Why Saves and Shares Matter More Than Likes
For years, Instagram success was measured by likes. But the algorithm has evolved. Today, saves and shares carry far more weight than likes because they reflect deeper engagement and content value.
If you’ve been focusing only on likes, it’s time to shift your strategy. Saves and shares can significantly boost your visibility, reach, and long-term growth—even more than comments and likes.
This guide will show you why saves and shares matter, how to increase them, and how they contribute to sustainable Instagram growth.
Step 1: Understand How Instagram’s Algorithm Ranks Content
Instagram rewards meaningful interactions. Here's how engagement types are prioritized:
Saves and shares → Indicate high content value and boost post visibility
Comments and DMs → Signal strong interest and two-way interaction
Likes → Indicate surface-level engagement, but carry less algorithmic weight
Pro Tip: Posts with more saves and shares are more likely to appear on the Explore page, Reels tab, and in suggested content feeds.
Step 2: Why Saves Are Instagram’s Hidden Growth Hack
A save means someone wants to return to your content later—one of the strongest signs your content is useful or valuable.
How to Create Save-Worthy Content:
Educational posts (step-by-step guides, tips, checklists)
Infographics and carousels (easy to reference and re-use)
Motivational quotes or affirmations
Industry news or trend updates
Productivity or personal development content
Pro Tip: Include a direct call to action in your caption—“Save this post so you can come back to it later.”
Step 3: Why Shares Expand Your Reach Faster Than Anything Else
When someone shares your content, they’re introducing it to an entirely new audience. That makes shares one of the fastest ways to grow organically.
How to Create Shareable Content:
Relatable or humorous memes
Inspirational quotes or personal stories
Thought-provoking opinions or insights
Informative infographics
Reels with trending audio and meaningful captions
Pro Tip: Use CTAs like “Tag a friend who needs this” or “Share this to your Stories if it resonates with you.”
Step 4: How to Track Saves and Shares in Instagram Insights
Understanding which posts are getting saved and shared helps you double down on what’s working.
Where to Find This Data:
Go to any post and tap View Insights
Look at the Saves count to see how many users bookmarked your post
Check Shares to see how often your post was forwarded or added to Stories
Compare these numbers to likes and comments to gauge long-term value
Pro Tip: If a post performs well in saves and shares, repurpose it into a new format (carousel → Reel, quote → infographic, etc.).
Step 5: Increase Saves and Shares With Strong Captions
Your caption is key to encouraging people to take action. Direct, clear CTAs drive more saves and shares.
High-Engagement CTA Examples:
“Save this post so you don’t forget it later”
“Tag someone who needs to hear this”
“Share this to your Stories if it helped you”
“Comment ‘saved’ if you’re coming back to this later”
“Double tap if you agree—and don’t forget to save it”
Pro Tip: Actionable captions = higher engagement. Encourage your audience to interact beyond just liking.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Saves and Shares for Sustainable Growth
Likes may feel good, but they’re fleeting. Saves and shares tell Instagram—and your audience—that your content is truly valuable.
Key Takeaways:
Saves = Future Value — Content worth revisiting
Shares = Instant Reach — Exposure to new audiences
Create Save-Worthy Posts — Educational, motivational, and well-designed content wins
Encourage Sharing — Use strong, clear CTAs
Track & Learn — Use insights to guide future content creation
Action Step
Check your Instagram Insights. Look at your last five posts and identify the one with the highest saves or shares.
Ask yourself:
What type of content was it?
Why did it resonate?
How can you recreate or repurpose it?
Take that high-performing post and turn it into a new format (like a Reel or carousel). Add a CTA to save or share—and track the results to see how your engagement grows.