Instagram Changed. Your Strategy Didn't.

Instagram isn’t the same as it was last year. Between new features, algorithm shifts, and what audiences want, the rules keep changing. Some advice out there is now flat-wrong. Let’s unpack the myths & update your strategy. (BTW, I tried to compile this as user-friendly as possible: Just the facts, Ma’am!)

Myth 1: “If it isn’t Reels, it won’t get shown.”

What People Assume: Only Reels matter now. Feed posts, carousels, and photos are useless.

What’s Actually True: Reels are prioritized (more video, more reach) but other content types still have power—especially with new carousel limits and creative tools. Sprout Social+2Social Media Dashboard+2

What To Do Instead: Use a mix. Drop more video/Reels because they perform, but don’t abandon carousels, photo dumps, or thoughtful image content. Think: lead with video but support with variety so your grid feels intentional, not predictable.

Myth 2: “Ride every trend, every audio, every viral thing to grow fast.”

What People Assume: Trend = growth every time.

What’s Actually True: Trending audio and formats help, but if they don’t align with your brand or your audience, they backfire. Plus, Instagram now gives more analytics (like skip rate, retention etc.) so you can see where trends lose people. HeyOrca+2Social Media Dashboard+2

What To Do Instead: Experiment with trending audio, new Reels styles, or trending transition effects—but test them. Watch your retention and skip stats. If people drop off your Reels at 3 seconds, fix the hook. If they stay to the end, double down on what works.

Myth 3: “Hashtags are outdated so focus only on captions and trends.”

What People Assume: Hashtags don’t matter anymore. SEO type stuff is replacing them.

What’s Actually True: Hashtags are still part of the discoverability toolbox. Instagram is leaning into search, keywords, bios, alt text etc. But hashtags alone won’t save you if your content isn’t discoverable in other ways. Socialinsider+2Social Media Dashboard+2

What To Do Instead: Use targeted hashtags + strong captions + keyword-rich language. Optimize your bio. Include alt text. Make sure your content is labeled in ways people might search for it.

Myth 4: “Post daily or more—quantity is everything.”

What People Assume: More = better, always.

What’s Actually True: The algorithm rewarded consistent, quality content in 2025. Burnout or rushed content shows. Also Instagram is releasing features like Edits app, with tools to help creators produce better video content (filters, voice enhancements, teleprompters etc.). HeyOrca+2WIRED+2

What To Do Instead: Prioritize content you can polish. Use tools like Edits to make Reels look and sound stronger. Do fewer posts, but ensure each delivers something meaningful—value, personality, story, humor.

Myth 5: “Don’t repost content. Original only.”

What People Assume: Reposting is lazy and kills originality.

What’s Actually True: Instagram has added a Repost feature: users can share someone else’s post or Reel and credit them. This shows up in a dedicated Reposts section. It boosts reach, helps community, and lets you curate what you love. Indiatimes

What To Do Instead: Use reposts smartly—share content that aligns with your values or vibe. Add commentary—make it yours. Curate Reposts to show what inspires you, not just filler. Reposts can help with community relationships and cross-promotion.

Myth 6: “Stories are less important now that Reels dominate.”

What People Assume: Because Reels get big reach, Stories are just for casual/no-effort content.

What’s Actually True: Stories still matter a lot for connection, retention, building trust. Instagram continues investing in Stories features (stickers, interactivity, etc.). Engagement in Stories helps with algorithmic signals, and they’re often where fans feel more personal access to you. Social Media Dashboard+2Sprout Social+2

What To Do Instead: Use Stories to show behind-the-scenes, experiments, the stuff that’s less polished. Mix in stickers or polls, ask questions, use CTAs. Keep your audience involved and trusting. Also repurpose Stories into Highlights strategically.

Myth 7: “Ignore your analytics, content will tell you what works.”

What People Assume: Just post, see what sticks, do more of that.

What’s Actually True: Analytics have deeper tools now—retention, skip rate, insights in the Edits app, etc. These metrics help you learn why something works or fails. Without them you’re flying blind. HeyOrca+2mentionlytics.com+2

What To Do Instead: Regularly check the new metrics. Ask questions: Where are people dropping off? Which audio or format keeps them watching? What types of captions or visuals generate more saves or shares? Use that data to refine content pillars—not just copy what feels good.

Bottom Line:

Instagram’s evolving fast. The trends, updates, and algorithm tweaks aren’t just noise, they change what works. Bad advice from last year (or even last quarter) can drag you down now. Better strategy means being adaptive, using new tools, leaning into video, and letting the data guide you.

If you want more cutting-edge tips and want to figure out exactly what’s holding you back, follow me on social media for frequent updates. Also check out the self-paced survey, “Which Social Media Pain Point Is Blocking Your Growth?” -it’s the banner when you land on my website. I personally email you your results.