Podcast Summary: "How to Win Over the Instagram Algorithm in 2026"

Podcast: Shiny New Clients!
Host: Jenna Harding
Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Theme:
A practical, insight-packed episode on how the Instagram algorithm works in 2026—and what entrepreneurs, especially service-based businesses, must do to thrive and win clients on the platform.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jenna Harding (aka Jenna Warner) demystifies the Instagram algorithm as it functions in 2026. She debunks common myths, explains the actual mechanism (and signals) behind content visibility, and shares strategic steps for engagement and conversion. Jenna emphasizes both algorithmic best practices and the role of mindset in Instagram marketing, offering actionable tips and memorable storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Algorithm is a Code, Not a Judgemental Gatekeeper

[01:10]

• Jenna quickly addresses a common worry: “Instagram just maybe doesn't work for some people.” She firmly disagrees:

  "No. I think it'll work for everybody. ...Instagram is a computer code. It's a computer code. The algorithm is, is looking for what's called signals..."

• The algorithm doesn’t “punish” users for their behavior; it simply responds to engagement signals.

2. What Actually Drives the Algorithm: Engagement Signals

[03:00]

• The backbone of success: Engagement.
• Jenna describes how Instagram tests initial audience reactions, then expands reach step by step:

  “If those people touch their screens or hover over your post for a long period of time, that is an engagement signal. ...And the algorithm will test this post on another small group of people.”

• Actual platform “love language” is getting people to interact—liking, commenting, watching (especially videos to completion or at least halfway), etc.

3. Engagement Attractors: How to Design for Touches

[05:45]

• Passive wishing for engagement won’t work; you must design your posts to BE engaging.
• Jenna’s coined term “engagement attractors” is critical:

  "You design your post to be touched."

• Tangible tips:
  • Ask questions in captions.
  • Respond to comments (even with follow-up questions to encourage returns).
  • Intentionally build mechanisms for interaction into all content.

4. The Power of Relatable, Imperfect Content

[07:50]

• Storytime: Jenna shares a viral moment from her own past—fixing her toilet on Facebook Live.

  “I prop up my camera and I fix my toilet while narrating the whole thing. ...People watched it and people commented so much on it, whether they were laughing, confused... It got traction because people commented on it, because people watched it for several seconds or minutes, right? It, it got engagement.”

• Memorable lesson: Personality and authenticity spark engagement and visibility, not perfection.

5. Why Most Content Fails: ‘If You Build It, They Will Come’ Is a Myth

[13:00]

• Especially for photographers and creatives—posting static, beautiful work is no longer enough.
• "A single photo is the worst thing that you can post on Instagram right now."
  • Photos allow minimal interactivity; videos and carousels have a higher "engageability."
  • Optimize for today's consumption habits: longer time-on-screen, more interaction.

6. The Mindset Factor in Instagram Success

[15:30]

• Jenna discusses how internal worries and mindset blocks can sabotage content:

  "Say someone deep seated has like a serious fear of people thinking they're stupid. ...You end up not communicating effectively to your target market because you're using like expert jargon..."

• Mindset is why she incorporates so much psychology into her business content.

7. A Proven Content Strategy: Growth – Nurture – Sales

[18:40]

• Jenna outlines her “Magic Marketing Machine” method:
  • Growth Content: Brings in eyes and followers.
  • Nurture Content: Builds trust and connection.
  • Sales Content: Converts audience to clients.

  "No one will buy until they trust you. So all these pieces are integral to the puzzle."

• It’s not just about putting content out there, but following a structured path to conversion.

8. Case Studies and Social Proof

[20:00]

• Jenna mentions real stories:
  • A client with nearly a million followers wasn’t converting until strategy changed. Now “she sells out her launches in, like, less than 20 minutes.”
  • A schoolteacher using the process made $100,000 with a side hustle.
• "The best content always wins."
  • Focus on what performs; double down on working formats.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of the algorithm:

  "I am just a computer code. You have just fed me my love language, which is people touching the screen." (Jenna, 04:10)

• On content approach:

  “Personality and authenticity spark engagement and visibility, not perfection.” (09:50, paraphrased from her story)

• On static photos vs. interactive content:

  "A single photo is the worst thing that you can post on Instagram right now. There are very few ways for somebody to interact with a photo." (13:10)

• On mindset and content:

  “Sometimes our mindset is one giant earplug and it’s keeping us from hearing the advice that we need to hear.” (15:40)

• On winning strategies:

  “The best content always wins. Something that interests people and they interact with is gonna win.” (23:35)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [01:10] – Jenna dismisses the myth that “Instagram doesn’t work for certain people”
• [03:00] – Explanation of what powers the algorithm: signals and engagement
• [05:45] – Introduction to “engagement attractors” and optimization tricks
• [07:50] – Facebook Live toilet repair story—demonstrating authentic, impromptu content’s power
• [13:00] – Why photos and “If you build it, they will come” fails in 2026
• [15:30] – Mindset as a hidden barrier to engagement and authenticity
• [18:40] – The “Growth – Nurture – Sales” content strategy breakdown
• [20:00] – Real-life case studies and final actionable encouragement

Takeaways for Instagram Marketers & Entrepreneurs

• Design content for engagement: Build in reasons for people to “touch” (like, comment, watch) your content.
• Don’t rely on passive posting: Photos alone don’t cut it; interactivity is the new game.
• Be authentic and relatable: Imperfection and real-life moments can drive outsized success.
• Address your own mindset blocks: How you show up (or don’t) affects performance.
• Use a proven strategy: Growth, nurture, and sales content must all work together.
• Double down on what works: Let data—not ego—guide future content formats and topics.

Resources & Next Steps

• Jenna's Magic Marketing Machine program: step-by-step system for Instagram conversion
• For live or future training, follow Jenna on Instagram or join her mailing list as announced at the episode end.

This summary captures all the meaty, actionable wisdom and vivid moments you need—even if you missed the episode. For anyone looking to fill their calendar with “shiny new clients” using Instagram in 2026, Jenna’s strategy is clear, evidence-based, and energizing.