Is anyone else finding Instagram growth way harder lately?

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It's not just you. The algo now prioritizes watch time and shares over anything else — a reel with 80% retention gets pushed way harder than one with high impressions but quick swipes. Hashtags barely move the needle now. Honestly the only growth I've seen is from content that makes people want to send it to someone.

Have your tried carousels.. That tend to perform better than reels

You're right! It's harder these days. Honestly, hashtags don't do anything anymore. Focus on DM shares.

The frustrating part is that a reel can win on reach without creating a reason for someone to stay. I would separate the problem into three numbers: average watch time or completion, shares and saves per reach, and profile visits that turn into follows. That usually tells you whether the weak point is the opening, the usefulness of the idea, or the profile itself.

I would also avoid changing several variables at once. Keep a recognizable topic and format for a few weeks, then test one thing such as the first sentence, length, or ending. Hashtags can help with context, but they are unlikely to fix a video that gets swiped away or a profile that does not quickly explain what a new follower will keep getting.

For the followers who do stick, consistency matters more than posting constantly. A small series with a clear promise gives people a reason to come back, and it is easier to compare performance than a feed made up of unrelated experiments.