"Pleasing the Algorithm" – The Hilarious Struggle of Artists on Instagram

How to beat Instagram (while still using it). The new Munchies Art Club series explores making Instagram work for artists—without selling your soul.

Instagram: the necessary evil of the art world. We love it, we hate it, but we use it—mostly while complaining about it.

Welcome to "Pleasing the Algorithm", part of the new Munchies Art Club Editorial Series, where we explore how to stop chasing Instagram clout and start using it as a tool for actual art-world success.

Spend less time on Instagram and get more value from your networking. Join the tribe for insights from our experience with social media—a love/hate letter

Because let’s be real—if we’re going to be here, we might as well make it work for us, not the other way around.

No more pointless hustle, no more algorithmic worship—just smart strategies, real connections, and turning social media into something that actually benefits artists.

How to Stop Worshipping the Algorithm and Start Using Instagram Like an Art Insider

Let’s face it: Instagram is a necessary evil for artists. It’s the place where careers are made, collectors lurk in silence, and galleries pretend they “randomly” discover talent.

(Spoiler: they don’t, they’ve been watching you for years).

Yet, for many artists, it’s a love-hate relationship—or more accurately, a hate-hate-but-I-can’t-delete-it relationship.

The pressure to "please the algorithm" is real.

And while some artists dance to trending audios in desperation, others reject the game completely, posting their masterpieces into the void, waiting for divine intervention—or at least a feature on Munchies Art Club, Overstandard.dk, or any of the countless art platforms that actually matter.

So, let’s talk about how artists can stop chasing the algorithm and start using Instagram like a true art-world insider.

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1. Instagram ≠ Art Dealer, But It Can Be Your Silent Agent

The algorithm doesn’t care about your artistic vision.

It doesn’t appreciate the three months you spent painting that masterpiece. It just wants engagement—clicks, likes, saves, and shares.

But here’s the dirty little secret: You don’t need 100K followers to get noticed. You need the right people to see your work.

And those people—curators, gallerists, collectors—are on Instagram. The trick is not to chase the algorithm, but to place yourself in the right digital rooms.

How?

• Forget viral trends. Focus on networking. Follow, comment, and engage with Overstandard.dk, Munchies Art Club, Contemporary Lynx, and countless indie art blogs that actually feature emerging talent.

• Instagram is your business card, not your diary and not your portfolio. Keep your grid clean, highlight your best work, and treat it like a portfolio.

• Direct messaging isn’t cringe, it’s strategy. A well-crafted message to a curator beats 10,000 random likes from bots.

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2. The Follower Count Illusion – Quality Over Quantity

Many artists obsess over their follower count, but having 10K ghost followers is useless if no one actually engages with your work.

Stick to 3-5 rules: Post consistently 2-3 times per week at the same time and engage with your real fans.

Meanwhile, an artist with 1,200 real connections can land exhibition opportunities just by being in the right digital circles.

So instead of thinking, "How can I get more followers?", ask yourself:
✅ Are the right people following me?
✅ Do curators, magazines, or galleries engage with my work?
✅ Am I in the conversations that matter?

The algorithm won’t magically introduce you to the art world—but the right strategic engagement will.

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3. Stop Pleasing the Algorithm, Start Using It for Your Own Goals

Instead of treating Instagram like a hungry god that demands daily sacrifices, use it as a tool—on your terms.

💡 Post less, but better → A strong post every few weeks is more powerful than daily mediocre content.
💡 Use Instagram Stories to network → React to gallery posts, share exhibition openings, and tag curators.
💡 Reels? Yes, but smartly. Process videos, behind-the-scenes clips, or artist interviews work better than random trends.

And most importantly: Don’t let social media drain your creative energy. If you hate using Instagram, automate it—schedule posts, repurpose content, and spend more time actually making art.

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Final Thought: Play the Game, But Don’t Let It Play You

The truth is, you don’t have to “please the algorithm” to make it in the art world. You just have to know where to position yourself and who to connect with. Instagram is just one of many tools—it’s not the goal.

Your Instagram is your PR funnel—there’s a reason people follow you! It’s not about likes; it’s about networking and connecting with your real fans.

So go ahead, post your work, connect with Munchies Art Club, Overstandard.dk, and the underground art scene that actually cares, and stop worrying about whether your reel got enough views. The real art world isn’t measured in likes—it’s built on relationships.

Now tell me, are you still "pleasing the algorithm," or are you ready to make Instagram work for YOU? 🎨🔥

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Or submit to our open call on Munchies Art Club — Deadline 28.02.2025 — get selected by Art Professionals like David Rosado and Pikazer0 , Art Agency Portugal!

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