How the Instagram Algorithm Forced Me To Embrace Change

How the Instagram Algorithm Forced Me To Embrace Change

Skirt: Zara (similar here and here); Trench: COS (similar here and here); Bag: Ellen & James

Albert Einstein wisely said “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. If this is something that applies in life, why is Instagram any different?

A few days back, I posted an Instagram story of how my feed looked last year in comparison to how it looks now. Immediately my DM inbox was flooded with questions from you guys. “How did you make the transition?”, “What made you decide to change?”, “What are your tips?”. The list goes on.

Truth is, I knew I’d changed my aesthetic, but I didn’t realize how dramatically until I posted those two pictures side by side. So why did someone with a monochromatic, cool-toned, fashion-heavy feed decide to change direction? Let me start from the beginning.

We can all agree that in the social media universe, one of the hottest topics in 2017 was Instagram’s new algorithm. If you’re not familiar with it, the algorithm changed the order in which we see posts, from chronological, to what’s most relevant. It’s also been a major blow for content creators, as our posts often aren’t seen by our audiences. Is it frustrating? Absolutely! Is it something to cry over? No.

Here’s the thing that I realized about the algorithm: it was a challenge. For months, it was difficult to navigate. Every time a picture would underperform, I would get discouraged. But at the same time, I was afraid to change. I worried that if I changed my editing, my colour theme, my ‘look’, my audience would hate me for it.

However, after months of fighting a losing battle to the algorithm, I decided ‘fuck it’. I’d had enough of the same stale content I was producing. I was tired of editing the same way, tired of sticking to one colour theme. At one point it was a reflection of my life and personality, but I’d changed, and my Instagram needed to evolve with me.

Slowly I began to change the way I was editing. This transition started in Toronto. I started leaning towards warmer tones and varying what I was posting.

Then I arrived in Europe. Although my content in Toronto had started to vary, I was still afraid of changing too much. I still wanted to stick to a consistent theme. But within just a few days in Italy, any fear I had dissipated. I was tired of worrying about a theme. I just wanted to share the beauty I was surrounded by, and if that meant integrating some colour into my feed, then so be it! As I grew more fearless and began to take more chances, I noticed my readers being more receptive. Maybe the algorithm was favouring me, or perhaps you guys were ready for new content from me. The thing is though, the outcome didn’t matter, what mattered was that I began to feel inspired by and in-line with the content I was producing.

My experience with the algorithm, however challenging, forced me to face my fears. Perhaps if Instagram had continued to be kind to me, I wouldn’t have been pushed to try new things, I would have sat in my monochrome comfort zone forever. Instead, I was challenged as a creative – to produce more dynamic and engaging content, and to focus on building a strong community.

So instead of freaking out over the algorithm and letting it bring you down, view it as a challenge and start producing content for yourself. I promise you, your audience will respect you for it and be inspired by your passion.

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29 Comments

  1. January 9, 2018 / 8:45 am

    I’m annoyed at the algorithm. I feel like more and more people are speaking up about it too. I’m more annoyed about missing out on people’s feed. I don’t go on as often (attempting to change this) and when I do I usually get bombarded by the feed of one person. I have to scroll down countless times until I start seeing other uses. That irritates me so much. I don’t post. In fact yesterday was the first time in maybe 6 months so I have no idea who saw it. I got a few likes from my usual following and a lot more newer so I don’t know how to feel about that

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

  2. Britta
    January 9, 2018 / 8:51 am

    SIF! I adore the changes you have made and I will definitely try out some new things to try and beat the algorithm.
    You look so gorgeous btw! Love this look 🙂

  3. Julia R
    January 9, 2018 / 9:12 am

    I missed your Insta Stories but I have just scrolled down your Insta feed and I love the warmer tones you are using! The algorithm change has made me start using Insta Stories (and now I can’t believe I didn’t use it before!).
    On another note, I love your outfit – the pearl details are gorgeous!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  4. January 9, 2018 / 12:21 pm

    Siffat,

    I started doing something similar as well, not that I have a lot of followers but I started to revamp the way I edit and what I feature. Of course my biggest problem is that I have a lot of passions and I do a lot of creative work in different arenas. I want to thank you for the reminder to go with the flow of change and don’t let the changes stop me from what I need to be doing and how I do it!

    Hope you are having an awesome time in Bangladesh!

    Besos,

    Maurenice
    (IG:villabisono)

  5. January 9, 2018 / 2:14 pm

    I love your photos now, and don’t worry too much about your theme or anything. We like you because of you, not your theme. The algorithm i think does affect bloggers a lot, i know that if a post under performs i get a bit upset, but it’s happening to everyone.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

  6. January 9, 2018 / 8:44 pm

    Love your insta feed, it’s always on top! And yes to trying new things, it’s indeed a way to grow and learn more, no matter in which area of life. Have a lovely week! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  7. January 9, 2018 / 8:46 pm

    Yes to pearl details, am I right! I actually had to go back to your posts from 2016 on IG to see the change you were referring to. I do see a difference in your color tone for sure. I’m happy that your new aesthetic has made you happier.

