INSTAGRAM SEARCH LABELS CAN HELP MORE PEOPLE FIND YOU If you have been posting on Instagram and noticed a small blue search label above the comments, do not scroll past it. This little feature is one of the easiest ways to understand how Instagram sees your content. That blue label is Instagram saying:“We think your post is about this topic. Should we show it to more people looking for it?” When the label is correct, you win. It means your content is more likely to appear in:• Instagram searches• Trending topic pages• Suggested posts for new audiences• Google search results (yes, since July 10th, public posts can be found on Google) How Instagram decides your label?Instagram’s AI scans your content to guess the main topic. It looks at:• Your caption• The words you speak in the video• Any text in your visuals (photo or video)• Comments• Hashtags The first three are the most important. If your caption and video language match your topic, Instagram will get the label right more often. What happens if your post has more than one topic Sometimes a post covers different ideas. In that case, Instagram may change the label depending on who is looking at it. For example, one viewer might see “Fitness Tips” while another might see “Healthy Eating” on the same carousel. Why this matters for your reach?The label is like a first impression for your content in the algorithm.If it is wrong, your post might be shown to the wrong audience.If it is right, your post gets placed in the right “content cluster,” where people are already interested in your topic. How to use this to your advantage?• Write captions that clearly mention your topic early• Say your topic clearly in your video, especially in the first few seconds• Add on-screen text with your main keyword or phrase• Avoid mixing too many unrelated ideas in one post• Review your labels often to see if Instagram is “reading” you correctly When you guide Instagram’s understanding of your content, you guide your reach. Think of it as giving the platform a map to send your post to the right people.
Stop Creating More, Start Reposting Smart.
Most people are creating twice the content they actually need to grow on Instagram. Every day I see talented creators posting new reels, new posts, new stories, thinking the only way to grow is to keep producing fresh content at high speed. But here is the reality: Instagram is not just about new. It is about effective. The algorithm rewards content that already has proof of performance. If something worked once, Instagram will happily show it to more people… if you give it the chance. That is where Instagram Trials comes in, one of the most underused tools on the platform. Trials allows you to repost your best performing reels so they can reach new audiences who have never seen them before. And you can do it without spending on ads or creating from scratch. Here is a simple strategy you can start today:– Audit your past reels. Look at reach, watch time, shares, and saves. Shortlist the top 5–10. – Repost with Trials. Use the same hook, same visuals, same caption, if it worked, do not fix what is not broken. – Time it right. Leave a gap of a few weeks or even months before reposting so it feels fresh. – Track performance. See if the repost pulls similar or even better numbers. Often it will, because it is hitting a completely new audience. This is not “recycling content.” This is content compounding, letting your proven winners keep working for you instead of getting lost in your feed history. This is how you grow reach and followers without burning out..
Instagram Features Content Creators Can’t Ignore in 2025
Instagram Features Content Creators Can’t Ignore in 2025 Here are the most powerful features and how to unlock them for real results 1) Reels: Your Discovery Engine: – Short-form videos remain the fastest path to new audiences.– In 2025, Reels can be up to 20 min.– Use strong hooks in the first 2 seconds, focus on retention, pick trending audio that fits your niche, and keep most content under 90 seconds for broadest reach.– Trial Reels allow you to test new content with non-followers before publishing to your main grid. 2) Stories: – The Engagement Swiss Army Knife– Stories sit at the top of your followers’ feed for max attention. Here’s a full list of what’s possible: * Creative Tools:– Upload or snap photos/videos,– add text overlays,– AI-generated images,– Boomerangs (looping mini-clips),– Layouts (collages),– GIFs, &– even hands-free video recording * Video: Shoot clips up to 60 seconds * Add Music: Overlay trending tracks or original audio * Stickers: – Polls, Questions, Quizzes, Emoji Sliders for instant audience participation– “Add Yours” chain sticker for viral challenges (exponentially extends reach)– Link, Mention, Location, Hashtag, Timer (Countdown), and Product stickers for deeper interaction and conversion drives– GIFs and custom stickers for personality and CTA nudges– New in 2025: Comment directly on Stories (publicly visible to all viewers) * Live: Go live solo or with others * Captions/Transcriptions: Make your content accessible and boost completion rates * Design Tips: Use custom fonts, overlays, consistent visuals; avoid placing text at screen edges * Sequence: Think in mini-stories (beginning, middle, end for each batch of Stories). * Frequency: 3–7 Stories/day keeps you visible and boosts engagement. 