Episode Overview
Podcast: Young and Profiting with Hala Taha
Episode: Brock Johnson: Is Instagram Dead? Unlock the Secret to Explosive Social Media Growth | E377
Date: December 8, 2025
Guest: Brock Johnson, Instagram growth coach, entrepreneur, co-host of Build Your Tribe podcast
Theme:
Hala Taha interviews Brock Johnson, a recognized Instagram growth expert, to challenge the pervasive belief that Instagram’s organic reach is “dead.” They dive deep into Instagram’s latest algorithm, growth strategies that work in 2025, practical content tips for creators and entrepreneurs, monetization secrets (even with a small following), and actionable frameworks for going viral and converting followers to paying customers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Is Instagram Really “Dead”? (06:08)
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Brock dispels the myth that Instagram is obsolete or unrewarding for organic growth.
- Instagram's organic reach is tougher due to a 34% increase in Reels (2025 vs 2024), while user time is static or down.
- However, internal data shows average member growth in Brock's Insta ClubHub is ~16,000 followers in one year.
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Shift from social media to “interest media”:
- The platform is now less about follower count, more about hyper-relevant, interest-based content (08:11).
“The playing field has never been more level, which is very exciting. ... We're all fighting for the same attention.” (08:50 - Brock)
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Instagram delivers highest revenue per follower vs. TikTok and YouTube (10:01).
2. The Modern Algorithm—Lessons from Instagram’s Head (24:11)
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Hala & Brock discuss Brock’s interview with Instagram Head, Adam Mosseri
- Most “hacks” and viral tips are overrated; focus on fundamentals.
- Three big drivers of IG’s growth: Recommendations (non-followed content), Reels, and DMs.
- Expect app layout changes to push these key features to the forefront.
“The biggest takeaway ... If I had to summarize everything—everyone just chill out.” (24:19 - Brock)
3. Growth or Ghost? (26:11) – Ranking Popular Strategies
| Growth Strategy | 1-10 Rating | Insight | |---|---|---| | Using trending audio | 4-6 | Not critical; focus more on content (27:04) | | Posting trial reels | 8+ | Excellent for reach, even with new caps (27:20) | | Boosting content (ads) | 8 (for good content) | Don’t boost bad content (27:49) | | Leaning into carousels | 9 | Massive & underutilized, esp. w/ music (28:19) | | Hashtags | 1 | Very overrated, mostly irrelevant (28:46) | | Tweaking post settings | 1 | New “hack” wave; not impactful (29:32) | | Optimal post times | 3 | Minor factor; don’t obsess (29:49) |
4. Brock’s Virality & Content Wisdom
- It took him 9+ years to go viral. Consistency is key!
“My superpower is hyper consistency ... I ain’t going to go anywhere. I’m going to keep showing up.” (17:14 - Brock)
- Treat posting as practice, not perfection (17:14).
- Best content is relatable, authentic, and made quickly:
“The less time you can spend between when this idea first pops into your head and the actual post being posted, the better.” (01:41 & 34:21 - Brock)
5. Real Monetization: You Don’t Need 100,000+ Followers (41:16)
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Smaller accounts = deeper trust:
- E.g., a student had two $30-40k launches with <1,000 followers by personally connecting with her audience (41:16).
- Focus on DMs, conversations, understanding audience pain points.
“You can use that to your opportunity. I genuinely wish I could spend more time each day DMing my followers ... I miss the good old days.” (41:16 - Brock)
6. Frameworks & Funnels for Explosive Growth
a. Attract, Nurture, Convert (49:15)
- Don’t try to do everything in one post. Segment by campaign season:
- Attract: Get new eyeballs/followers.
- Nurture: Build engagement & trust.
- Convert: Direct sales, offers, or calls to action.
b. ManyChat & DM Automation (51:45)
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Don’t use links—use DM automation for freebies, lead magnets, and low-ticket offers ($7 trial → $47/month membership).
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Email list > Follower count for true revenue; funnel DMs to email captures.
