers. So, if you’ve ever noticed accounts that you don’t necessarily follow religiously appear at the top of your list, it’s because Instagram already knows you know that your favourite people have seen your Story; they’re just trying to get you to acknowledge and engage with more of your fanbase 😉
Interested in learning more about the Instagram Story viewer ranking system? Read more about it on Later! 🙂
Thanks for reading, lovers! Until next week 🍒
Michelle xx
#KEEPSOCIAL
@serotinamedia
