The Abigail Peugh Podcast – Episode 50 Summary: "Why Your Instagram Views Are Down in 2025: Algorithm Update Explained" with Brock Johnson
In Episode 50 of The Abigail Peugh Podcast, host Abigail Pugh delves deep into the recent shifts in Instagram’s algorithm with expert guest Brock Johnson. Published on March 25, 2025, this episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and content creators striving to navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape.
1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest
Abigail opens the episode by reintroducing Brock Johnson, a seasoned Instagram coach who has significantly impacted thousands of entrepreneurs since launching his coaching business in 2018. With over 700,000 followers and a reputation for growing accounts by approximately a thousand followers per day, Brock brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.
Abigail Pugh [00:00]: "Today's guest has actually already been on the show, but I had to have him back again with all these Instagram algorithm shifts."
Brock Johnson [01:38]: "You are awesome and I'm so excited to be here."
2. Overview of Instagram’s Algorithm Changes
Brock begins by outlining the noticeable changes in Instagram’s algorithm affecting views and reach. He explains a significant shift where the proportion of views coming from followers versus non-followers has balanced out from a dominance of followers to an almost 50-50 split.
Brock Johnson [02:56]: "There’s a pie chart when you're looking at your reels insights... it used to be like 90% or 85% of your views were coming from your followers. Now it's damn near 50-50."
Abigail compares this change to TikTok’s algorithm, highlighting that Instagram now pushes content to a broader, less engaged audience.
Abigail Pugh [04:51]: "It feels kind of like TikTok's algorithm, where a lot of your content gets pushed to new people."
3. Strategies to Adapt to the Algorithm Changes
Brock outlines several actionable strategies to help content creators effectively respond to these algorithmic shifts.
a. Create Share-Worthy Content
Brock emphasizes the importance of creating content that audiences find valuable enough to share, thereby increasing reach and engagement.
Brock Johnson [06:00]: "Creating the kinds of content that is share worthy is a great way to make sure... they're actually going to want to engage."
Abigail adds that balancing content for both new and existing followers can enhance overall engagement.
Abigail Pugh [07:34]: "Little mental note here, I've been using trial reels more so to create growth content for new people... my carousels go a lot more to my followers."
b. Simplify Your Content
Simplifying content ensures that new viewers can easily understand and engage without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
Brock Johnson [09:19]: "Simplify your content. Use simpler words if you have the choice between two synonyms."
Abigail recommends using tools like ChatGPT to make content more accessible.
Abigail Pugh [12:12]: "Take it to ChatGPT and say, hey, can you word this in a way that a seventh grader would understand it?"
c. Reintroduce Yourself More Frequently
Regularly reintroducing oneself helps new followers understand your brand and purpose, fostering stronger connections.
Brock Johnson [12:12]: "Reintroduce yourself more. Maybe an entire post dedicated to, I'm going to reintroduce myself."
Abigail suggests repurposing content into different formats to share parts of your story consistently.
Abigail Pugh [17:18]: "Tell one little part of your story every single time... don't have to tell the whole story every single time."
d. Collaborate with Others
Collaborations with other creators can expose your content to trusted audiences, enhancing credibility and reach.
Brock Johnson [24:28]: "Only about 1% of posts on Instagram are collab posts... you're reaching an audience of people who already trust that person."
Abigail highlights the simplicity and effectiveness of carousel collaborations over reels.
Abigail Pugh [27:52]: "Carousels are so much easier, honestly, because you don't have to try and do a transition."
e. Bonus: Data Analysis to Optimize Content
Brock introduces a method to analyze which types of posts convert views into followers effectively by using a simple spreadsheet.
- Gather Data: List your top 25 most viewed posts and note the corresponding follower gains.
- Calculate Ratios: Divide views by followers gained to identify which posts convert views to followers efficiently.
- Identify Trends: Determine what characteristics make high-converting posts successful and replicate those elements.
Brock Johnson [19:27]: "Divide those two numbers and that will tell you how many views it took you to gain a follower."
Abigail reinforces the importance of prioritizing meaningful metrics over vanity metrics.
Abigail Pugh [22:41]: "Views don't always equal follows or sales... focus on what matters."
4. Insights and Additional Tips
Throughout the discussion, both Abigail and Brock share additional insights to help listeners optimize their Instagram strategies:
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Consistency and Improvement: Regularly posting and making incremental improvements can lead to significant long-term gains.
Brock Johnson [30:43]: "Keep showing up day after day, making those little improvements and you'll be all right."
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Content Evaluation: Treat each post as data, analyzing what worked and what didn’t without tying it to personal worth.
Abigail Pugh [32:04]: "Look at that post as data instead of associating any of your worth or your business's success with that post."
5. Conclusion and Final Advice
Brock concludes with a timeless piece of advice: persistence and gradual improvement are key to overcoming algorithmic challenges.
Brock Johnson [30:43]: "Keep showing up... level up the quality of your content... keep showing up day after day, making those little improvements."
Abigail echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of separating self-worth from social media metrics to maintain a healthy and sustainable online presence.
Abigail Pugh [32:04]: "There’s no correlation between your self-worth and how many views you get on Instagram."
6. Notable Quotes
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Brock Johnson [02:56]: "Now, even on the posts that aren't performing all that great or they're below average, almost half of the viewers do not follow you."
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Abigail Pugh [04:51]: "I do feel like content is taking longer to perform well, like taking two or three weeks to take off."
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Brock Johnson [06:00]: "Creating the kinds of content that is share worthy... they're actually going to want to engage."
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Brock Johnson [19:27]: "And so the ratio there is that that post only needed 100 viewers to gain a follower."
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Abigail Pugh [22:41]: "Views are not everything. If your sales are not affected, keep doing what works."
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Brock Johnson [30:43]: "Keep showing up. Keep showing up day after day, making those little improvements and you'll be all right."
7. Upcoming Content
Before wrapping up, Brock mentions an upcoming episode where he interviews Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram.
Brock Johnson [33:42]: "He's more visible than anyone else on your own app and talking about your own app."
Abigail Pugh [33:55]: "He tried to disagree, and we laughed about it, but it's so interesting."
Abigail promises to link Brock’s upcoming podcast featuring Adam Mosseri, encouraging listeners to stay tuned.
Conclusion
Episode 50 of The Abigail Peugh Podcast offers a thorough examination of the latest Instagram algorithm changes and equips listeners with practical strategies to adapt and thrive. From creating share-worthy content and simplifying messages to leveraging collaborations and meticulous data analysis, Abigail and Brock provide a roadmap for sustaining and growing an engaged online community in 2025’s dynamic social media environment.
Listeners are left with the crucial takeaway: persistence, continuous improvement, and focusing on meaningful engagement metrics are essential for long-term success on Instagram.
Stay Connected:
- Abigail Pugh: Instagram
- Brock Johnson: Instagram | Build Your Tribe Podcast