3. Highlights: – Evergreen Stories on Your Profile– Save Stories: Highlights allow you to save your top Stories permanently on your profile, now in a dedicated tab– Categories: Organise Highlights by topic (About, Tips, Reviews, Products, Events, BTS, Testimonials)– Custom Covers: Use brand-aligned graphics for a cohesive look– Keep Updated: Refresh regularly: most important highlights first– Conversions: Use them to feature FAQs, story sequences, product demos, teasers, and even direct followers to shops or landing pages. 4) Collab Posts: Double Audience, Double Impact– Co-author content with up to 2 creators/influencers and share all engagement/visibility mutually across profiles.– Ideal for cross-niche growth, giveaways, and brand partnerships. 6) Carousels:– Storytelling that Gets SavesPosts with up to 20 slides capture attention. – Hook with the first image, use clear structure, and end with a call-to-action (“Swipe”, “Save”, etc.)– They’re perfect for step-by-steps, stories, and before/afters 7) Broadcast Channels:– Speak to Superfans– Broadcast Channels (DM to many) are perfect for nurturing loyalists with exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes, tutorials, & product drops
Instagram’s New Creator Update.
Instagram just became a creator’s playground in 2025-26 & these new features are a goldmine for personal brand builders. This feature, which began global rollout in July 2024 after initial testing in December 2023, addresses content creators’ concerns about experimenting with new content formats without risking their existing follower engagement. Here’s what’s changing & why every content creator should care: 1) Trial Reels: – Think of this as your test lab.– Now, creators can share reels to non-followers first no pressure from your audience, and pure, unbiased feedback.– Publish to everyone only if the metrics look solid.– Experiment and see what truly works without risking engagement dips. 2) Unlockable Reels: – Want to go exclusive?– Hide content behind secret codes and create campaigns for your superfans.– This feature lets you build hype and reward your most loyal followers with special access. 3) Professional Dashboard: – Analytics on steroids reach, demographics, post-by-post performance.– Identify what’s working, tweak faster, and scale smarter.– Advanced metrics help you optimize everything from content formats to follower growth. 4) Monetization: – Instagram badges evolve with better tracking, limited-time bonuses, and a Creator Marketplace API for brands and agencies.– Dive into affiliate opportunities, paid collaborations, and new partnerships. 5) Editing Power: – AI editing tools are rolling out soon plus more fonts, animated text, and multi-track audio for reels.– Create studio-quality videos straight from your phone.– Captions, translations & stickers are also upgraded for 2025. 6) Collab Mode & Broadcast Channels: – Up to 5 collaborators on a single post, multi-channel engagement with replies & prompts.– Channel analytics are sharper; paid tiers for superfans are being tested.– Build community, not just followers. 7) Instagram Notes & Prompts: – Like, mention, and prompt in Notes with better display for responses.– It’s a subtle but powerful way to spark 8) RINGS: – Creator Recognition ProgramsInstagram introduced the “Rings” award program, offering physical and digital recognition for innovative creators rather than monetary rewards.– Winners receive gold ring profile indicators and customization options. Emerging Features in Testing Several features are currently being tested for broader rollout: 1) Social Library: Centralized location for shared posts and Reels from conversations 2) Story Collage Templates: New creative ways to share multi-photo content 3) AI Profile Picture Generator: Custom profile image creation using artificial intelligence 4) Scheduled Direct Messages: Automated DM scheduling for businesses and creators 5) Clickable Links in Reels: Meta Verified subscribers can add interactive links to Reels INSTAGRAM continues evolving from a simple photo-sharing app into a comprehensive creator economy ecosystem
LinkedIn Growth Habits.
