If you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or social media manager, you’ve probably followed Instagram gurus and experts, hoping to pick up valuable tips, hacks, and advice on what works and what doesn’t. But how can you tell what’s true and what’s not? How do you distinguish between the professionals who genuinely know their stuff and those who simply claim expertise? In today’s world, it seems anyone can call themselves an expert, making it tricky to separate real insights from myths.
In this post, we’re debunking 10 common Instagram myths you've likely encountered, so you can confidently separate fact from fiction and avoid costly mistakes.
Myth #1 – using the phrase “Link in bio” in captions hurts your reach
There’s been a persistent rumor that including the phrase “link in bio” in your Instagram caption could harm your post’s reach. However, several studies and tests have confirmed that using “link in bio” does not negatively impact your post’s visibility, engagement, or reach. Instagram’s algorithm does not penalize posts that include this phrase, so you don’t have to worry about being punished for directing your audience to your profile link. While there are always debates about how certain keywords or strategies might influence performance, rest assured that Instagram is not punishing you for saying "link in bio". Read more about successful link in bio strategies here.
Myth #2 - Sharing your reel to your story hurts your reach
We are seeing a lot of so called ‘experts’ and ‘coaches’ in the online space advising that we need to STOP sharing our reels to our stories as it is hurting our reach which is simply not true! Despite what many people believe, Instagram wants you to succeed on the platform! Their main goal is to keep users on the app for as long as possible, so it makes no sense for them to penalize users for sharing their reels with their audience. Think about it: why would they hinder the reach of content that keeps people entertained and engaged? More engagement means more time spent on the app, which beneficial for both creators and Instagram. However, there have been reports to indicate that users find it less engaging when posts are shared to Stories. Instagram has acknowledged this feedback admitting that many users prefer to see fewer feed posts in stories. In response they have been testing changes to the platform including restricting the ability to share feed posts to Stories.
Myth #3 – Placing Hashtags in the Comments Keeps Your Caption Looking Cleaner
There's been ongoing debate about the best place for hashtags — should they go in the comments or the caption? While many believed it didn’t make a difference, Instagram has confirmed that for hashtags to be picked up by their search function, they must be in the caption, not in the comments. To keep your captions looking tidy, we recommend adding hashtags at the end of your caption after your call-to-action (CTA), with a space or line break to keep it looking clean and organized. Psst – want to see a list of the top trending hashtags broken down by industry? Click here!
Myth #4 – Instagram Penalizes You for Using Third-Party Apps to Edit Video Content
Whether you're using Capcut, InShot, VideoLeap, or any of the many other video editing apps available, there’s no denying they can elevate your content. While Instagram offers some solid in-app editing tools, they are limited compared to the flexibility and features of these external apps. However, there has been a long-standing belief that Instagram can detect if a video was edited outside the platform and will penalize your reach as a result.
Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri, debunked this myth, confirming there is no truth to it. That said, he did clarify that videos with visible watermarks (like a TikTok watermark) may see reduced reach. So, it's best to remove any watermarks before posting.
Myth #5 – Buying followers gives you more credibility
Have you ever been tempted by a message offering thousands of new followers for a small fee? It might seem appealing—after all, more followers should mean more credibility and engagement, right? Not quite! Purchased followers are often fake or bot accounts that rarely interact with your content, which can actually harm your engagement rate. Plus, people can easily spot fake followers these days, so it’s best to steer clear of this approach. Remember, having more followers doesn’t automatically mean more success. You can thrive on the platform with a smaller, authentic audience. It's far better to grow a genuine, engaged following, even if it takes a bit longer.
Myth #6 – Posting every day is the only way to grow on Instagram
You've probably heard it a million times—"You have to post every day on Instagram to see any growth." But this just isn’t true! While consistency is important, the real focus should be on quality over quantity. Posting every day with mediocre or rushed content won’t do much for your growth. On the other hand, sharing high-quality, well-thought-out content that resonates with your audience—even if it’s just three or four times a week—can lead to much better results. The key is to develop a strong content strategy, produce high-quality posts, and maintain a schedule that works for you, whether that’s daily or a few times a week. The goal is to be consistent, not overwhelming, and to deliver value that keeps your audience engaged and wanting more.