“I am never using a link. It’s always DM automation—comment a keyword to get a thing.” (51:45 - Brock)
c. The “STD” Stories Formula for Maximum Story Views (54:47)
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S = Single: Post only one story for 24h, let others expire.
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T = Text-heavy: Use multiple sentences or a simple graphic with text (people pause to read—triggers 200%+ more watch time).
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D = DM automation: Always include a prompt to DM or reply, triggering Insta's engagement signals.
“You can’t have an STD without the D. ... All of my most viewed stories had DM automation.” (54:47 - Brock)
7. Content Batching, Formats, & Tools
- Batch create content to avoid burnout & maintain consistency (60:10).
- For podcast clips:
- Try carousels with engaging covers or comic book split screens (61:45).
- Don’t overthink equipment:
“Your fricking iPhone, your phone in your hand, is literally all you need.” (62:44 - Brock)
8. Dealing with Comparisons, Gaps, and the Long Game (36:41)
- Don’t compare yourself only to larger accounts.
- Practice “gain” thinking: focus on progress, not just the “gap” to your goals.
- Unfollow/mute accounts that trigger negative comparisons. Avoid media/podcasts that push hustle culture if it’s not your vibe (40:40).
9. Final Tips, Mindset, and Life Balance
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Post every good post at least three times, spaced 60-90 days apart (65:49).
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Prioritize empathy for your audience—active listening, DMs, reading comments, even reviewing competitor communities (64:05).
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In life: reject hustle culture, create space outside of work, and enjoy the journey.
“What’s the point of making more money or getting more followers if you don’t get to actually reap the fruits of your labor?” (66:43 - Brock)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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"The less time you can spend between when this idea pops into your head and the actual post being posted, the better."
— Brock (01:41, 34:21) -
"Share-worthy content is the best. Shares are disproportionately the best form of engagement on Instagram."
— Brock (31:58) -
"If you let your content sit, you’re just a slave to the algorithm. Just put in your reps, treat it like practice."
— Brock (17:14) -
“You can’t have an STD without the D!” (on DM automation in stories)
— Brock (54:47) -
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with—nowadays, that includes content creators and podcasts you binge.”
— Brock (40:40) -
“If you can’t be content with what you’ve achieved so far, you’re never going to reach that level where you are proud of where you’re at.”
— Brock (37:49)
Timestamps for Critical Segments
- 01:41 — Brock on posting quickly & authenticity
- 06:08 — Is Instagram dead? The case for continued organic growth
- 08:50 — The new, level playing field (interest media)
- 24:11 — Insights from Adam Mosseri & the latest IG algorithm priorities
- 26:11 — "Growth or Ghost" rapid-fire strategy game
- 31:58 — Why shares matter most
- 34:21 — Best posts are made fast, not over-edited
- 41:16 — Monetizing small audiences
- 49:15 — The Attract–Nurture–Convert framework
- 51:45 — Brock's ManyChat funnel for DMs & email list building
- 54:47 — The STD Story formula for maximum story performance
- 62:44 — Equipment advice: use your phone, don't overthink
- 65:49 — Repurpose every post at least three times
Conclusion – Actionable Takeaways
- Instagram is far from dead: It’s about adapting to interest-driven, high-quality, and share-worthy content.
- Focus on authentic, relatable ideas—post quickly, don’t over-edit.
- Shares drive virality and conversions far more than hashtags or likes.
- Use DM automation, especially with ManyChat, to build your email list, not just your follower count.
- Small accounts can monetize effectively by building real trust and connections.
- Segment content by purpose (attract, nurture, convert); don’t try to do everything at once.
- Stories work best with the STD formula: single, text-heavy, and DM-driven.
- Batch and repurpose content. Don’t let perfectionism or equipment concerns get in your way.
- Reject hustle culture; build a healthy balance for sustainable, joyful profit and life.
For deeper implementation: Follow Brock (@brock11johnson), leverage DM automation, and measure your outcomes by trust and engagement, not just vanity metrics.
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