High-leverage habits, practices & hacks to increase YOUR followers, reach & engagement on LinkedIn 20+ points that can help in your LinkedIn content journey: 1) Nail the First 2 Lines – First impression gets engagement– Lead with a question, bold claim, or statistics 2) Post 3–5x a Week (Strategically) – Stick to Tue–Thu, 8 AM–2 PM– Use LinkedIn analytics to refine timing– I have started posting at 8.30 AM and it’s working fine for me, see what’s yours 3) Master the First 60 Minutes – React to 10 posts + reply to comments fast 4) Use Content Mix That Performs – Alternate between carousels, videos, polls, stories, text posts 5) Repurpose Your Winners – Repackage top posts as new formats with fresh hooks 6) Share First-Person Stories + Small Wins– Be human– Be Real, you will be perfect 7) Be a Daily Comment Creator – Leave thoughtful, 5+ word comments on top posts in your niche– Be smart in comment section 8) Piggyback on Big LinkedIn Creators – Add insights under relevant creators’ content to tap into their audience 9) Optimize Your Profile Like a Sales Page – Clear headline– SEO keywords– Good banner– CTA with pinned post– Make following you a no-brainer 10) Tag Responsibly – Tag 2–5 relevant people if it adds value– Avoid ghost tags– People & platform both do notice 11) Use Hashtags & Keywords Smartly – 3 to 5 targeted hashtags– Use industry keywords for discovery 12) Add CTAs That Drive Engagement – End posts with a question– opinion prompt or DM invite– Guide interaction– Ask what you want 13) Launch a LinkedIn Newsletter – Bypass the feed– Direct inbox = more attention + authority– Be responsible and keep it short, to the point DMs 14) Collaborate to Expand Reach – Do LinkedIn Lives– guest carouselsA or joint panels– Win new audiences 15) Show Behind-the-Scenes – Share how you work– Not just what you deliver– People buy process, not polish 16) Comment-to-Connect Ratio – For every post, engage– Engage with 5–7 others– Reciprocity grows relationships and reach. 17) Reuse Long-Form Content – Convert YT videos, blog posts, tweets into LinkedIn native formats– You can use AI tools for this 18) Experiment with Time & Format Weekly – Try different days/times/formats– Track with analytics– Adapt what’s working 19) Celebrate Community Wins – Shout out your audience, team, mentors– Recognition drives shares + warmth 20) Start or Join Meaningful Conversations – Trend jacking is short-term– Long-term: ask questions people want to answer 21) Pinned Post Are Authority Builders – Showcase a high-value thread, your origin story, or a “start here” carousel 22) Avoid 3rd-Degree Engagement Pods – Go for trusted 1st-degree circles– Spammy pods are algorithm penalty 23) Stay in the Game for 6+ Months If you want to connect with me to discuss starting/scaling content, strategy, growth, feel free to block my time using topmate.io/join2manish, book your slot
The Unspoken Rulebook for LinkedIn Content Creators.