Myth #7 – Instagram shows your content to less than 10% of your audience
This myth caused quite a stir, spreading fear that Instagram was limiting reach to only a tiny segment of their audience. It became so widespread that Instagram had to issue an official statement to clear things up! The rumor suggested Instagram was deliberately restricting post visibility to followers. However, Instagram clarified: "What appears first in your feed is based on the accounts and posts you engage with most, along with factors like the timeliness of posts, how often you use Instagram, and how many people you follow."
Just like with the "shadowban" claims, Instagram reassured users that they don’t hide posts from followers: "We haven’t made any recent changes to feed ranking, and we never hide posts from people you follow. If you keep scrolling, you will see them all. Your feed is personalized and adapts to how you interact with the platform."
While it can be frustrating to see fluctuations in post performance or drops in engagement, it's reassuring to know there's no secret algorithm working against you. Instead, use any engagement dips as an opportunity to learn what resonates with your audience and refine your content strategy moving forward!
Myth #8 – Hashtags are dead on Instagram
While this is a myth, there is a degree of truth to it in that hashtags certainly play a different role on Instagram compared to even just a few years ago. But they can still help you be discovered so should not be ignored. Here are a few insights from Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri regarding hashtags:
- Hashtags don't increase reach - Hashtags don't meaningfully change the amount of reach you get when you post.
- Hashtags can help align posts with communities - Hashtags can help align your posts with certain communities, which can have some discovery benefits.
- Focus on making genuine posts - Creators should focus more on making genuine, engaging posts rather than relying on hashtags.
In summary, while hashtags still hold some benefits for visibility, there’s no need to overthink them. Aim for 3-5 niche, relevant hashtags related to your content, but don’t spend too much time fretting over which ones to choose. Focus on creating great content, and let hashtags work their magic without becoming a source of stress!
Myth #9 - Reels are the ONLY way to grow on Instagram
It’s no exaggeration that when Reels were launched in 2020, they became the go-to method for growing on Instagram, with many accounts experiencing remarkable growth by embracing short, engaging videos. While Reels remain a powerful tool for expanding your reach - since they can be seen by users outside your current audience—they're not the only path to growth! Carousels are giving reels a major run for their money when it comes to being the go-to format for growth on Instagram. Recently, Adam Mosseri explained that Carousels are also effective for building engagement, as they provide multiple opportunities for users to view and interact with your content (see his video here). Plus, with the addition of music, Carousels can now appear on the Reels tab as well which an added bonus!
Myth #10 – The Instagram algorithm is out to get you
Contrary to what many might suggest, the Instagram algorithm is not out to sabotage your success. It doesn’t hold any personal grudges or intentionally limit your reach. Instead, the algorithm is designed to enhance user experience by prioritizing content that is most relevant and engaging to each individual user.
The algorithm functions by analyzing various factors, such as user interactions, post engagement, and content preferences. Its primary goal is to show users the posts they are most likely to enjoy based on their previous activity. This means that if your content resonates with your audience and encourages interaction—such as likes, comments, and shares—it is more likely to be shown to a wider audience, including those who don’t follow you. Rather than viewing the algorithm as the enemy, consider it a tool that, when understood and leveraged effectively, can help you reach your target audience. Focus on building a solid strategy, creating authentic, engaging content that connects with your followers, and you’ll find that the algorithm will work in your favor rather than against you.
So there you have it! Consider these Instagram myths officially debunked! When utilized effectively, Instagram can be an incredible asset for building your brand and expanding your business. No more excuses and no more blaming the platform - it's time to concentrate on what really works and create great content for your audience!
Looking for a helping hand to level-up your content? Try rapidely! Our Social Media Management platform helps you plan, create, schedule and analyze, all your social content in one place! Check it out here (we have a free trial so you can try it out for yourself, no obligation or cost).
