If two accounts share identical content, yet one consistently achieves higher engagement rates, what algorithmic advantage might the more successful account possess?

If two accounts share identical content, but one consistently achieves higher engagement rates, the more successful account likely possesses a stronger 'Relationship Score' with its existing followers. The Instagram algorithm prioritizes content from accounts that users frequently interact with. This 'Relationship Score' is built through consistent engagement activities like direct messages, tagging, commenting, liking, and sharing each other's content. An account that actively fosters these interactions will have its content shown to a larger percentage of its followers, leading to higher engagement. For example, if Account A consistently responds to comments and DMs, and Account B does not, Account A will likely have a higher Relationship Score and therefore greater visibility for its content, even if it's identical to Account B's. This advantage is cumulative, as higher initial visibility leads to even more engagement, further strengthening the Relationship Score.