The CEO Teacher Podcast: Episode Summary - "The Instagram Algorithm Changed Again?!"
Host: Kayse Morris (@kaysemorris)
Episode Title: The Instagram Algorithm Changed Again?!
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The CEO Teacher Podcast, host Kayse Morris delves deep into the recent changes in Instagram's algorithm and what these mean for educators looking to amplify their online presence. As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, Kayse provides actionable insights to help teacher entrepreneurs navigate these shifts effectively.
Understanding the Instagram Algorithm Changes
Timestamp [00:00 - 02:12]
Kayse begins by addressing the frustration many educators feel after the tumultuous changes in social media platforms, specifically the banning of TikTok in the United States. With TikTok now inaccessible via the App Store, she reassures her audience that Instagram remains a viable and lucrative platform for teacher entrepreneurs.
Key Points:
- Reels Extension: Instagram has increased the maximum recording time for Reels from the previous 60-90 seconds to a full three minutes (02:12).
- Profile Redesign: The traditional square grid is being phased out in favor of a more vertical, TikTok-like interface, signaling a shift towards longer, more immersive content formats.
- Reels Trials: Instagram is experimenting with a feature that allows creators to test new content with non-followers before presenting it to their existing audience.
- Edits App Launch: Soon, Instagram will introduce an Edits app, comparable to TikTok's CapCut or InShot, enhancing content creation capabilities.
Kayse emphasizes that despite these changes, Instagram continues to be a robust platform for generating income, often outpacing TikTok in revenue generation for creators.
Framework Number 32: The CEO Teacher Social Media Strategy
Timestamp [02:12 - 10:00]
Central to the episode is Framework Number 32, a comprehensive strategy within the CEO Teacher membership program designed to adapt to algorithm changes seamlessly. This framework is built around five core components:
- Connection: Building authentic relationships with your audience.
- Showing Up: Consistently appearing on your audience’s feed with valuable content.
- Sharing About Your Brand: Communicating your unique value proposition.
- Creating Content: Developing engaging and shareable material.
- Optimizing Content: Enhancing your posts for maximum reach and engagement.
Kayse explains that successful social media strategies must integrate these components to foster community, drive awareness, and ultimately convert followers into customers.
Creating and Sharing Engaging Content
Timestamp [04:30 - 07:45]
Creating content that resonates is pivotal. Kayse discusses the transition of the "save" button to the "share" button as the new metric for success on Instagram. She states:
"The share button, which is the airplane on Instagram, is the new save button. It still is, but the save button used to be the most important thing. But now sharing it on your stories or having other people share it is the most important thing." (04:50)
Strategies for Effective Content Creation:
- Relatability: Craft posts that your audience can identify with.
- Educational Value: Provide actionable tips and insights that help teachers in their professional lives.
- Humor: Incorporate elements of humor to make content more engaging and shareable.
Kayse emphasizes the importance of tailoring content to encourage sharing, thereby increasing reach and fostering a sense of community among educators.
Optimizing Content for Maximum Engagement
Timestamp [07:50 - 10:00]
Optimization is the "secret sauce" that transforms good content into great content. Kayse outlines several optimization techniques specific to Instagram:
- Use of Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords to enhance visibility in search.
- Captions: Develop lengthy and specific captions that not only describe the content but also encourage interaction.
- Visual Appeal: Ensure that visuals are high-quality and aligned with the vertical trend.
- Human Connection: Feature your face and personality to create a deeper connection with your audience.
She reiterates the importance of time watched as a critical metric:
"The most important factor that always has been and always will be is time watched. Whether it's on YouTube or Instagram or TikTok, that is the most important thing for two types of reach, connected and unconnected." (09:30)
Maximizing time watched by keeping audiences engaged for longer durations directly influences content distribution and visibility.
Tips and Tricks for Increasing Engagement
Timestamp [10:05 - 14:00]
To further assist teacher entrepreneurs, Kayse shares practical tips to enhance engagement on Instagram:
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Hooks Within the First Three Seconds: Capture attention immediately to prevent users from scrolling past.
- Example: "Hey, I have three tips on how you can better manage your classroom. Stick around." (11:15)
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Encourage Interaction: Design content that invites comments, shares, and likes.
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Use Captions Effectively: Detailed captions improve accessibility and provide context, making content more engaging.
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Create Open Loops: Leave questions or thoughts unresolved to prompt audience interaction and continued engagement.
- Kayse explains, “You gotta create open loops. Meaning you don't want to close loops... leave room in a video for your audience to wonder, to answer you, to interact with your content.” (13:00)
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Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Rather than posting frequently, focus on delivering high-value content a few times a week.
Kayse reinforces that these strategies not only boost engagement but also help in building a loyal and active community around your teacher business.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp [14:05 - End]
As the episode draws to a close, Kayse encourages listeners to implement the discussed strategies to glow up their social media influence in 2025. She emphasizes that regardless of where educators are in their Instagram journey—whether starting fresh or scaling an existing account—the principles of connection, consistency, and optimization are universally applicable.
Final Quote:
"Remember your best is yet to come and I'll see you soon." (End)
Kayse leaves her audience with a sense of empowerment, assuring them that with the right strategies, they can turn their teaching passion into a thriving online business.
Additional Resources
- Free Guide: Kayse offers a free guide to help teachers start or expand their online businesses. It can be downloaded from kaysemorris.com/start.
- Social Media: Follow Kayse Morris on Instagram at @kaysemorris and join the CEO Teacher community for ongoing support and resources.
Join the Movement:
The CEO Teacher® community comprises over 3,000 educational enthusiasts dedicated to transforming teaching expertise into sustainable online ventures. Explore ten proven success pathways or forge your own path with the provided frameworks by visiting kaysemorris.com.
Remember: The landscape of social media is ever-changing, but with the right strategies and mindset, educators can not only adapt but thrive in their online endeavors.