The number of times an Instagram post is shared to other users, either directly through direct messages or to external platforms, provides an indication of its resonance and virality. For instance, a photograph of a picturesque landscape might be shared widely due to its aesthetic appeal, whereas an informative graphic on a complex topic could be shared for its educational value.
This metric offers valuable insights into content performance, enabling content creators and marketers to gauge audience interest and identify successful content strategies. Tracking this data, when available, allowed for a better understanding of how information disseminates across the platform and shaped content creation strategies in the past. Prior to its removal, the visibility of this figure provided a concrete benchmark for measuring engagement and influencing perceived value.
