What’s the Deal with Instagram?
Instagram’s algorithm is changing. We’ve all seen it. It’s just like every other social media site or app. It’s changing to keep people on their toes. Especially with the rise of influencers, social media apps are constantly changing the game. It’s frustrating. Pinterest has even changed its game. With Instagram changing, it might be pushing its users toward TikTok and other apps and platforms.
Instagram is rewarding users that are constantly making reels and story-ing. They are rewarding people that are spending their lives on the app. If we’re being realistic, anyone who works a full-time job can only spend so much time on an app. It’s just not humanly possible. I’ll be honest, I have two Instagram accounts (personal and education/teaching). Honestly, I have very little connection on both accounts because I cannot spend all day on the apps. For 7.5 hours a day during the week, I’m teaching. I can’t be on social media!
Additionally, Instagram has started paying people for reels. However, no one knows how or when you will be asked to join the program. Instagram also claims that you only need to use 8 hashtags. That is 100% not true. You need to use as many hashtags as possible. Also, you need to take pictures, videos, and reels in the app. You can’t just use your camera app and then edit it if you want people to see it.
Instagram is really pushing itself away from authentic growth. This is the opposite of what it wants. You see, influencers need authentic growth because they need people to interact with their posts (likes, shares, and comments). However, they are the exact people who can’t get growth because they’re constantly using different apps to edit and then they upload to Instagram. That video won’t get pushed by the app, and then they have fewer interactions.
I am all about making Instagram real again versus pre-planned pictures but even this is extreme, and I don’t really see how it’s going to help.
Tiktok
Tiktok is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite use of social media. Not only is it slightly fairer about making different things known (like how to get into the creator fund). It’s not a random selection. Likewise, growth is from making content and interaction. Obviously, this is pretty cut and dry. You definitely need a niche, but you can have a broader niche (for instance, teaching and lifestyle is my niche for my account). However, you do not need to spend all day on the app. Post when you can and post frequently. However, you can save drafts on Tiktok, making posting frequently easier because you can save videos that are ready to go.
Additionally, you can do a lot of editing in Tiktok, but it’s not the same as for a picture. You’re not as concerned with presets and filters. Plus, there is less perfectionism on TikTok. Not everything has to be perfect, and that’s okay. One of the things I really like about TikTok is that it seems to show a lot more authentic personalities.
What Does all of this Mean?
With the different algorithms and different things being pushed, users are deciding which platforms they want to spend their time, energy, and money on. Influencing has become one of the world’s leading industries and one of the strongest marketing methods. However, platforms are turning the very people they want using the apps away.
Regardless of making money using the platforms, at the end of the day, without users, these platforms are worthless. If their rules are sending people away, they are the ones killing their own business.
My Advice for Influencers on Instagram
What should you do? One, never have all of your eggs in one basket. Try to have accounts with multiple platforms. Yes, this is time-consuming. Second, own what you can. Again, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms are owned by companies. They could close tomorrow and you would lose everything. Protect yourself and own your own work. This is one reason I do not want to leave blogging. I own everything-content, images, etc. No one can take it away from me. At the end of the day, the ultimate thing is to remember to take care of yourself first.
What is your favorite social media platform right now?
xx,
Lindsey