Old vs New Instagram Algorithm for Music Artists 📈😳

Most artists are still playing by the old Instagram rules and wondering why they’re stuck...❌

But if you lean into what’s working now, you’ll be way ahead of the curve and give your music the best shot at reaching real fans. 🔥

Here’s how to play the new game: 👇

❌ Old: "Push Content"

"Push content" is content that pushes your songs on people.

Saying things like “Out now!" and "Link in bio!”.

It doesn’t work because it feels like an ad - and people aren’t scrolling Instagram to be sold to.

✅ New: "Pull content"

“Pull content” is when you create content that pulls people in.

Using text & visual hooks and creating moments with your music that connect with your target audience.

It works because it feels real - and makes the right people stop scrolling and turn into fans.

Want help coming up with “pull content” ideas? Download my NEW! Daily Content Ideas List, where I give you the top 100+ content ideas & hooks gaining artists millions of views every month + personalize to your style! 🚀

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❌ Old: Hashtags

Hashtags used to be the go-to strategy for reach. But according to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, they don’t boost discovery like people think.

They no longer help push content further in the algorithm.

✅ New: Keywords

Now, Instagram scans your text hooks and captions to understand who your content is for.

Using the right keywords helps you reach the right audience.

Examples of keyword-rich text hooks:

• “Gnarles Barkley - “Crazy”, but for the Bass Heads…"

• "What DJs actually do: Mixing Breakdown"

• “If Slipknot accidentally got booked for EDC"

It’s simple: say what your content is about, who it’s for, and what they’ll feel.

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❌ Old: Quantity

The old belief: just post more. Keep feeding the algorithm.

That worked when quantity was king - but not anymore.

✅ New: Quality

The new priority is watch time.

If they swipe away fast, your reach drops. But if they watch your full video - or even replay it - you’ll be rewarded.

So instead of posting every day just to post, aim to create fewer videos that actually hold attention.

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❌ Old: Followers Matter

People used to think: more followers = more reach.

But that’s no longer true.

If no one’s engaging with your content, it doesn't matter how many followers you have.

✅ New: Interactions Matter

Now, it’s about how people interact with your content.

Instagram rewards posts that get engagement (especially saves & shares):

So instead of chasing a high follower count, focus on content that sparks real engagement.

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💯 Final thoughts:

The algorithm rewards connection, creativity, and attention.

If you lean into that, you won’t just grow your reach - you’ll grow your fanbase.

Keep showing up. Keep evolving.

Your music deserves to be heard. 🔥

👉 P.S. if you're feeling stuck or want some help with your content, I'm inviting you to join my Group + 1:1 Coaching. We've helped 2819+ artists grow! 🎉

Stay creative,

Lukas (musicbyLukas)

Founder & CEO, SocialSound