Today, we are going to be chatting about how to make Instagram fun again – and not feel defeated on the app. If we’re being real, it can be easy to get overwhelmed on Instagram – whether it’s dealing with a million glitches or just feeling like we’re on a hamster wheel for content creation. So, I wanted this episode to be all about things to think about so that Instagram feels fun again! Because, honestly, if we’re not having fun and being ourselves (our genuine selves!), people can tell. I hope this episode is encouraging to all of you who feel he struggle and know it would be great to post on Instagram… but just can’t find the enjoyment anymore.

#1: Create content you truly love (not just for the algorithm).

I think it can be really easy to get stuck in the idea that we have to create the content simply because it performs well – whether or not we like it – because it gets likes or views or comments. But, I want to encourage you to create content because you WANT to or you like it. Instagram is full of short form content, which means there’s always content to be made. Putting in shorter amounts of time on the app every day is going to keep you from getting burnt out instead of just creating tons of content you dislike. Make sure you’re creating content that aligns with you and your brand that you love to share.

While I know I tell you to check analytics and know what’s working on your account, I think at the end of the day, we have to recognize if we’re just creatin content for the algorithm. That’s going to burn us out and prevent us from creating content that’s actually attracting new followers or nurturing the followers that we have. So, it’s important to make sure that the content we’re creating is actually motivating to create so that we can enjoy the app. If that means you need to pivot what you’re creating, here’s your permission!  Just remember, sometimes that pivot in type of content can cause a dip in your engagement but that’s totally normal and nothing to worry about. Take the time to re-engage with your audience and show them you’re still there.

Figure out what makes you excited to go on Instagram and create THAT.

#2: Be consistent for three months (then watch the momentum roll).

I really think that momentum on apps like Instagram is contagious. It can take time to find where that momentum actually feels motivating but it does happen! There are people on the other side of that app who want to engage with you. When you get to that place, it feels so exciting and you’ll become more motivated to continue creating content (especially if you love that content!). I don’t think there’s a specific amount of time to be consistent before you’ll see that change, but just keep going. You’ll definitely see an increase in the vanity metrics, but you’ll also begin to see more genuine comments and DMs, plus more feedback from your community… which makes it so worth it.

When you first start out, I lean towards easier ways to engage – like polls or yes/no questions. As time goes on and you build your connection you can ask for deeper engagement from them. And when they start to engage even more, that’s when you start to see like you start seeing people being transformed by the content you’re creating, whether it’s inspiring them, motivating them, encouraging them, educating them, serving them, because they’re then buying your products and services. It’s so cool to see that happening! But, you’re only going to get that feedback if you’re consistent.

#3: Plan ahead with an Instagram planning app.

When I think about how to make Instagram fun, and when I feel most creative to plan or create content, it’s when I’m ahead. If I’m creating content the day that it has to go live, then it feels so frantic and stressful. Instead, planning ahead for my feed posts helps me to get my creative juices flowing a bit more. Stories I almost always do off the cuff. But, as far as feed and content posts, I create better content when I plan ahead. I know that most of you are also that way! We love using Plann for our scheduling! It’s super intuitive to use and I’m obsessed. It allows us to write out our content ahead, sends us notifications, and keeps us posting regularly.

#4: Try new things (and don’t be afraid to experiment).

The next thing that is really helpful to make Instagram fun again is to try new things. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Essentially: don’t take it too seriously. You might be surprised what happens when you try new types of content. It could outperform anything you’ve done (or it could fail). But, it’s important to give it a try and help you start to gain that momentum. Try a new type of post or Reel, or maybe a new strategy. Whatever it is, just give it some time. I recommend at least 5 types of whatever that new content is before giving up! Review the analytics and make sure you have enough data to truly make the call about if it’s working or not.

#5: Engage back with your people.

I talk about this idea when we’re working on increasing engagement, but engaging with your community is a great way to make Instagram fun again. It’s so helpful to not only build your community, but also to create a loyal following. Engaging with your audience also just helps you feel the connection that Instagram was created for in the first place. Respond to your comments and DMs – you can even do voice memos back! You should also be engaging with them in other ways – like your stories. Ask questions or polls. It’s a great and easy way to determine what your audience wants from you, too. It makes things more real and helps Instagram be more fun because you know whatever you post is something they want.

I hope these 5 tips making Instagram more fun for you! This app was meant to connect us – not make us feel defeated!

PS. Do you want someone to tell you exactly what to post on Instagram for the next 30 days to see real growth? Join my free Instagram class! The title of this free class is What to Post on Instagram for the Next 30 Days: How to Post on Instagram Consistently & Gain Highly Engaged Followers. It’s going to be a live video training with dates in 2023 on March 30, March 31, and April 1 (and no, this is not a joke!) Sign up to join us live here! 

Other Instagram Resources 

I also offer a free one-hour Instagram Reels class if you want more help with how to grow your reach, followers, and customers with Reels in 2 hours a month! You can sign up for that HERE. And, if you have questions or want some extra support, I’ve got a FREE Reels Growth Facebook Community that you can join. I absolutely love getting to chat with everyone and help them work through their questions about Reels!

Wondering what to make for your next Reel? Free quiz to find out what type of reel idea you should make next! 

Discover what your next step should be to gain your next 1,000 followers!

Need ideas for Instagram? Grab our free sample Instagram posting schedule here!

If you’re listening and you have ideas about what to talk about next, please send in your requests! I really do want to know what you want to hear about in future episodes. Email me at [email protected] with your questions!! I can’t wait to hear from you! Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, too. We appreciate all of the support and love!