Instagram Story Viewer Order: How Does the Algorithm Work? [2023]

All of us feel excited when it comes to checking who has viewed our story after posting it. Aren’t we? But have you ever thought about how your Instagram story viewer order is decided? The order in which you see the list of people who have viewed your story cannot be vague. So, if you are curious to know how viewers are arranged in Instagram stories, this article is for you. Come along!

Instagram started as a social media space but has now become an important strategic marketing app that is used by big brands and influencers alike. Instagram has many great features like Stories, Reels, and Notes. But the Stories feature is the most used feature that lets you share aesthetic content and also helps you widen your follower base. 

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the article and learn about Instagram story viewer order. Why wait, then? Let’s begin!

What is Instagram Story Viewer Order?

Instagram story viewer order is the list of people who watch your stories, and it gives you an image of your prospective follower base. If you are an influencer or business owner, your story’s views can help you promote your brand and plan for marketing strategies. 

But does this story viewer order have any significance, and is it chronologically arranged? All these queries are answered in the next sections.

Instagram Story Viewer Order: Chronological or Algorithmic?

If you have ever closely observed how people are placed on the Instagram story viewer order, you would know that it is hard to determine. There are many theories on how the Instagram story viewer order is decided.

For instance, a while back, I used to think that the person who views the story first comes at the bottom of the list. This was until I did my research and found out what actually determines Instagram story viewer order. Now, it is no longer a mystery to me. So, here is everything you need to know about the order of your story viewers. 

First and foremost, you need to know that the Instagram story viewer order is algorithmic and not chronological.

Until your story has less than 50 views, the list is shown chronologically, but the algorithm comes into play as soon as this number is surpassed.

Why is Instagram Story Viewer Order Algorithmic?

Instagram changed the way users view and interact with content on the platform in 2016 with the launch of the Stories feature. The algorithm decides not just the order of the story viewers list but also of your feeds. You must have noticed your feeds aren’t chronological anymore.

These days, Instagram feeds you with what you are interested in. But how do they know about it? Well, your activity is what tells the algorithm what you are interested in. The same goes for the story viewer order.

How Does the Instagram Story Viewer Order Algorithm Work? 

The algorithm that determines the order of story viewers works in sync with your activity on the platform. The algorithm looks for which users you are interacting with the most. Based on the level of interaction with various users, these users are ranked in the viewer list and given an Instagram story viewer order. 

Instagram Home’s product lead, Julian Gutman, was once asked how the story viewers’ order is determined in an interview.  He said, “The people that show up on that list are not the people that stalk you the most; it’s actually based on your activity and the people you’re closest to.”

So, what people generally believe is wrong: It’s no longer true that the one at the top of the Instagram Story views list stalks you.

He also added, “There are a lot of confounding factors. Do you visit their profile, like their feed post, comment on their feed post, or view their stories? Do you check the list multiple times? If you [do], [the algorithm] tries to show you a new set of people; it’s trying to give you new information every time you check the list.”

So, interaction and your activity on the platform are considered, but if you check the viewers list multiple times, you will find new names at the top each time.

Things You Should Know About  Instagram Story Viewer Order

After several experiments by many Instagram users, two things have been made very clear about the Instagram viewer list order. Here is what you need to know:

• The Instagram story viewer’s list is arranged in a reverse chronological manner till the time your story gets 50 views. So, whoever viewed the story first ends up at the bottom of the list. This means the first viewer is at the end of the list, while the last viewer is at the top of the list. However, this order only works until 50 views.
• After your story gets more than 50 views, the Instagram story viewer order changes. Now, the person who interacts the most with your profile lands on the top of the list. Remember, when I say interacts with your profile, I mean that this person visits your profile, likes, and comments on your posts more than other people on the list.

Can You See Who Views Your Instagram Stories?

Yes, you can see who views your Instagram stories by checking your story views. You can check your story view by swiping up on the story screen. Otherwise, you can tap on the viewer’s option at the bottom left corner of your story to check the viewer’s list. 

How To Take Advantage Of Instagram Story Viewers Order List?    

Instagram introduced the stories feature long after Snapchat, and even though it seemed hard to connect with at first, it soon became a user favorite. And now the stories feature has turned from an entertainment feature to a marketing feature. 

One of the advantages of the story feature is you can upload as many stories as you want in a day without worrying about ruining the aesthetics of your feed. And unlike videos, you can see who viewed your stories unless they watch the Instagram story anonymously. You can promote its new products, discount period, blogs, upcoming project teasers, and life updates on the story.

 Here is how you can use the Instagram story viewer to benefit your profile.

1. Engage with the High-Ranked Audience of the Instagram Story Viewer Order

We have discussed earlier that the person who shows on the top of your viewer list interacts with your profile. So, if you are running a business, you can check the person who constantly shows on the top of the Instagram story viewer order. This way, you can determine the users that can be most useful for you.

You can tag them in your stories, have conversations with them, and take their feedback. This way, you can create your audience into an asset.

2. Engage with the Low-Ranked Audience of the Instagram Story Viewer Order

While the person on the top of the Instagram story viewer order is already a partial asset, you need to worry about the one at the bottom of the list. The person who appears on the last of the viewer’s list interacts the least with your profile. Your focus should be on engaging with these people.

Remember, when you see the people from the bottom of the story viewer listing moving up on Instagram, that means your brand is growing. It means that you have made progress in terms of engaging with your audience.

Wrapping Up

With this, I come to the end of this blog, and I hope you now know how your Instagram story viewer order is determined. I have told you everything you need to know about the viewer list. It is a great way for you to judge who interacts with your profile and who does not. This data will be very beneficial while marketing your brand.

So, guys, that is it for today. Take care! And yeah, for any further queries related to Instagram and its features, you can comment in the comment section below. Also, keep visiting our website, Path of Ex, for more such queries related to Social media, Gaming, and Technology. Till then, Bye! Bye!

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