  8. January 9, 2018 / 11:00 pm

    You know this is so true. We complain about the algorithm for ages but it’s really forced us to up our game and create content that our users really enjoy! Your content is beautiful and I love following your adventures!

    x
    Shloka

    http://www.thesilksneaker.com

  9. January 10, 2018 / 1:36 pm

    Strong words of advice. I love when it goes well for me, but have learned not to get so upset or discouraged when it doesn’t. That is a huge waste of time. Continuing to grow personally is more important than the growth of your following. Cultivating your message and having something to say, feels far more valuable. I love the changes you made.
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

  10. January 11, 2018 / 1:46 pm

    Well said Siffat!! The algorithm killed me (and still is haha) but we can’t let that discourage ourselves and venture out to be creative. I’m slowly changing my aesthetic and I enjoy the freedom of not stressing from Instagram.

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  11. January 12, 2018 / 4:54 am

    Indeed, change is the only constant thing in this world. It’s disappointing yes, but we should never let it stop us. Most importantly, we should not stress over it. Great tips you got here by the way dear.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  12. January 12, 2018 / 8:15 am

    I really love and enjoyed your feed. It’s so unique and inspiring!
    About Instagram I feel ya. I miss the old days..
    The whole point is it’s ‘insta’; it’s supposed to be instantaneous! On the spot! , rapid!! and it’s not!!
    Maybe it’s easy for me to talk crap about Instagram now that I don’t ‘need’ followers anymore because I am not relying on the app for income, but I can’t help thinking about the good old days, when you could go online and see cool things your friends were doing and liking. The quality was sometimes pretty crappy but the content was genuine and honest, and in 2017 with all that is going on in the world, it feels like something real is all we need.
    Love your work again! Keep it up.
    Xx, Raysa

  13. Jessi Malay
    January 13, 2018 / 1:16 am

    Nicely written babe! The IG algorithm really gets to me too!! I was stressing about it for a while, but it is what it is lol! I like that you saw it as a challenge to keep going, I’m sure it will take some time to get into the rhythm but you got this!!

    XO, Jessi
    https://jmalay.com/wear-chiffon-dress-winter/

  14. January 15, 2018 / 9:13 pm

    I missed that story with the before and after picture of your feed, but I can totally say I am loving the latest shots, your travels and the colours on your grid. As you say, we should obsess less about keeping up with our aesthetic and bringing in a tad more reality into the game. Hope you are having an amazing time over in Thailand, Siff!

    Saida | She talks Glam

  15. January 16, 2018 / 5:53 pm

    This is such a lovely post and so well-written. It’s nice to see people embracing change and doing what they love!

    Hope you’re well and looking forward to seeing more from you!

    Layla xx

    http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

  16. January 16, 2018 / 11:48 pm

    Well hello Ms Legs, now back to the topic at hand- to put it bluntly- Insta’s algorithm is a biiiiAAATCH in stilettos…erm, yes…
    I’m glad you’ve found a successful way to work round it, I haven’t yet, it can get really discouraging as I feel like I’m going uphill in roller skates but I’m still motivated to keep on trying so hopefully, I’ll see the fruits of my labour soonest.
    Loving the trench with your embellished skirt. X

  17. January 18, 2018 / 12:44 am

    Thank you for the motivation and continued inspiration. Agree that it has been a struggle, but hearing your story was helpful! Your feed looks better than ever.

    xx, Amy
    https://www.theluxilook.com

  18. Filipa
    January 18, 2018 / 1:35 am

    That’s how I feel. I am now producing work that I love no matter what the algorithm does

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

  19. January 19, 2018 / 1:58 pm

    Well, I started to expand my content on Instagram and still don´t see much difference. Another thing that freaks me out is the fact that today I got suspended for the second time for answering the comments under my own picture on my own IG profile. Since when is it forbidden to write on my account? It´s so stupid.

    You look amazing!

    XO

    Daria

    http://www.dbkstylez.com

  20. January 21, 2018 / 9:55 pm

    Sif!! LOVING THIS positive note on Instagram babe!! such an uplifting and perfect read!!

    Bring it on Insta!!!

    xxx

    Ashley

    http://www.missgunner.com

  21. January 23, 2018 / 11:02 am

    Good for you for changing it up, Im doing exactly the same at the moment as in the last month Ive lost 200 followers and likes have been pretty low too which of course is discouraging, but like you Ive decided to create content for myself and those who have been following me for a long time. I love the warmer tones and am playing around with editing too xx

    http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com

  22. January 23, 2018 / 4:38 pm

    Sticking to a specific theme is hard sometimes, but I am glad you embraced color and stepped up the game by changing your edits. Love the new colors in your photos and they really work well with traveling content too. Wishing you a great day. xx

    Andreea.
    http://couturezilla.com/

  23. January 29, 2018 / 10:57 pm

    Omg Siffat, please preach!
    So many bloggers cry about this and I can’t not roll my eyes. ”It’s the industry people. Adapt or *** ”.
    I am also thankful for the algorithm changes because it forced me to upgrade my photos, plan my theme but not so serious and engage with people which in return gives me more engagement back.
    Love this post and your honesty!

    http://www.desiringsme.com/finally-falling-back-skincare/

  24. January 30, 2018 / 11:46 pm

    Have been frustrated with the algorithm too – mostly because I keep missing out on other people’s posts! But you’re right, change is for embracing 🙂

    http://www.thestylesynapse.com

  25. February 5, 2018 / 1:50 pm

    The algorithm is being really tough on all of us, but the good thing is that it makes us grow, it makes us change and reinvent ourselves. And you’ve done a great job with that, Siffat! Your feed and content had nothing to loose, they only became better and better!

    xo Corina
    http://unbouquetdamour.com/think-pink/

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