Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades

Episode 113: The Weekly Scroll – Instagram Using AI for SEO, Reels Camera Updates & Algorithm Changes
Date: December 30, 2025 | Host: Katelyn Rhoades

Episode Overview

This week, Katelyn delivers essential Instagram updates that are especially relevant for creators and entrepreneurs looking to maximize their reach and profitability in 2026. She breaks down three major changes: Instagram’s use of AI-generated SEO summaries, new algorithm optimizations favoring small creators, and significant upgrades to the Reels camera. The episode is packed with actionable strategies, genuine advice, and insights to help creators ride the latest trends and seize new growth opportunities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Instagram Using AI for SEO Summaries

[02:30–10:30]

• AI-Generated Post Summaries:

  • Instagram is now using AI to generate SEO summaries for posts, especially Reels, making posts more discoverable both on Instagram and through Google searches.

• What This Means for Creators:

  • You cannot directly control these summaries, but you can influence them heavily by optimizing hooks, text overlays, and especially captions.
  • Alt text for posts (under post settings) can further enhance SEO discoverability.
  • AI-generated summaries are not always accurate—sometimes they misinterpret the content. Thus, clarity and specificity are essential.

• Recommendations for Creators:

  • Write captions as if search engines are reading—use full sentences and clear descriptions.
  • Be specific in the first two lines of your caption (“Who is this for?” “What value does it deliver?”).
  • Optimize your Instagram bio for SEO using relevant keywords describing who you help and what you do.
  • Do not let AI override your unique storytelling—emotion and intention still perform best.

Notable Quote:
"You don't get to control the AI summary, but you do get to influence what the AI pulls from. So here's how to play it really smart: we're going to write captions like search engines are reading them—because they are."
— Katelyn Rhoades [07:20]

2. Algorithm Changes: Maximizing Recommendations for Smaller Creators

[10:30–21:30]

• New Content Recommendation System:

  • Instagram’s updated algorithm now relies less on follower count and more on the performance of individual Reels, resulting in a level playing field for creators with smaller audiences.
  • When you publish a reel, it’s promoted to both your followers and a test group of non-followers. Strong engagement from this group unlocks wider distribution.
  • The focus: performance-based reach, not just influencer privilege.

• Opportunities for Small Accounts:

  • Smaller creators can get big reach if their content engages test audiences.
  • Early watch time, shares, and engagement with non-followers are critical.

• Actionable Strategies:

  • Create content with non-followers in mind; make clear value propositions within the first three seconds.
  • Avoid long intros and inside jokes that new viewers might not understand.
  • Consistency matters—stay in the game for posts to catch viral waves.
  • Audio helps with discoverability; even subtle background music can boost performance.
  • Avoid low-quality, clickbait, or divisive/political content unless it’s your niche.
  • Prepare for unpredictability: some posts will unexpectedly outperform or underperform. The system rewards persistence.

Notable Quote:
"Follower count matters less. Engagement matters more. Smaller creators, you have a real shot at big reach right now—so you cannot sleep on Instagram."
— Katelyn Rhoades [12:50]

"Your job is just to stay in the game long enough to catch the wave."
— Katelyn Rhoades [20:40]

3. Instagram Reels Camera Upgrades

[21:30–27:10]

• Reels Camera Features:

  • Record up to 20 minutes of video directly in the Reels camera, enabling longer storytelling and easier batch content creation inside the app.
  • New tools include an undo clip option, a slider for touch-up intensity, improved green screen support, and enhanced timer/countdown features.
  • Instagram’s aim is to empower on-the-go creators and discourage third-party editing tools—rewarding native app usage.

• Creator Tips for Leveraging Camera Upgrades:

  • Record long, publish short: Film a longer video, but edit it down into digestible shorts for maximum reach and engagement.
  • Batch content natively: Use Instagram’s camera and editing tools to save time and gain favored algorithm treatment.
  • Short-form over long-form: For discovery and growth, keep published reels brief; use longer footage for behind-the-scenes or multi-part posts.
  • Katelyn endorses the green screen effect as high-performing, especially for explainers or commentaries.

Notable Quote:
"If your goal is reach or discovery or new followers, stick to short form reels—even though longer recording is available… The chances of you getting someone to stick around for the full 20-minute video are slim to none."
— Katelyn Rhoades [25:20]

Memorable Moments

• Reel Success Story:
  Katelyn shares her recent viral reel—a funny espresso martini clip that surpassed 200,000 views—emphasizing that experimenting with fun, personality-driven content alongside educational posts can yield big results. [17:40]

• Practical Wisdom:
  "This update actually rewards the human clarity here. AI struggles with emotion and intention. So the clearer that you are, the better the summary will be."
  — Katelyn Rhoades [09:30]

• Encouragement for 2026:
  "All right, update number two, Instagram is maximizing recommendations, which means smaller creators might win in 2026… Now is the time, you will get paid for it from the Instagram algorithm."
  — Katelyn Rhoades [11:15]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• AI for SEO Summaries — 02:30
• How to Optimize for AI Summaries — 06:30
• Algorithm Changes & Small Creator Opportunities — 10:30
• Strategy for Non-Follower Content — 13:40
• Picking Audio for Reels — 17:50
• Algorithm Unpredictability — 20:00
• Instagram Reels Camera Updates — 21:30
• Tips for Using New Reels Features — 23:30
• Why Short-Form Still Wins — 25:10

Final Takeaways

• Instagram is becoming even more powerful as an SEO and discovery tool. Be proactive: write detailed, intentional captions and bio sections.
• The playing field is leveling—now is the best time for small and new creators to build an audience.
• Leverage new Reels camera tools, but keep your edits short and punchy for best reach.
• Consistency, clarity, and strategic experimentation are Katelyn’s recipe for Instagram growth in 2026.

For more in-depth tips, templates, and strategies, Katelyn invites listeners to join the Club Influence community (link in show notes).