Podcast Summary: Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media

Episode: The NEW Instagram Algorithm - How To get MORE Reel VIEWS!
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Brock Johnson

Introduction to Instagram Algorithm Changes

In this pivotal episode, Brock Johnson delves deep into the recent transformations within Instagram's algorithm, emphasizing their profound impact on content visibility and engagement. He begins by dispelling common myths about algorithm changes, asserting that the alterations are genuine and not merely perceptions shaped by evolving user behaviors.

Brock Johnson [00:00]: "The Instagram algorithm has changed yet again. ... beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Instagram algorithm is different."

Breakdown of Algorithm Updates

Brock categorizes the algorithm changes into two primary areas:

1. Carousels:

   • Enhanced Reach: Carousels now enjoy significantly more visibility compared to late 2024.
   • Music Integration: Adding music to carousel posts makes them eligible for the Reels tab, expanding their reach to non-followers.

   Brock Johnson [03:45]: "Always add music to your carousels. This makes them eligible to show up on the Reels tab."

2. Reels:

   • Increased Non-Follower Views: There's a notable shift towards showing reels to a larger audience beyond existing followers, moving from a typical 90:10 follower to non-follower view ratio to approximately 60:40 or even 50:50.
   • TikTok Influence: Instagram is increasingly adopting a TikTok-like approach, prioritizing content quality over follower count.

   Brock Johnson [10:20]: "This change is what some people have called the TikTok ification of the Instagram algorithm."

Key Metrics Influencing Visibility

Brock outlines three critical engagement metrics that Instagram currently prioritizes for maximizing reel views:

1. Shares (Most Important):

   • Shares are the top metric, as they exponentially increase content reach beyond the algorithm's scheduling.

   Brock Johnson [27:15]: "Shares trump the algorithm. ... it's double the views."

2. Watch Time (Second Place):

   • Unlike the previous focus on watch rate, Instagram now emphasizes the total watch time, encouraging longer, more engaging reels.

   Brock Johnson [20:50]: "No longer is watch rate the key metric. Now it is watch time."

3. Likes (Bronze Medal):

   • While likes remain important, they are less influential compared to shares and watch time.

   Brock Johnson [18:30]: "The third most important form of engagement is quite simply alike."

Strategies to Optimize Content for the New Algorithm

Brock provides actionable strategies to navigate and thrive under the new algorithm:

1. Create Share-Worthy Content:

   • Develop content that encourages viewers to share, leveraging the power of personal recommendations.

   Brock Johnson [30:45]: "Creating shareworthy content is the first change that I would recommend making based off this algorithm."

2. Enhance Watch Time Through Engaging Reels:

   • Strong Hooks: Capture attention within the first three seconds to maintain viewer interest.
   • Two-Second Rule: Introduce a new element or change every two seconds to keep the content dynamic.
   • Storytelling: Integrate narratives to make reels more memorable and engaging.

   Brock Johnson [22:10]: "Stories are 22 times more memorable than facts."

3. Simplify and Relate:

   • Simplify Content: Use clear, straightforward language to cater to a broader audience.
   • Relatable Posts: Address common struggles or use humor to connect with viewers.

   Brock Johnson [38:30]: "Most of the engaging hooks were at a fifth grade reading level."

4. Encourage Engagement:

   • Call to Action: Prompt viewers to follow your account subtly within your content.
   • Reintroduce Yourself: Periodically remind new viewers who you are to build credibility.

   Brock Johnson [41:55]: "Add a call to action to your caption encouraging all of these new viewers to follow you."

Leveraging Reels for Follower Growth

Brock emphasizes that educational and inspirational content, when executed engagingly, drives higher follower conversions compared to purely entertaining or meme-based posts.

Brock Johnson [50:10]: "Educational or inspirational content was getting me followers at a way higher rate."

He shares insights from his analysis, highlighting that while meme posts might garner high views, they convert viewers to followers less effectively than informative reels.

Practical Tips for Content Creators

1. Repurpose Existing Content:

   • Transform Reels into carousels by adapting scripts or captions, maximizing content utility.

2. Optimize Music Usage in Carousels:

   • Select appropriate background music that complements the carousel's theme without distracting from the content.

   Brock Johnson [05:30]: "Make sure that song plays for about 30 seconds, just so it doesn't get annoying or redundant."

3. Analyze and Adapt Hooks:

   • Utilize Instagram’s new "View Rate Past first three seconds" metric to assess and refine hooks for better engagement.

   Brock Johnson [16:40]: "If you have a higher than average watch rate, ... analyze your own content."

Conclusion and Resources

Brock concludes by reinforcing the importance of adapting to Instagram's evolving algorithm to enhance content visibility and engagement. He encourages listeners to implement the discussed strategies and offers additional resources for further learning.

Brock Johnson [58:20]: "I hope you found today's episode both engaging and educational yourself."

Additional Resources:

• Previous Episodes on Share-Worthy Content: Link provided in show notes.
• Maximum Engagement Checklist: A free 10-step guide to optimize posts, available via the show notes.

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram's algorithm now favors reels that can engage both followers and non-followers equally.
• Shares, watch time, and likes are pivotal in driving reel visibility.
• Content creators should focus on creating engaging, shareable, and relatable content with strong hooks and storytelling elements.
• Educational content, when presented engagingly, can significantly boost follower growth.

For comprehensive strategies and more insights, subscribe to the Build Your Tribe podcast and access exclusive content through the show’s resources.