It’s definitely a mix of both. Algorithms are evolving to prioritize content that generates genuine engagement, so if you're consistently getting interactions, Instagram will show your posts to more people. However, creating content that resonates with your audience remains crucial.

You're not alone in facing this challenge—many people feel like their hard work isn't yielding the results they want. One approach that could help is to boost your credibility by increasing your social proof. For example, you could buy Instagram likes from trusted services like SMM World. This can give your account an initial push, making it look more popular, which often leads to more organic engagement. Keep focusing on quality content and interact with your followers to maintain momentum.