Instagram might be one of the most popular social media platforms, but that doesn’t mean everyone agrees on how best to use it. The internet is packed with advice, from proven strategies to tips and hacks, yet not all of it hits the mark. Today we’re challenging some of the most popular opinions in the hope we can shift your mindset and challenge you to rethink your approach to the ‘gram. Whether you’re a social media manager, business owner or content creator, these hot takes will challenge the way you see Instagram.
Unpopular Opinion #1 - Sometimes, the best-performing posts are the ones you've put the least thought and effort into
Don’t get us wrong, we’re a strong advocate for having a well thought out strategy that guides your content plan but sometimes going off-strategy and posting something quick and easy really works! It’s ironic, but some of your most effortless posts can become unexpected hits. Maybe it’s the raw authenticity or the relatability that resonates with your audience. While planning and editing are valuable, this serves as a reminder that perfection isn’t always necessary for success on Instagram.
Unpopular Opinion #2 - Hashtags aren't dead, but they're not worth stressing or spending time on anymore
If you’re tired of the constant chatter about hashtags, you’re not alone. It feels like every day brings a new update or conflicting advice - hashtags are dead, use them, don’t use them, use this many…the list goes on! While it’s true that their influence on Instagram has declined, they still play a minor role in content discovery so shouldn’t be forgotten. However, investing hours into finding the “perfect” hashtags is no longer worth your time. Instead, channel that energy into creating compelling content that genuinely connects with your audience and select a few post/niche relevant hashtags to complete your caption when posting. Click here for a list of top hashtags to help you out!
Unpopular Opinion #3 - Follower count doesn't matter - engagement rate is a much more important metric to gauge how your account is performing
A massive follower count might look impressive, but it means little without meaningful interaction and community. A small, engaged audience is far more valuable than a large audience who are not listening to what you are saying (or worse, aren’t interested!). Whether you're building a community or working with brands, don’t stress about follower count, focus on cultivating genuine connections and building a community that your audience feel a part of.
Unpopular Opinion #4 - It’s still possible to grow on Instagram even if you never share reels
Reels may be the hot trend right now and are excellent for reaching new people on Instagram, but they're not the only route to growth. While they’re often seen as the "go-to" for expansion due to their reach beyond your current audience, the humble carousel post is also a powerful tool for growth. We've seen accounts flourish by focusing solely on high-quality carousel posts, and even static photos can attract new followers if they provide value or evoke emotion. Ultimately, success comes down to understanding your audience, not just chasing trends. In fact, carousel posts are having a bit of a moment on Instagram – read more about why you should be creating more reels here.
Unpopular Opinion #5 - It’s not the algorithm’s fault, you just need to revise your content strategy
It’s tempting to blame the algorithm for poor performance, but more often than not, the real issue is not the algorithm - it's your content. Yep, we said it! If your posts aren't landing, take a moment to step back, evaluate what's working, and make adjustments. Remember, the algorithm favors engaging and relevant content, so make sure you're delivering just that.
Unpopular Opinion #6 - AI can be a content creators best friend (if used correctly!)
AI has transformed the way we work, but when it comes to social media content, AI-generated captions and concepts are often easy to spot. Many creators argue against relying on AI, advocating for a more genuine, authentic approach. However, when used properly, AI can be a game-changer while still maintaining that authentic tone of voice. Whether it's generating captions or editing visuals, AI tools can streamline your workflow and ignite creativity. We recommend using very specific prompts in ChatGPT for custom ideas and captions, or trying an AI-driven tool like Rapidely, which learns your brand and voice to create tailored content that sounds just like you.
Unpopular Opinion #7 - The algorithm isn’t out to get you, Instagram want you to succeed on their platform!
We understand the frustration – you're putting in the effort, posting content consistently, but still not seeing the growth or results you expect, while larger accounts seem to get all the attention. It can feel like the algorithm is overlooking smaller accounts, right? But the truth is, Instagram's main goal is to keep users engaged, and they want you to succeed, not get discouraged. If your content resonates with what people want to see, the platform will reward you. Instead of fighting the algorithm, focus on creating content that genuinely connects with your audience.
Unpopular Opinion #8 - A trending audio doesn’t guarantee a hit reel
We love a trending audio, especially if you jump on one early, they can be gold for reaching a wider audience. But while a trending audio can give your reel a slight boost, it’s not a magic formula for virality. The quality of your content - its story, visuals, and relevance - plays a far bigger role in its success. Use trends wisely, but don’t rely on them to carry your content. For a list of the top trending audios, and ideas on how to use them for your brand, come & try rapidely, we handpick our favorites in there every week for our users!
Conclusion
Phew! Don’t come for us! These opinions might be controversial and go against what many “experts” suggest, but our goal is to help you shift your perspective and rethink how you approach Instagram and content creation. Creating content should be enjoyable, not stressful – we’re here to help bring the fun back and ease some of that pressure!
Looking for a social media management platform that helps you create, plan, collaborate & schedule all in once place? Try rapidely (its free to try out!), and join the hundreds of other social media managers, content creators & entrepreneurs who swear by our platform.
