Episode Overview

Podcast: Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades
Episode: 140 – Instagram Explore Page Hack: How to Get More Views, Followers & Sales (2026 Strategy)
Host: Katelyn Rhoades
Date: March 26, 2026

This episode is a masterclass on leveraging the Instagram Explore page to boost visibility, grow your following, and increase sales as a creator or entrepreneur. Katelyn Rhoades draws on her own experience scaling her business and personal brand to 180,000 followers, breaking down the strategies and mindset shifts needed to turn Instagram into a real revenue-generating channel, not just a place to post content. The conversation is honest, actionable, and tailored for ambitious women ready to use social media for influence and income.

Key Discussion Points

1. What Is the Instagram Explore Page?

Timestamps: [03:00–07:20]

• The Explore page is the “little magnifying glass” on Instagram—where users discover new posts and reels from accounts they don’t follow.
• The page is personalized: “Everybody’s Explore page is unique. Nobody has the same Explore page.” – Katelyn, [05:32]
• The Explore algorithm curates content based on your searches, likes, and behavior—so everything you do shapes what you see.

2. Why Getting Featured on Explore Is the Ultimate Growth Move

Timestamps: [07:25–11:39] / [13:54–16:30]

• Explore exposure means massive visibility to new, relevant audiences.
• Katelyn credits Explore for her own growth: “This is how I grew my page to 180,000 followers.” – Katelyn, [07:49]
• Landing on Explore increases engagement (likes, comments, shares), and it’s often the trigger for a post or reel to go viral.
• The audience you reach is highly targeted: “If someone is interacting with your competitors...you will show up on the Explore page if you’re posting similar stuff.” – Katelyn, [10:20]
• You need an abundance mindset to succeed here: “Don’t look at it as competition, but more so, hey, they can do it, I can do it too.” – Katelyn, [11:12]

3. How the Explore Algorithm Works (The Three Signals)

Timestamps: [07:50–08:55]

• The algorithm looks at:
  • Information about the post: Popularity and engagement speed (likes, comments, shares).
  • User’s activity on Explore: What a person interacts with.
  • Information about the poster: Recent engagement history with other users.
• There’s continuous change: Explore now has topic categories and keyword search (wasn’t available in early years).

4. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Content on the Explore Page

Timestamps: [13:54–27:55]

a. Diversify Your Content Types

• Test reels, carousels, and static posts—see what sticks over at least 90 days.
• “What works for somebody is not always going to work for everybody.” – Katelyn, [15:22]
• Prioritize reels, but carousels are getting more traction again. Recent tweaks to carousel content helped her break through algorithm “slumps.”

b. Leverage Collaboration

• Partner with fellow creators or brands in your niche to tap into new audiences.
• “Make sure it’s a brand or a creator that compliments or believes in the same things as you.” – Katelyn, [19:23]

c. Deploy Keywords and Hashtags Strategically

• “Keywords are even more important than hashtags, but they’re both relevant.” – Katelyn, [20:13]
• Use relevant keywords naturally in captions and overlays; hashtags still matter but focus on three to five per post.

d. Check Insights and Repurpose Top Performers

• Review last month’s content for top performers, tweak angles or hooks, and repost for another round of engagement.
• “When we repurpose content, it ends up performing just as good or better than the first time.” – Katelyn, [22:05]

e. Dial In Your Call to Action & Use DM Automation

• “Your call to action is how you get people to comment.” – Katelyn, [24:28]
• DM automation (example: auto-replying with requested resources when someone comments a trigger word) drives both comments and DMs, amplifying visibility in the algorithm.
• “People no longer want to click out of a post. They just want it right then and there.” – Katelyn, [25:10]

f. Schedule and Analyze

• Use analytics and robust scheduling tools (Metricool recommended) to stay ahead.

5. Pro Engagement Strategies

Timestamps: [27:00–29:20]

• Hashtags remain a reach extender, particularly for smaller/new accounts.
• Engagement tip: The “555” method—spend 5 minutes commenting on 3 posts in your feed, replying to 3 stories, and commenting on 3 posts on Explore.
  • “Give to get engagement. That’s one of my biggest tips.” – Katelyn, [29:12]
• Consistency and patience are vital for success on Instagram.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The easiest way to grow your account is by getting on the Explore page.”
  – Katelyn, [06:50]

• “This is how people typically go viral…you go to the Explore page, that is Instagram trying to show your content to more people.”
  – Katelyn, [14:10]

• “What works for somebody is not always going to work for everybody. You’ve got to test it.”
  – Katelyn, [15:22]

• “DM Automation has honestly helped us increase our engagement and our conversions. People want instant gratification.”
  – Katelyn, [25:10]

• “Give to get engagement.”
  – Katelyn, [29:12]

Action Steps for Listeners

• Set a 90-day testing plan: Experiment with reels, carousels, and static posts to discover what generates maximum engagement.
• Collaborate only with aligned brands/creators—a sure way to boost reach.
• Use relevant keywords in your content and 3–5 targeted hashtags per post.
• Regularly review your content performance; tweak and repost what works.
• Implement sharp call-to-actions and consider automating responses to boost engagement.
• Spend at least 15 minutes a day engaging with others (feed, stories, Explore) using the “555” method.
• Remember: Instagram growth is a marathon, not a sprint! Consistency, analysis, and authenticity are key.

Flow & Tone

Throughout the episode, Katelyn balances practical advice with real-world anecdotes and encouragement. She’s candid about the work involved—there’s “no fluff, no overnight-success promises.” The episode is both motivational and honest, speaking directly to women who “know they’re meant for more and are done waiting for permission.”

Time-Stamped Highlights

• [03:00] – What is the Explore Page?
• [07:49] – Why showing up on Explore matters
• [14:10] – How posts go viral through Explore
• [15:00–23:30] – Testing formats, repurposing, keywords vs. hashtags
• [24:28] – Calls-to-action and DM automation
• [29:12] – Engagement tactics (“Give to get engagement”)
• [30:00] – Wrap up: Consistency, patience, and actionable next steps

For Further Action

• Join Katelyn’s 28-Day Engagement Challenge for hands-on momentum.
• Follow @callhercreator for daily tips and community support.
• Review and implement the “555” daily engagement strategy.
• Don’t get discouraged—results compound with time and consistent action.

This episode is your no-nonsense guide to leveraging Instagram’s Explore page in 2026: actionable, encouraging, and grounded in real strategy—not hype.