Social Media Decoded

Episode: The Instagram Algorithm Isn’t Broken — Your Strategy Is
Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: January 19, 2026

Overview

In this episode, host Michelle Thames challenges the common complaint that “the Instagram algorithm is broken.” Instead, she asserts that most visibility and engagement issues stem from unclear strategies, not platform changes. The episode aims to empower entrepreneurs, creators, and brands to regain control of their social media outcomes by focusing on clarity, audience alignment, and messaging, rather than chasing trends or blaming Instagram’s algorithm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stop Blaming the Algorithm — Take Back Control

• Michelle opens with a bold statement:
  “The Instagram algorithm isn’t broken. Your strategy is… Once you stop blaming the algorithm, you actually regain control.” (01:29)
• Many people feel frustrated by low reach or engagement and blame the platform, but Michelle argues this attitude keeps you stuck.
• She emphasizes that blaming the algorithm removes all personal accountability and agency:
  “If the problem is the platform, then there’s nothing you can do. No strategy to fix, no decisions to make, no clarity required.” (02:08)

2. The Real Problem: Lack of Clarity

• Through audits, Michelle consistently observes:
  • No clear positioning
  • No clear audience
  • No clear message
• She explains that consistent but random posting leads to being “visible but forgettable,” and that the *algorithm didn’t hide your content. People didn’t connect with it. And that’s an important distinction.” (03:01)

3. What the Algorithm Actually Rewards

• The Instagram algorithm rewards human behavior, not hacks, sounds, or trends.
• Specific engagement signals matter:
  • “Watch time, saves, shares, replies, profile taps… all of these come from clarity and relevance, not creativity alone.” (03:19)
• Underperforming content signals:
  • Messages are vague and not audience-specific.
  • Content doesn’t answer real questions or invite engagement.

4. Engagement Comes from Clarity, Not Trends

• Michelle notes that successful content typically does one (or more) of the following:
  • Makes someone feel seen
  • Makes someone think differently
  • Makes someone take the next step
• She highlights:
  “The algorithm follows attention. Attention follows clarity, not trends.” (03:58)
• Trends aren’t strategies, but rather tools that amplify clear messaging:
  “Trends are amplification tools and only work when there's something clear to amplify.” (04:10)
• She observes accounts chasing trends and still struggling, while others thrive on simple, clear content—a testament to clarity’s power.

5. The Importance of Strong Account Foundations

• Upon landing on a page, users should immediately know:
  • Who you help
  • What you’re known for
  • Why they should stay
• “If they have to guess, they leave. And no algorithm can save that.” (04:30)
• Michelle underscores that more content is rarely the answer—clarity and a solid foundation are.

6. Practical Steps: What to Fix

• Instead of asking why the algorithm isn’t working, ask:
  • Is my message clear?
  • Is my audience obvious?
  • Does my content invite engagement or just broadcast?
• Most visibility problems are rooted in misalignment, not algorithmic suppression.
• “The algorithm doesn’t need you to be louder, it needs you to be clearer. And clarity is something that you can control.” (05:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Personal Responsibility:
  “Once you stop blaming the algorithm, you actually regain control.” (01:35)
• On Clarity over Trends:
  “Attention follows clarity, not trends. Clarity beats trends every single time.” (03:58)
• On User Experience:
  “When someone lands on your page, they should immediately know who you help, what you’re known for, why they should stay. And if they have to guess, they leave. And no algorithm can save that.” (04:30)
• On Fixing Strategy:
  “If Instagram feels hard right now, it’s not because the platform is broken — it’s because your strategy needs refinement. And that’s good news, because strategies can be fixed.” (05:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:29–02:50 — Why blaming the algorithm is a dead end
• 03:01–03:30 — The core issues Michelle finds in audits: lack of clarity and strategy
• 03:19–04:10 — What engagement Instagram actually rewards and why trends aren’t enough
• 04:30–05:15 — The power of clarity and immediate user understanding
• 05:15–05:40 — Practical questions you should be asking instead of blaming the algorithm
• 05:40–06:30 — Closing advice and actionable steps for listeners

Actionable Takeaways

• Focus on clarifying your message, audience, and brand’s “why”
• Use trends only to amplify existing clarity, not as a strategy in themselves
• Regularly audit your Instagram to ensure your foundation (positioning, audience, messaging) is solid
• Ask yourself: Does my content prompt engagement, or just fill space?
• Seek outside feedback and be open to refining your approach

In Michelle’s Words

“If you want feedback on your account, DM me the word ‘audit’... No fluff, no guessing, just clarity.” (05:20)

“If this episode gave you a different way to think about visibility, share it with someone who keeps blaming that algorithm.” (06:28)

Michelle’s message throughout the episode is clear: The path to organic growth on Instagram isn’t paved with blame, hacks, or trends—it’s about clarity, connection, and accountable strategy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone recalibrating their approach to social media growth.