Instagram Performance Metrics: The Numbers That Count

You don’t have to play by ear on Instagram. The platform wants to tell you how well you’re doing. You’ll see your Instagram performance metrics when you get a professional account. 

You are in the right place if you don’t know how to use them. Read this article for the best tips on using your analytics.

Optimizing Content Based on Insights From the Data

It’s great that you know where to get data. This might be whether you get it from Instagram or third-party tools. But what do you do with the information you garner? How do you formulate a content strategy with just numbers?

We can help you make better decisions using your valuable insights. Without a plan,  these numbers mean nothing. Of course, we have no idea what your numbers look like. Only you can access your Instagram page.

Still, we can do our best to create a plan with you. Let’s study three hypothetical instances and give advice based on those.

1. Posts

Yes, posts are still popular on Instagram. Even though the platform introduced short-form content, posts still make it to the Explore Page. You can increase the number of times it gets to that page. Instead of posting individual photos, make carousel posts.

One post can make multiple impressions on the same Instagram user. One post will contain multiple frames worth engaging with. Inadvertently, you will give your post multiple opportunities for engagement overall

2. Stories

You want to tell a story with your Instagram Stories. The best way to do this is to ensure that your followers flip through each Story. Your engagement metrics will tell whether people click away after viewing the first Story. 

If you don’t like how frequently people click on it, this is something to work on. Consider making each Story more compelling with each post. Give the impression that you have more to tell in the following slide. Don’t give everything away on the first page.

It’s also great to see that people notice your Stories. However, are they interacting with the Stories enough? You could encourage some interaction using some Instagram Stickers.

Create an Instagram Poll to ask your followers some interesting questions. It could also start a conversation in your DMs and boost engagement there. These tricks could help create interest in your Stories. Followers may want to return for more.

3. Reels

Instagram will tell you the average watch time for your Reels. You can tell people watch your videos all the way through. Depending on the metrics, you’ll have a lot to adjust.

Maybe they are only there for the beginning because you use clickbait often. It would be hard to tell if your followers are truly engaged. Consider doing something different to keep them around for longer. Here are some tips:

1. Refer to something that happens in the middle of the video: This will encourage viewers to watch the video multiple times if they missed it the first time. It’s human nature not to want to miss out on something. They may want to join the fun if they see comments referring to the easter egg.
2. Talk about the ending of the video: Promote the idea of a wonderful crescendo moment at the end. It could be enough to get people to stick around for the whole thing. They may even watch the video multiple times.

Hopefully, these tips will increase the total watch time for your Instagram Reels.

Metrics to Track Social Media Performance Instagram

People spend a lot of time trying to get a high follower count. Don’t get us wrong. It’s not a vanity metric. The number of followers you have on Instagram is great for social proof. However, it is not the most important number you need to keep in mind. 

If only it were that easy. The truth is that many metrics lend themself to your overall engagement rate. There are quite a few of them to keep up with. We will explain them all and give tips on the best way to use them.

1. Impressions

Impressions are when a piece of content appears before an Instagram user. You are making impressions when you scroll through an Instagram feed and look at photos. When you look at a Reel someone sent you a message in your DMs, that counts as an impression.

When you revisit the same post, you make another impression. Yes, one Instagram user can give a single post multiple impressions. Your number of impressions will tell you how much visibility a post is getting. 

If you aren’t making impressions, it’s not possible to rack up any other type of engagement. They have to see the content before they can do anything else. Try sharing to your Instagram Story immediately after making a post. Doing this helps more people see it.

You could also include a prompt to send the content to a friend. That would create another impression in the direct messages. Making impressions gives your content the opportunity for more engagement. 

Your content goes far if you notice high impressions and low metrics elsewhere. However, you may need to do more to get followers to interact.

2. Views

Views apply to Instagram Reels. This metric tells you how many views your video has amassed. It even further tells you how many times people replayed the video.

Everyone wants to get that viral video on Instagram. They need to know the tricks to increase their views. One way is by creating shorter videos. Naturally, sitting through a shorter video is easier than a long one.

You could also use videos that loop easily. Think of the videos where there is no clear ending or beginning. You could mesmerize your followers and get them to watch your videos multiple times without them knowing. 