The Unspoken Rulebook for LinkedIn Content Creators Following these guidelines helps you maintain credibility, build trust, and thrive as a creator on LinkedIn 16 behaviors every LinkedIn creator must strictly avoid: 1) Harassment or Personal Attacks: Never shame, troll, or target someone. Revealing private information (doxing) is also unacceptable 2) Threats or Promotion of Violence: Do not share content that promotes violence, destruction, or criminal activity in any form 3) Child Exploitation: Any content involving the sexual exploitation or endangerment of minors is strictly prohibited and will be reported 4) Illegal Services or Unsafe Products: Do not promote or sell fake documents, certifications, escort services, or instructions for illegal activities 5) Extremist Content: Avoid content that glorifies or recruits for terrorist or extremist ideologies 6) False or Misleading Information: Never post content that spreads misinformation about elections, health, or any topic meant to deceive the public 7) Fake Identities: Your profile must reflect your real identity. Do not use false photos, job titles, or affiliations 8) Scams and MalwareAvoid posting anything linked to phishing, pyramid schemes, romance scams, or malicious software 9. Hate Speech: Do not create or endorse content that attacks people based on race, religion, gender, or other protected traits. Denying historical atrocities is also unacceptable 10) Unwanted Sexual Content: LinkedIn is a professional space. Romantic advances, explicit photos, or flirtatious messages are not appropriate 11) Graphic Violence or Shock Content: Avoid posting disturbing visuals, weapon-making instructions, or content promoting self-harm or drug use 12) Nudity and Adult Material: Sexual content is not allowed, even if shared for educational or journalistic reasons 13) Spam and Engagement Manipulation: Do not send mass DMs, participate in engagement pods, or ask people to like, comment, or follow without offering value 14) Pure Promotions: Posting only to sell products or services, without offering insights or value, reduces credibility and reach 15) Plagiarism: If you’re resharing someone’s content, always credit them and add your own perspective. Blind reposts without attribution are not acceptable 16) Unconstructive Negativity: Avoid mocking, dismissing, or tearing others down. Constructive criticism is welcome, but negativity without purpose adds no value Our content shapes narratives, opens conversations, & builds trust. But with that influence comes responsibility. Let’s create with integrity, not just for visibility If you want to connect with me to discuss starting/scaling content, strategy, growth, feel free to block my time using topmate.io/join2manish, book your slot
LinkedIn Growth Playbook.
A) LinkedIn’s Reality – Read through it: 1) Organic reach down 65% from peak and median impressions dropped 18% year-on-year 2) Top 1% creators grow 157x faster than average: excellence and niche focus are critical 3) Virality is capped, rewarding consistent, authority-driven posting over one-off viral hits 4) “Golden Hour” matters—first 60 minutes after posting drives initial reach, so aim for early engagement 5) The feed now prioritizes audience interests and relationships-not just recency-so quality evergreen content lasts longer B) Master the Art of Commenting: 1) The top 5% creators comment 499% more than average: 150-160 meaningful comments weekly is the benchmark 2) LinkedIn restricts daily comments to about 90 per day: make each one count and target high-value threads 3) Avoid generic, spammy AI-style comments; personalize with value, examples, and stories 4) Comments with images, anecdotes, and stories can get up to 30k views: go visual and real C) Format Matters: Prioritize These: 1) Carousels: 4x reach. Use >5 slides and stories. Make educational content interactive 2) Infographics: 3x reach. Actionable tips, structured “do this, don’t do that” formats work best 3) Motivational Quotes: 2.5x reach. Use unique brand backgrounds and iconography: billboards are outdated 4) Personal Images: 2.3x reach. Prioritize behind-the-scenes shots and real moments, not just staged photos 5) Videos: 1.9x reach. Blend teaching with personality for best performance 6) Text-Only Posts: Authority hooks, >1,250 characters, and 14+ short paragraphs perform best D) Algorithm Updates Every Creator Should Know: 1) Carousels are king and story-driven education works best 2) Infographics pull newsletter-level engagement; use them for shortcut learning 3) Longer, paragraph-rich posts (7+) boost reach by up to 74% 4) Write at a 4th–7th grade level for mass appeal; statistics and questions drive engagement, but avoid bland queries 5) Personal stories win-feed is tuned to push authenticity and expertise 6) External links in the main post still reduce reach; push important links to the comments 7) Native content-polls, carousels, videos-gets the biggest algorithmic bump E) Engagement Factors to Leverage: 1) LinkedIn values expert insights and insightful reposts that make readers smarter 2) Longer dwell time drives higher algorithmic visibility; favor saves, shares, and bookmarks 3) Likes matter less than meaningful engagement but still signal trust F) Advanced Creator Hacks: 1) Use Creator Mode and update hashtags quarterly to stay discoverable 2) Mix formats for weekly variety: audience and algorithm reward diversity 3) Analyze what works: iterate quickly for sustainable growth
Training the New LinkedIn Algorithm.
