Why Your Instagram Isn’t Growing; Even If You Post Every Day
Hi everyone, Anna here!
I’ve been testing a lot of content lately; posting more on TikTok, paying close attention to how the algorithm is behaving there, and noticing what actually works for creators right now.
Last week, we shared a blog post about TikTok and how so many creators are seeing great results just by posting more often and letting go of perfection. That got me thinking about Instagram; what’s working there? Does the same strategy apply?
So the PB&A team dug in. We studied recent trends, looked at what some of the fastest-growing creators are doing on Instagram right now, and here’s what we found.
TLDR
Posting every day doesn’t guarantee growth anymore
In 2025, Instagram rewards variety, storytelling, and authenticity
You don’t need a niche; you need a clear narrative people can follow
Focus on connecting with your audience, not just publishing more content
Why Posting Every Day Isn’t Necessarily Enough
If you’re posting consistently but not seeing results, chances are one (or more) of these are getting in your way.
1. Every Post Feels the Same
Even if your content is on-brand, if it all blends together, your audience will lose interest. Instagram rewards variety; different formats, different stories, and different energy.
2. You’re Ignoring Instagram Search
Since late 2024, Instagram has leaned heavily into searchability. Captions, alt text, even your voiceovers should include relevant keywords to get found. Hashtags alone aren’t enough anymore.
3. You’re Missing Community Signals
Instagram’s algorithm loves posts that spark conversations. Saves, shares, DMs, and thoughtful comments all signal that your content is worth showing to more people.
4. You’re Focusing Too Much on Looking Polished to Feel Relatable
Audiences are craving realness. Behind-the-scenes posts, honest takes, and even “messy middle” updates outperform overly scripted, overly branded graphics.
5. You Don’t Have a Clear Story Arc
This is a big one; people are more likely to stick around if they feel like they’re following your story, not just individual posts. A clear narrative; something they can check back on and root for; makes all the difference.
How to Find Your Own Story Arc
This summer is the perfect time to play, test, and experiment with your content. Try different formats. Record more talking-head Reels (those still stop the scroll). And, most importantly, ask yourself:
What story am I in the middle of right now?
For me, personally, I know the story I can lean into is the fact that Trevor and I are newlyweds, nesting in our first home, and working every day to turn it into the kind of space we’ve always wanted. Every project, every paint choice, every little win is part of that arc; and I can double down on sharing that narrative in creative ways.
Think about what your story arc might be;
Maybe you just had a baby.
Maybe you just moved into your dream apartment.
Maybe you’re in the middle of a big career pivot or job search.
Even something adventurous; like how creator Felix documented sailing across the ocean, with people checking in every day to see how close he was to Hawaii; works because it gives people a reason to keep coming back.
Whatever it is, your story is your edge.
What Does Work on Instagram Right Now
If you want to see real growth on Instagram in 2025, it’s not just about showing up every day (although this is important); it’s about showing up strategically, with the kind of content the platform (and your audience) actually rewards. Here’s what we’re seeing work consistently for creators right now.
Post 4-6 Times Per Week; With More Variety and Intention
Rather than pushing out something every single day, focus on posting three to five times per week, and make each post count. Think of your feed as a portfolio, not a diary (different from TikTok). Each piece of content should have a purpose of inviting conversation.
For example:
One post might share your personal story to deepen connection.
Another could give tactical advice that’s easy to save and share.
Another might be a short Reel with a trending sound for discoverability.
Mix Formats; Reels, Carousels, Notes, and Even Lives or Collabs
Instagram wants you to use all of its tools and it rewards creators who do. Reels still tend to have the most reach, but carousels are great for saves and shares because they keep people swiping.
Try adding in Notes, which are still underutilized but great for staying top of mind in your followers’ inboxes. Go Live when you want to connect in real time or announce something exciting. Collabs, where you tag a partner or client as a collaborator on the post, are a fast way to double your reach.
Write Captions Optimized for Search
Instagram has become more like a search engine than a hashtag lottery. Use keywords naturally in your captions to help Instagram recommend your content to the right people. For example, instead of “This changed everything for me,” write; “This one productivity tip helped me manage my ADHD as an entrepreneur.”
The more specific you are, the better chance you have of showing up when someone searches “ADHD entrepreneur tips” — and you’ll attract more aligned followers.
Engage Back; Respond to DMs and Comments Quickly
Instagram prioritizes posts that spark conversation. But it also notices when you take the time to reply and keep the conversation going.
Responding thoughtfully (and promptly) to comments and DMs helps keep your posts in circulation longer, signaling to the algorithm that people care about what you’re sharing.
Pro tip; end your captions with an open-ended question or a prompt that invites responses — then actually reply to them.
Share More Raw, Authentic Storytelling
Perfect is out. Real is in. Posts that show the “messy middle,” your honest opinions, or your unfiltered behind-the-scenes are performing better than ever.
That doesn’t mean everything has to be vulnerable; but it does mean you don’t have to over-polish or over-produce your content. Audiences are looking for people who feel approachable and relatable.
For example; instead of a fully produced video tour of your home, try a shaky, iPhone selfie video of you talking through your renovation struggles and wins.
Instead of Picking a Topic, Pick a Narrative
Rather than trying to decide “my account is only about fitness” or “my account is only about design,” think about the bigger theme or journey you’re on and bring your audience along.
For example:
“I’m building a creative business while figuring out how to manage my ADHD.”
“I just moved to a new city and I’m sharing what it’s like to start over in my 30s.”
“I’m exploring how to live more sustainably without being perfect.”
“I’m renovating my first house as a newlywed while balancing being a a business owner.” (That’s me.)
These arcs can touch many topics, because it’s about the lens you’re telling them through.
Why People Stay for You, Not Just the Topic
When you share your perspective, your personal growth, and your daily decisions, people follow you, not just the thing you talk about.
For example:
You can post one day about your messy kitchen renovation, another day about what you’re reading, another about a hard business lesson you learned that week and it all works, because it all ties back to you and your bigger story.
Questions to Help You Frame Your Story Without a Niche
What season of life am I in right now?
What big challenge or goal am I navigating?
What do people consistently come to me for advice or inspiration about?
What parts of my life feel honest, relatable, and worth sharing?
Even if you never say “I’m a fitness creator” or “I’m a parenting account,” people can still follow your story, because it feels cohesive and human.
Final Thought
So yes; posting consistently is great. But what really works on Instagram in 2025 is telling a consistent, authentic, human story people actually care about.
Play. Experiment. Show us the arc you’re in the middle of. And keep going.
