Social Media

Instagram's New Algorithm Explained: Why Your Reach Dropped Overnight

A neutral look at the recent changes and what creators should actually know.

Chris DaoJan 7, 20265 min read
Instagram's New Algorithm Explained: Why Your Reach Dropped Overnight

The algorithm is always changing, but the 2026 update feels different.

Focus on "Originality"

Instagram is explicitly penalizing aggregators and repost accounts. If you didn't make it, it won't fly.

Shares > Likes

The most important metric is now "Shares." If people send your content to DMs, the algorithm boosts it. Likes are a vanity metric; shares are the growth engine.

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