You’ve just received your latest content from Dice Media—now it’s time to share it with the world! Posting on Instagram can be a strategic way to grow your brand, and with a few simple steps, you can make sure your posts stand out. Let’s walk through how to properly post your photos and videos to get the most engagement.

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm

First and foremost, let’s understand what the Instagram algorithm is. Instagram’s algorithm is designed to show users the content that’s most relevant to them based on their activity and interactions. It prioritizes posts that users are likely to engage with, such as liking, commenting, saving, or sharing. This means that the more engaging your content is, the more likely it is to appear on your followers’ feeds or even in the Explore page.

Let’s discuss a few free ways to maximize your posts:

1. Enable High-Quality Uploads

First and foremost, make sure your content is displayed at its best. Instagram automatically compresses your uploads, but you can ensure higher quality by adjusting your settings:

Open Instagram and go to Settings.
Scroll down to Your app and media then tap Media Quality.
Enable Upload at highest quality.

This small change helps maintain the clarity and sharpness of your videos and photos, making them look professional when posted.

2. Best times to post

Select Insights from the menu.

Open Instagram and go to Settings.
Scroll down to the Insights section.
Select Total Followers, scroll down to see a breakdown of your followers' activity:
- Most Active Days: A graph showing which days of the week your followers are most active.
- Most Active Hours: A graph showing the times of day when your followers are most active.

Once you know when your audience is most active, you can schedule your posts to coincide with those peak times. Here’s how to use the data effectively:

Post during peak times: If your followers are most active between 9 AM and 12 PM, make sure to schedule your posts around that time to catch them while they’re online.
Tailor your posts to active days: If your followers engage more on weekends or specific weekdays, adjust your posting schedule accordingly to match those trends.
Use scheduling tools: If you're unable to post during peak times, you can use scheduling tools like Instagram’s native scheduler or third-party apps such as Hootsuite to plan and publish your posts when your audience is most active.

3. Post Videos as Reels

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes Reels, meaning they have a higher chance of appearing on your followers’ feeds and the Explore page. Here’s why you should post videos as Reels:

Reels get more visibility and engagement.
They encourage users to interact with your content, leading to better performance overall.
Short, engaging videos are perfect for showcasing your work in a dynamic way.

Be sure to create vertical videos that are visually compelling and deliver your message quickly.

4. Post Photos as Carousels

When posting photos, consider using carousel posts. These allow you to share multiple images in one post, which has several benefits:

Instagram CEO Adam Moseri explains the significance of carousel posting

Users are more likely to swipe through, increasing time spent on your post.
Carousels are great for telling a story or showing different angles.
More engagement signals Instagram’s algorithm to prioritize your post.

Make sure the images are cohesive and offer value in each swipe, creating a seamless experience for your audience.

5. Use Hashtags and Keywords

Keywords and hashtags are essential for making your content discoverable.

Keywords are terms that describe the main focus of your post, helping Instagram’s algorithm understand what your content is about. Keywords also contribute to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), meaning your posts can show up in Google search results as well as on Instagram. For example, if you’re posting about a new jacket collection, keywords like “fall fashion,” “trendy outerwear,” or “stylish jackets” will help attract users searching for those terms.
Hashtags are used to categorize your content on Instagram, making it easier for users to find. For instance, hashtags like #ItalianFood, #NYCFood, or #Foodie are popular for attracting a broad audience interested in food. In 2025, hashtag use is not as essential, but still good practice.

For the best results:

Use 5–15 hashtags in your captions, including a mix of popular and niche ones relevant to your content.
Add keywords that are searchable, helping your post appear in search results or on the Explore page.

6. Tag Locations

This small detail can make a big difference, especially if you’re targeting a local audience. Tagging locations:

Increases your visibility in local searches.
Helps your content appear in location-based feeds and on the Explore page.

Whether it’s the city you’re in or the specific venue, adding a location tag is a simple but effective way to increase engagement.

7. Collaborate and Tag Others

Tagging the right people and brands in your posts is a simple way to get more eyes on your content. Whether it’s collaborators, brands, or influencers, tagging others helps you reach a wider audience and boosts engagement. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Collaborators and Partners: Always tag anyone who worked with you on the content, whether it's a brand, influencer, or another creator. This gives you a chance to share the spotlight and exposes your post to their followers, which can lead to more engagement.
Brands and Products: If you’re featuring a brand or product, be sure to tag them. Not only does this give credit, but it increases the chance they’ll share or repost your content, which can help get it in front of more people.
Influencers or Industry Figures: If you’re featuring influencers or notable figures in your field, tagging them can encourage them to engage with your post. A like, comment, or share from them can amplify your content and help you reach a wider audience.
Instagram’s Collaboration Feature: Instagram’s Collab feature is a great tool to boost your reach. When you co-author a post with someone, it appears on both your profile and theirs. This doubles your exposure and can bring your content to the attention of their followers as well.

If you have worked with us, don’t forget to send a collaboration request to @dicemedia.co, we’d love to help you share your content!

Posting Content on Instagram in 2025