LINKEDIN IS CHANGING This change isn’t about chasing higher reach It’s about training the algorithm intentionally Because LinkedIn just rolled out its biggest transparency update yet The 360brew Report: – It finally explains what the platform actually rewards now and it’s not hustle, frequency, or hacks – The new algorithm is no longer rewarding activity – It’s rewarding coherence Let’s decode that for a second * The old game was simple:Post daily. Engage with everyone. Stay “active.” * The new game? Much smarter and much deeper. So, Write for LinkedIn’s reasoning engine. – Position yourself as an authority in your domain through consistent, coherent signals. Here’s how to train this new system to work for you: 1. Profile = Your Personal Brochure – Your profile is now your most important SEO/GEOon LinkedIn– The headline and first paragraph of your “About” section carry the most weight– Front-load your value, talk about who you help, how you help, and why it mattersA Keep it consistent with your content themes.– The AI reads this context while ranking your posts– Think of it as your executive summary: short, sharp, and story-led. 2) Content = Your Case Studies – Every post is a new data point for LinkedIn’s algorithm– It learns what you stand for by what (and how) you post– Go deep, not broad. Coherence > Virality– Structure your logic clearly: data, lists, or frameworks perform better because they signal expertise – Mix 3 core post types for balance: i) Credibility – authority led insightsii) Connection – personal, storytelling postsiii) Conversion – actionable, valuable lessons – Here’s a little-known insight: when users pause on your content for just 3 seconds,– LinkedIn interprets it as high relevance and scales your reach accordingly– So clarity & depth now matter more than polish 3) Engagement = You’re Training the Algorithm: – Your engagement activity is part of your “coherence score.” It’s how LinkedIn maps your professional identity– Don’t like or comment randomly– Leave thoughtful comments only on topics you want to be known for.– Engage 10 minutes before posting, this “warms” your feed and primes visibility In short, every interaction is a signal You’re not just networking you’re teaching the algorithm who to associate you with This shift means it’s no longer about performing It’s about positioning The creators and professionals who win here will treat LinkedIn as a long-term ecosystem, not a short-term stage Train the machine with intention and it will reward you with the right visibility, not fleeting reach So, how are you training your LinkedIn algorithm lately? Are you even doing it, if not- what are you waiting for? May be this post, haha Go for it now, pay attention, all the best
The Creator Playbook.
I had watched an interview of Tanmay Bhat with Varun Mayya quite some time ago, it made a lot of sense These are hard-earned lessons from the trenches of India’s digital ecosystem These were lying in my notes app, putting it out here, most things beautifully put by Tanmay, he indeed is a master of words I have modified a few things based on knowledge that I have gathered too Reaching 1K, 10K, 100K, 500K, 1 Million followers/subscribers isn’t just luck, it’s a result of systems, storytelling, & showing up relentlessly Whether you’re at follower 54 or 540K, this post is your playbook to build a scalable content engine from scratch 1) Find Product-Market Fit for ‘Enjoyment’: – Before you look for an audience, find what lights you up– Create around a topic you’d stick to for 3+ years– Test formats: video, writing, audio to find your medium– Use early feedback as guidance, not gospel– The best creators blend passion with market need 2) Build the Most Overlooked Skill: ‘Writing’ – No matter your platform, writing powers every hook, script, title, & caption– Great writing helps you:• Structure ideas that stick• Create emotional or intellectual payoff writing is a long-term leverage 3) Play for Asymmetric Returns: – One video can change your life– 1 out of 50 posts may go viral– Growth is spiky, not linear– Each post is a ‘lottery ticket’ with better odds through consistency– Show up often enough to get lucky 4) Master Retention: The Secret to Growth – Likes don’t scale, retention does– Open with curiosity– Add tension or