What *is* working on Instagram (as of Fall 2022)...
*Some of this blog is a transcript from a recent podcast episode on my podcast, Wealthy, Worth & Wild. You can listen to the full episode, here.
Let’s face it - what used to work on Instagram doesn’t work anymore. In fact - most of us have a visceral “icky” feeling when we even *think* of Instagram these days.
Your latte art a la 2014 style - will not work anymore.
Your static image of your latest travels won’t cut it either.
And sometimes we are almost positive we’ve been shadowbanned…because why on earth else would our usual reach of 1000+ likes turn to 300?
It has to be Mosseri’s fault. Right?
I am sure many of us have been around on the platform since 2010. We have watched the evolution from photo sharing of random things, to stylized content with coordinated feeds and then now to a fully video heavy platform.
So - this year Mosseri and the IG team made some changes, here are some noteworthy ones…
#1 IG is a video platform now.
This means video content (aka reels) are pushed over all other content.
#2 Hashtags are pretty much dead.
But IG still says you can use 3 (but no more than 5) to see reach on posts and reels
#3 YOU CAN SCHEDULE REELS!!
That’s right - The Creators Account (by IG) released on 11/8 that, “We’re rolling out content scheduling tools right in the Instagram app – so you can choose to schedule a picture, carousel, or Reel up to 75 days in advance.”
🚨 The way to use this feature is to go to the ‘Advanced Settings’ menu > find a toggle named ‘Schedule this post’ > When turned on, it allows the user to select the date and time when they want the post to be published.
#4 Instagram *also* announced on 11/4 that it will soon introduce a full set of digital collectibles toolkit for creators on the platform.
“Digital collectibles are like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) which are designed to help creators make money on the platform. The entire process from the creation of a digital collectible to its selling and buying will happen on Instagram itself. Instagram said that it is expanding the type of digital collectibles that can be showcased on a creator’s account and would now include video.”
#5 💸 Instagram has also started testing a feature that will help creators get rewards from fans.
The feature is similar to Twitter’s Tip Jar feature launched in May 2021 and TikTok’s December 2021 update, which allowed users to directly tip their favorite content creators.
#6 Adam Mosseri mentioned, Instagram re-introduced the ability to see your feed chronologically!
*BUT, there is no way to make it default. Essentially, you have to manually toggle via the Instagram logo at the top. You’ll want to toggle ‘following’ in order to see this!
So what *works* on IG these days?
You want to use Instagram Reels to expand your reach - as well as the ‘reply to comments’ feature for reels, sharing memes and video memes
Optimizing your Instagram profile/bio/link in bio - so it is super clear who and how you help others
Posting quality content - consistently
Offering high value and entertaining content that touches on your unicorn clients’ pain points
Using a CTA in all captions
Tracking analytics of what works vs. what doesn’t (you weren’t shadow banned - your content just sucks *sorry, not sorry*)
Repurposing your content to other platforms
Mix. it. up -> what has worked in the past for you may not work anymore here in 2022. So if what you used to share doesn’t get the reach you prefer - take note, pivot and try something new and test what works with your audience NOW.
Amie, Isn’t IG dead? Should we just focus on TikTok?
Well, why not repurpose content for both platforms? If you are already creating content for Reels (or TikTok) - you already have content for the other platform. Why not see how the content does on both platforms and grow that way?
Here are the main differences that I have gathered on the difference between the two platforms…
TikTok can identify young content creators and help them grow from there
Instagram tends to help creators that have already made a name for themselves
So what should we focus on for 2023 Amie? IG or TikTok? First and foremost - test what works/what doesn’t, create reels and Tiktoks daily/or consistently and create high value content that appeals to your ideal clients pain points, dreams, emotions.
When you find what works, make more of it. Be sure to take note of what works and test this every once and awhile.
2023 is nearly here and getting a jumpstart on your social media strategy is always key.
If you are curious to learn more about creating your own Online Course and how to make money from anywhere - I would love to show you the exact process I use. If you’re interested in learning more - you’re invited to my free training, here.
See you at the training! *linked below
Xo,
Amie
