Instagram's algorithm favors on-platform actions like DMs over off-platform link clicks. Asking users to reply to a Story to receive a link, rather than using a link sticker, signals high engagement to the algorithm, which can dramatically increase the story's overall views and reach.

A Metricool study revealed a counterintuitive finding: explicitly asking for likes decreases them by 5%. Conversely, asking for other interactions yields massive gains, with saves increasing 92% and comments increasing by 203% when requested in a call to action.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, a recent study by the social media tool Metricool found that explicitly asking viewers to like a Reel results in 5% fewer likes on average. This suggests creators should test removing the 'ask for likes' call-to-action.

When platforms like LinkedIn track specific metrics like 'saves,' explicitly asking users to 'Save this post' in your copy leads to a measurable increase in that action. This simple directive gives a clear signal to both the user and the platform's algorithm, improving content performance.

Telling users to 'click the link in bio' actively instructs your most interested audience members to stop engaging with your content (liking, commenting, saving) and navigate away. This lack of engagement from interested parties signals to the algorithm that the post is not valuable, reducing its reach.

Instagram's algorithm does not penalize accounts for deleting posts. However, reposting content can lead to lower engagement because followers who saw the original may feel they have already interacted with the content, creating a psychological barrier to re-engaging with the new version.

Contrary to popular belief, Instagram's algorithm does not reward accounts for direct engagement activities like replying to comments or DMs. While these actions foster community goodwill, they are not a factor in content reach. For time-strapped creators, posting new content provides a far greater growth ROI.

Likes are a vanity metric. For algorithmic success, focus on content that encourages saves and comments, but most importantly, shares. Instagram has explicitly stated it is prioritizing content that gets shared to boost its reach.

When users leave your post to click a link, they stop engaging. The Instagram algorithm interprets this lack of interaction (likes, comments, saves) as a sign of poor content, suppressing its reach even among your most interested followers.