As an artist, Instagram can be a valuable platform for showcasing your work and reaching a wider audience. However, with constant algorithm changes and updates, it can be difficult to keep up with what works and what doesn’t. In this article, we’ll cover five tips for using Instagram in 2023 to optimize your posts and improve engagement.

1. Keep your hashtag count low Instagram now considers anything beyond three to five hashtags as spam. While the exact reason for this change is unclear, it’s important to stay within this range to avoid being penalized by the algorithm. Choose relevant and specific hashtags to help your posts reach the right audience.

1. Avoid watermarked content and CapCut videos Instagram has been cracking down on content from other platforms, such as TikTok, and is now pushing this type of content less and less. This means that if you use watermarked content or CapCut videos in your reels, your posts may not be shown to as many people.

1. Stick to portrait videos and photos Landscape videos are out, and Instagram now prioritizes fast, easily consumable content. Portrait videos and photos fit better with the current aesthetic of Instagram and are more likely to be pushed to a wider audience.

1. Engage with your audience in the first five minutes The first five minutes after posting are crucial for driving engagement on your post. If your post is being shared or you’re actively replying to comments, Instagram recognizes this as a sign that your content is valuable and will push it to more of your followers.

1. Use alt text to your advantage Alt text is a feature in Instagram settings that allows you to provide a description of your post beyond the caption and image or video itself. Using alt text with relevant keywords and categories can improve the chances of your post being shown to users who are interested in that type of content.

In conclusion, while social media may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s important to stay up-to-date with current trends and algorithms to ensure your posts are being seen by the right people. By following these five tips, you can optimize your Instagram content for better engagement and reach a wider audience.