mystery– Deliver a surprise halfway “oven moment”– Refresh visuals every 30/60 secs– Close with insight or clarity– Platforms reward content that keeps people watching 5) Short-form vs Long-form: – Use Both– Start with short-form to build confidence & audience habit– Evolve into long-form for trust and monetisation– Rule of thumb:. Short-form gets you discovered. Long-form earns you loyalty & money 6) Monetisation: Think Beyond Ads – Top content creators don’t rely on one stream– Courses & Coaching are high-margin, scalable impact– D2C Products: product opportunity– Consulting/Services: when businesses want your playbook 7) Build Your Content Team – Solo is fine to start but scale needs leverage and tribe– Start with freelancers: editors, writers, producers – Hire for:• Speed• Storytelling – Build small but sharp teams 8) From Creator to Company: – Content is the entry point, business is the outcome– Build IP, not just posts– Step out of ‘creator only’ mode into operator/founder mode– The best creators evolve into content entrepreneurs 9) Track What Matters: – Ignore vanity metrics, focus on:• Retention rate• Watch time• RPM• Repeat viewership• Engagement/impression• Upload velocity ‘Top creators aren’t guessing, they’re optimising’ ‘This Is a Marathon, Not a Meme’ ‘The creator economy isn’t a trend, it’s a revolution’ ‘Start today, not someday’
16 Mistakes Every New Content Creator in India Should Avoid.
1) Chasing Views Instead of Connection – Focusing on followers, likes, or virality kills long-term joy.– Instead, track comments, DMs, saves, shares. 2) Posting Without Purpose – Random posts confuse both the audience and the algorithm.– Post to educate, inspire, or entertain. Every post should have intent. 3) Trying to Be Someone Else – Copying tone, aesthetics, or persona to mimic successful creators? Audiences sense it.– Your voice and story are your power. 4) Ignoring Your Niche – Trying to appeal to everyone makes you forgettable.– Define what problem you solve. Stay in your niche until people recognize you for it. 5) Creating Only for Trends/Virality – Chasing reels and hooks without value turns content hollow.– Use trends as tools, not strategies. Build depth. Be known for something useful. 6) No CTA (Call-to-Action) – Ask the audience:“Agree?”“What would you do?”“Tag someone.”– Tell them what you want them to do next. 7) Spreading Too Thin Across Platforms – YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, X, ThreadsAll at once? You’ll burn out.– Dominate one. Repurpose later. 8) Monetizing Too Soon or Unethically – Pushing products your audience doesn’t care for? Damages trust.– Monetize through value-first models: real brand fits, digital tools, helpful services. 9) Treating Followers Like Numbers, Not People – Posting without replying.– Never asking questions.– Every like is a person.– Start dialogues.– Use comments and DMs to build real community. 10) Neglecting Personal Branding – No visual identity. No consistent voice.– Changing your tone every week.– Pick a vibe. Stick to it.– Make people recognize you in 3 seconds. 11) Overprioritizing Quantity Over Craft – Posting daily but adding no value is worse than not posting at all.– Post less but better. 12) Creating Without a Backup Plan – Every day feels like “what do I post today?”– Batch content.– Build a 30–60 day reserve.– Keep yourself ahead. 13) Hiding Your Face or Voice – Faceless quotes and stock reels get scrolled past.– Audiences trust faces.– Start with voiceovers if needed, but show yourself. 14) Not Listening to Feedback – You have audience signals but you’re ignore them.– Ask what they want.– Watch comments.– Build content from questions and pain points. 15) Avoiding Collaboration – Trying to do it all alone? You’ll go far slower.– Collaborate. M– Learn.– Feedback from peers accelerates growth and confidence. 16) Treating It as a Hobby, Not a Serious Career – Time-block your week.– Track insights.– Create like it’s your career because it can be. Your first 1,000 followers are your foundation. Your first 10,000 shape your identity. Your first 100,000? That’s where the flywheel kicks in. If you want to connect with me to discuss starting/scaling content, strategy, growth, feel free to block my time using topmate.io/join2manish, reserve your slot