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Is Instagram DEAD? Far from it… but if you’re using it like it’s 2021, your strategy might be!
Brock Johnson is an Instagram growth coach, viral content creator, and trusted consultant to Meta. Since launching his coaching business in 2018, Brock has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and creators grow their platforms authentically.
In the past few years, his following has exploded to over a million across social media. And now, with over 40,000 members inside his Instagram coaching membership, he’s one of the most trusted voices in the space!
He’s also a keynote speaker and advisor to the very people behind the app… meaning when Brock talks Instagram strategy, it’s not just theory, it’s straight from the source!
If you’re feeling stuck, shadow-banned, or like your content just isn’t converting, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re digging into exactly what’s working right now on Instagram, the big myths to ditch in 2025, and Brock’s most powerful, simple tips for growth, even if you have a small following.
Instagram is Still the Most Profitable Platform
If you’re wondering whether Instagram is even worth it anymore, the short answer is: YES.
Brock shared how a recent study by Karat Financial found that Instagram has the highest revenue-per-follower rate compared to any other platform (yes, even YouTube and TikTok).
It’s not about nostalgia or sticking with what’s familiar… It’s backed by real data.
Instagram now boasts over 2 billion active users, and it offers unparalleled flexibility for content creation whether you love short-form video, static graphics, or carousels.
The Three Things That Work Right Now
Brock shared three proven strategies for growing on Instagram in 2025:
- Niche Down: Know who you’re talking to and what you’re consistently showing up for. Specificity is what turns casual scrollers into loyal, paying super fans.
- Hyper Consistency: Gone are the days where “just showing up” was enough. Post frequency directly impacts growth. That doesn’t mean burnout, but it does mean posting more intentionally and sustainably.
- Trial Reels: This juicy new feature lets you post reels that ONLY get shown to non-followers. It’s like batting practice for your content. Brock recommends reposting your best-performing content here to reach new audiences without overwhelming your current followers.
Navigating the Algorithm Shift
The Instagram algorithm is shifting to mimic TikTok, which means there’s less emphasis on who follows you and more on who is most likely to be interested in your content. That means more people who don’t follow you are seeing your stuff, and your content needs to make sense to them at first glance.
Now more than ever, your posts need to be standalone, share-worthy, and simplified. Brock says to “dumb down” your content (not your value!) to be easily digestible. People are scrolling fast and multitasking, so the clearer and more relatable your message, the better.
Instagram Stories and Getting Real Results
Stories might not help you grow your following, but they’re GOLD for trust and conversions. Brock introduced the “STD Strategy” (yes, it’s memorable!) for stories:
S = Single Story Frame
T = Text-Heavy (multiple sentences)
D = DM Automation
This combo can dramatically increase views AND drive results. Speaking of DM automation, it’s one of the most powerful tools for getting real ROI from your content. Instead of “click the link in bio,” ask people to comment a word and have the link sent automatically. More engagement = more visibility + more conversions.
The Importance of Share-Worthy Content on Instagram
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, particularly on Instagram, the concept of share-worthy content has become increasingly vital for creators and small business owners.
Share-worthy content is not just about creating visually appealing posts; it’s about crafting messages that resonate deeply with your audience and encourage them to share your content with their own networks.
This type of content can take many forms, including:
- Emotional Stories: Content that tells a story or shares personal experiences can create a strong emotional connection with the audience. As mentioned in the episode, stories are 22 times more memorable than mere facts, making them a powerful tool for engagement.
- Educational Posts: Providing valuable information or insights that your audience can learn from and encourages sharing. This could be tips, how-tos, or industry insights that your followers find useful.
- Visual Appeal: High-quality visuals that capture attention are more likely to be shared. The podcast emphasizes the importance of experimenting with different media types, such as B-roll footage or talking head videos, to see what resonates best with your audience.
You Haven’t Tried Everything
If you feel like you’ve “tried everything” and still aren’t seeing results on Instagram, Brock has a perspective shift for you. He compares it to going to the gym and doing one rep on every single machine before walking out.
You can’t expect real transformation without repetition and intentional focus. Often, the issue isn’t effort… it’s consistency and commitment to what actually works.
Brock encourages you to stop chasing every new trend and instead go deep with strategies like niching down and hyper-consistency. Look at your past content. What worked before? What got saves, shares, or real conversations started? Reuse, remix, and republish that content, especially with tools like Trial Reels.
And here’s the tough love part: if your content strategy hasn’t evolved in the last year, that might be the root issue.
The platform, the audience, and the algorithm have all shifted. What worked in 2021 won’t necessarily work in 2025.
It’s time to get curious again, experiment, and embrace your content as ongoing data collection. Every post teaches you something. So keep showing up, adjusting, and pressing “post!”
Final Takeaways from Brock
Want to succeed on Instagram in 2025? Here’s what Brock wants you to remember:
- Lean into share-worthy content. Make things people WANT to send to their friends.
- Reuse what’s worked before. Data doesn’t lie.
- Just press post. Overthinking kills creativity. Action builds momentum.
If this episode reignited your spark for Instagram, don’t just save it; send it to a friend who’s been struggling too! There is still SO much potential on the platform, and with the right strategy, you can turn scrolls into sales and followers into raving fans.
Be sure to follow Brock on Instagram for more Instagram tips, and listen to his podcast, Build Your Tribe!
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