Also, consider putting text on the screen. The viewer will read the screen while the video plays in the background. Unbeknownst to them, the video may start playing again. Try these tips and look at your Instagram Insights again. 

Of course, you should try using trending audio clips. Original audio doesn’t typically get the same promotion that trending audio does. Stay on the good side of the Instagram algorithm by using popular sounds on the platform. One of these tactics may be responsible for the boost in video count.

3. Reach

Your reach is how many accounts contact your content. Don’t confuse this with your impressions. This metric counts by Instagram accounts. It is important to watch this metric if you want to increase your followers. To get someone to follow you, you have to reach them first.

To boost your reach, consider using some Instagram SEO tactics. Use relevant keywords you think your ideal target audience member would use. Also, make a habit of using good hashtags underneath your posts. Finding more people interested in your content is still a good tool. If you can increase your reach, you are one step closer to making more followers.

4. Profile Visits

Driving traffic to your Instagram page is important. They can decide if they want to engage when they get to your page. What are you doing to draw people in? Are you using Instagram Ads? Do you have exposure on the Explore page? 

Keep your profile visits at a healthy number. You can decide what that number is. When you see your numbers start to slip, revisit your marketing efforts. You may need to do something a bit different.

4 Tips for Using Instagram Insights or Third-Party Analytics Tools

Content creators are very fortunate to have Instagram Insights and third-party tools. Still, they mean nothing unless you know how to use them. This article comprehensively explains what certain metrics mean. It’s up to you to incorporate this knowledge into your market strategies.

Of course, each brand will require specific objectives and goals. Your brand determines the type of content you’ll have to create for your audience. We can give you general advice for using these analytics. You have an intimate knowledge of your brand’s needs. Manipulate these steps to your advantage.

1. Set Goals

Think beyond just your follower count. Set goals for your engagement rates, reach, views, and impressions. Ensure these goals are reasonable in light of the numbers you currently achieve. Write them down somewhere so you can refer to them. 

Give yourself a period of time to achieve the goals. A sense of urgency could add to how passionately you go after them.

2. Watch Trends

You increase your potential for growth when you follow trends on social media. Many creators reach a wider audience by hopping on the Reels trend. See what Instagram challenges are taking the world by storm. Maybe one fits in perfectly with your overall brand.

3. Pivot

The method you were using currently doesn’t work, feel free to change it. You don’t have to revamp your entire online identity. Just nowhere to make subtle tweaks that bring effective results. Social media is very dynamic. Part of succeeding online is understanding your Instagram metrics performance and acting accordingly.

4. Measure and Track Instagram Ad Performance Metrics

Of course, promoting content online may involve buying Instagram Ads. It’s quite affordable and is an option you should consider. If you do purchase ads, pay attention to your Instagram ad performance metrics.

Get Ready To See Your Instagram Performance Metrics Skyrocket 

We all want big numbers on Instagram. It doesn’t just stop at the number of followers. It extends to the engagement rate and all the factors that play into that. It’s not easy to do that without some help.

Consider the growth experts at Plixi. We have a lot of experience growing an Instagram platform. We owe it to our very advanced AI targeting algorithm technology. It ensures that you get real followers with real interest in your content.

You can get great help from our platform for Instagram influencers. We’ve helped so many creators just like you. Growth is within reach when you use our help. Get ready to see your influencer career’s best Instagram performance metrics. You just have to sign up with Plixi today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Performance Metrics on Instagram

More people understand that numbers tell the truth. It gives the best indication of an Instagram page’s performance online. This leads to more questions from content creators. Take a look at some of our answers to those questions.

How can you measure performance on Instagram? 

You can measure your performance on Instagram using the Instagram Insights tool. It will give you a graphical representation of your progress on the platform. It will let you know if your numbers increase or decrease over a particular period.

Does Instagram show metrics? 

Instagram does show metrics so long as you have a professional account. The regular personal accounts don’t show the detailed metrics you need. Switch to a professional account to see how well your page performs on Instagram.

What is the views metric on Instagram?

The views metric on Instagram shows how many views your Instagram Reel has attracted. It also shows how many replays you have and the average time people spend watching your video.