For brands and creators struggling with Instagram's algorithm, a new opportunity has emerged. The platform's Favorites feature allows users to curate their own personalized feed by selecting up to 50 accounts they want to prioritize. Being included in these curated lists can significantly boost a post's visibility and engagement.
Instagram Favorites: A User-Controlled Experience
Unlike the traditional algorithm-driven feed, the Favorites feature puts content curation directly in users' hands. Posts from favorited accounts appear with a distinctive star icon in the main feed and receive higher visibility. Instagram has confirmed that this user preference directly influences the algorithm's distribution of content.
This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for content creators. While it requires producing genuinely valuable content to earn a spot in users' Favorites, the potential rewards include sustained visibility regardless of algorithmic changes.
Three Strategies to Earn a Place in Users' Favorites
1. Deliver Consistently Valuable Content: The fundamental requirement is creating content that users find indispensable. This demands deep understanding of audience needs—whether educational, entertaining, or inspirational—and the ability to address them through original, high-quality posts.
2. Foster Meaningful Engagement: Instagram remains a social platform where interaction matters. Prompt responses to comments, thoughtful direct messages, and participation in relevant conversations help build relationships that motivate users to include accounts in their Favorites.
3. Diversify Content Formats: Leveraging Instagram's full range of formats—from static images to Reels, Stories to live videos—caters to different user preferences and increases the likelihood of being favorited. A varied approach demonstrates versatility while providing multiple entry points for audience connection.
As Instagram continues evolving its user experience, the Favorites feature represents a significant shift toward user-controlled content consumption. For brands and creators willing to invest in authentic value and engagement, it offers a powerful avenue for sustained visibility in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.