Instagram CEO Leaks 17 Hacks To Grow Fast In 2025

Summary

In this video, Instagram's CEO shares 17 crucial tips for success on the platform in 2025. These strategies emphasize content quality, audience engagement, and adapting to the algorithm. Key points include prioritizing high-quality, relevant videos (at least 720p and 30fps), using carousels for higher engagement, and optimizing for shares. The video also covers the importance of timely responses, leveraging current events, and using effective hashtags. By following these tips, users can improve their visibility, create impactful content, and grow their Instagram presence without spending on ads.

Takeaways

• 😀 Post consistently on Instagram Stories to maintain audience engagement and reduce unfollows, even though stories don’t directly bring new followers.
• 😀 Avoid overly polished, high-production videos. Focus on content that feels relatable to your audience, as authenticity is key.
• 😀 Carousels outperform single-image posts in terms of engagement. Include text on the first slide to increase chances of users interacting with your post.
• 😀 Hashtags are less effective in 2025. Prioritize creating valuable content instead of obsessing over hashtags.
• 😀 Focus on getting your content shared via 'Sends,' as this is the most crucial signal to the algorithm for widespread reach.
• 😀 Keep your own watermarks small and subtle; third-party watermarks can negatively affect reach and engagement.
• 😀 Take advantage of viral moments by posting immediately afterward to maintain engagement momentum.
• 😀 Consume content within your niche to stay inspired and spark new ideas for your own posts.
• 😀 Posting 2-3 times a week is optimal for most accounts. Consistency is more important than frequency.
• 😀 The first 3 seconds of a video are critical. Use engaging text and set clear expectations to keep viewers interested.
• 😀 Use audio in your videos to increase engagement and discoverability, especially on Reels. It also helps in appearing on audio pages.

Q & A

How can Instagram Stories help with audience growth in 2025?

Instagram Stories don't directly bring new followers, but they are crucial for engaging your existing audience. Posting stories regularly helps build relationships and decreases the number of unfollows, leading to faster overall growth.

Should creators focus on high production value content for better reach?

Not necessarily. While high production value may be important for branded content or luxury brands, for musicians, comedians, or athletes, it can make content less relatable. It's more effective to focus on storytelling, content ideas, and consistency rather than overly polished production.

Why do carousels perform better than single image posts on Instagram?

Carousels typically generate more engagement because they provide more content for people to interact with. This results in higher reach and more time spent on the post, as well as increased chances for users to swipe through multiple pieces of media.

Do hashtags still help improve visibility on Instagram?

Instagram's CEO has stated that hashtags are no longer as important. The platform’s AI can now understand your content based on the video and caption itself, making hashtags less crucial for discovery. It’s better to focus on improving content quality.

What is the most important factor that triggers the Instagram algorithm?

Sends (shares) are the most significant trigger in the algorithm. Content that users share tends to perform better. However, saves and positive engagement are also important, so creating relatable and engaging content is key.

Does watermarking videos with your own logo affect reach?

Watermarking videos with your own logo is fine and does not affect reach negatively. However, third-party logos or watermarks from other editing apps should be avoided, as they can harm reach.

When should you post after a viral video to maximize momentum?

It’s recommended to post within a day or two after a viral video to capitalize on the momentum. If people are already engaging with your content, posting more great content soon after increases the likelihood of them engaging with your next post as well.

How can consuming more content in your niche improve your Instagram performance?

By consuming more content within your niche, you can gather fresh ideas and inspiration. This helps you create better, more relevant content that is more likely to resonate with your audience and perform well in the algorithm.

How often should you post on Instagram to maintain growth without burning out?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but posting 2 to 3 times per week is often recommended for most creators. It’s important to post consistently without burning out, so develop a sustainable content schedule based on what works for you.

What role do the first 3 seconds of a video play in its performance?

The first 3 seconds of a video are crucial for grabbing attention. This 'hook' sets expectations and determines whether the viewer will continue watching. Using text and setting clear expectations in these initial moments increases the chances of retaining viewers.