Scroll feels empty. Likes are down. Nobody’s talking about it—but Instagram just doesn’t hit the same anymore.
Something’s off. You post a story. Crickets. You drop a reel. Maybe a few views. The algorithm feels like a black hole. Even the people who built big followings are quietly slipping away. Why?
Because Instagram isn’t social anymore. It’s a vending machine of recycled trends and forced vibes. And people feel it.
But here’s the truth: the platform isn’t dead. It’s just changing fast. And if you don’t adapt, you’re invisible.
Let’s break down what’s really happening—and what the experts say you need to do to win in this new Instagram era.
Expert Takes
1. William Gasner (CMO at Stack Influence) explains that Instagram’s latest algorithm update, rolled out in spring 2025, is punishing reposted content and low-effort trends. It’s now rewarding original, personal posts that hold attention in the first 3 seconds. “Avoid lazy reposts. Invest time in making your own videos, photos, and graphics,” he says. The message? If you’re not being you, you’re getting buried.
2. Eileen Kwok from Hootsuite says the real secret is understanding that Instagram isn’t one algorithm—it’s four. Feed, Reels, Stories, and Explore each have different rules. You can’t just copy-paste one post and expect it to work everywhere. “Every format rewards different behaviors,” she explains. Reels love fast hooks. Stories love interaction. Feed needs original value. If you’re not mixing it up, you’re missing out.
Our Take
Instagram’s biggest problem isn’t the algorithm. It’s the vibe.
The platform used to be real. Raw. People shared what mattered. Now it’s all copy-paste TikToks and AI-generated captions. It’s noise. Everyone’s chasing trends, no one’s connecting.
But that means there’s massive opportunity for creators who are willing to be different. If you can show up with something real—and understand the system—you’ll stand out. Big.
3 Action Items You Can Use Now
1. Run a “5-Day Format Remix” Challenge
Pick 5 content types and post one each day:
• Day 1: A vulnerable carousel (tell a short story)
• Day 2: A Reel with your voice, your face, no trend
• Day 3: A poll or quiz on Stories
• Day 4: A photo dump with real captions
• Day 5: A live Q&A or behind-the-scenes
Track what hits. Double down on it next week. You’ll learn what your audience actually wants.
2. Create a 3-Second Hook Library
Open your Notes app. Write 10 killer openings. Stuff that stops scroll.
Examples:
• “I wish someone told me this 5 years ago…”
• “Here’s how I lost 20k followers—and made it work”
• “This might get me shadowbanned, but here’s the truth…”
Use these to start your Reels or captions. Every second counts.
3. Start 5 DMs a Day
After you post, go to Stories or your last post. Message five real people. Thank them. Ask a follow-up. Share a tip. This isn’t just “engagement”—it’s how you build loyalty. And it tells the algorithm people care about you.
Conclusion
Instagram isn’t dead. But the old playbook is.
If you want to grow, get seen, and actually connect—you’ve gotta be real, be original, and play smart. Time to stop scrolling. Start creating.
Written by Karina Martirosyan
