The internet is still in shock after the sensational news that Insta is going to eliminate the likes counter under posts. The process was not abrupt, but users still could hardly imagine how it all would work in the end. Recently, they could buy Instagram likes to secure growth on the platform that is constantly changing, and buying little hearts seemed not to be a big deal.
But as the innovation went on, society realized that even though the exact number of impressions is hidden, they still impacted the growth of IG. So, how do hearts still influence business profiles on Insta? We are about to find it out and share with you helpful tips for getting more Instagram likes in your stats.
Why Are Likes Hidden?
The elimination of exact counters is nowadays optional for users, but the platform pushes this option now, tending to make the platform a more safe and healthy place to spend time. Like most social media, Instagram is targeted mostly at the younger audience, and the research done on the behavior of these age groups shows that the competition momentum that IG likes are creating isn’t working well for them. They feel frustrated and depressed.
So, to become a better place to be, Insta has decided to evolve the liking system and change the focus of their rating algorithms from gaining big numbers to a more complicated format – activity. The general idea is to make users change their priorities when they look for content to consume. Instead of simply noting that the particular post has many Instagram likes, they should prefer to pay attention to the sense of the content they see and only then make a decision if they are going to hit the like button too.
How Hearts Impact The Growth Of Brands On Instagram
Let’s go through the main pillars that will help you maintain the engagement needed to compete with other businesses in the niche.
More Work On Quality
With all the changes made, reintegrating likes for IG into your strategy is not that easy. However, when a person hits a little heart, the system still considers that as a bonus to your rating.
Today, it has become harder to make people press this button and gain many likes for Instagram because they are tired of tons of informational junk that surrounds them on social media, so they lean towards high-quality content that provides bigger value. Hence, you have to improve the originality of your content and check the quality of the curated material that you incorporate into your plan.
When it comes to putting effort into creating things – the right decision is to do it, even if it takes more time.
What About The Algorithm?
Everyone who promotes Insta profiles knows that there’s nothing more important than ratings, which provide visibility and activity. Many of us were afraid that hiding likes on IG would affect our possibility of improving our position, but the truth is that nowadays, the app doesn’t make much difference in what exactly people are doing on your profile with your content, as long as they stay engaged there.
The obvious conclusion is that your ultimate task is to make users active on your page and not just bring your posts more Instagram likes, but save, share, and comment on them.
Few Tips To Get More Likes In 2023
Despite the fact that the platform made hearts invisible and less important at first sight, they still matter a lot, so here are some effective ways to get more of them.
1.Use hashtags
Never neglect the power of relevant hashtags. These words can make your posts reachable and discoverable for the target audience, also providing better activity on your whole profile and more likes for Instagram publications. The main task that you chase with your hashtag strategy is to drive the audience’s attention to the posts and make them interested in exploring your page further.
2. Provide real value
As it was mentioned before, modern users want to see more useful and relevant information, along with fine visuals. To win the love of your target group, you have to provide what will engage them for longer than just a pretty picture of your product. Seek insights to share and offer your personal experience as a topic to create a loyal community of adherents who are interested in your brand and the industry in general. Therefore, they will be genuinely interested in interacting with your content and bringing you Instagram likes.
3. Use Reels
The trick is simple. Reels are a relatively new feature, so Insta pushes them actively to attract more impressions. Hence, all your reels will get essential “help” in the promotion and gaining IG likes from the platform itself. Pretty useful thing. Making reels is easy – all you have to do is to create trendy short videos, somehow connected to your brand industry or products.
4. Continue using contests
Like-to-win contests are pretty good for gaining likes on Instagram and general activity on your profile. Create a promo post and push it a little bit to get more participants. Encourage people to tag their friends as well to drive new customers to your products. To increase interest, provide a decent prize that can for sure make your audience engaged.
5. Enhance your visuals
Yes, just a few paragraphs above, it is proclaimed that we seek senses nowadays. But it doesn’t mean that visuals have lost their charm, not at all. High-quality pictures and videos still have a grip on users’ attention because that’s what they are used to and what IG is actually made for.
Use hi-res pics and videos to illustrate and stress your content’s meaning so you gain the attention of those looking for aesthetics, and they bring you precious engagement and Instagram likes. Juicy, vibrant photos, along with fun and lightweight stuff, create a perfect mix for engaging the audience.
6. Use Curated Content
This is somewhat piggybacking on popular trends, but if it works, you should never neglect it. There are trends and memes in practically every niche on the internet, and sometimes it is okay to use them for your own good and gain likes for Insta. Just make sure there are no copyright violations or something like that.
Also, motivate your adherents and customers to share their ideas of content. User-generated posts or stories are a nice addition to your content plan and are huge time-savers when you need to create new things.
7. Have fun
Some brands chase aesthetics so hard that their profiles look like museums where nothing should be touched. But the biggest success and number of Instagram likes are gained by brands who intend to get closer to their audience and share a good wit with their audience. The lighter and more positive atmosphere provides comfort for users, and they feel more attached to this profile. Use memes, jokes, and global trends to elevate your communication and have a good laugh with your subscribers and customers.
8. Be there when your audience is
Perfect timing means the synergy between you and your potential customers – you have to make sure you are online and visible at the times when your target group is most active online and is ready to spend time on your content. This is the best time span to host instant Stories contests or Insta live streams. You will also be able to answer quicker, which is a positive thing for your customers.
Conclusion
Instagram has hidden the IG likes count to make the competition and dwelling on the platform healthier and safer. But for businesses, it could be a significant change since a particular post’s visibility is not questioned. In your Insta Insights, you will still see the exact number of hearts, though. And remember that you must concentrate on the activity on your profile in general.
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