Brock Johnson: Is Instagram Dead? Unlock the Secret to Explosive Social Media Growth | Marketing | E377
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
This episode features Instagram growth expert Brock Johnson, who has accumulated nearly one million followers and consults directly with Meta on Instagram features. Brock challenges the myth that Instagram is dead and provides his proven strategies for organic growth on the platform. (02:33) He breaks down how the Instagram algorithm really works in 2025, reveals why shares are the most important engagement metric, and explains his attract-nurture-convert content framework. Brock also shares his STD stories formula for maximizing story views and discusses how to monetize effectively even with a small following.
- Main focus: Instagram growth strategies, algorithm insights, and monetization tactics for creators and businesses in 2025
Speakers
Hala Taha
Host of Young and Profiting Podcast and CEO of YAP Media, a nearly 8-figure company. She's one of the biggest LinkedIn influencers and previously worked as an assistant to Angie Martinez at Hot 97 radio station for three years.
Brock Johnson
Instagram growth coach, entrepreneur, and content creator with nearly a million followers who has mastered content marketing and monetization. He co-hosts the Build Your Tribe podcast, co-founded InstaClubHub (a top Instagram coaching membership with over 50,000 members), and began consulting for Meta on Instagram features and creator tools in 2023.
Key Takeaways
Share-Worthy Content Is King
According to Brock, the best way to grow on Instagram is creating content that people actually want to share with others. (32:00) Shares are disproportionately the most valuable form of engagement because they're genuine human-to-human interactions that can't be faked. When someone shares your content, they're sending it to their ideal audience - people who are genuinely interested in that topic. This targeted sharing leads to higher-quality followers who are more likely to convert into customers. Brock's most viral posts aren't the ones he worked hardest on, but rather simple, relatable content that resonates deeply with viewers.
Authenticity Through Speed, Not Perfection
Brock revealed that authenticity comes from strategically eliminating time between idea and posting. (34:34) The more time spent editing, refining, and overthinking content, the further you drift from the original authentic idea. His most successful posts are often quick, simple content created without extensive planning. This approach allows the genuine emotion and inspiration to come through, which audiences can subconsciously perceive and connect with more strongly than polished, over-produced content.
The STD Stories Formula for Maximum Views
Brock's STD formula maximizes Instagram story engagement: Single (only one story for 24 hours), Text-heavy (rather than talking head videos), and DM automation. (55:58) Text-heavy stories achieve 200% watch rates because viewers pause to read, signaling high engagement to Instagram's algorithm. The DM automation component is crucial - 35 of his top 36 most-viewed stories included some form of "reply with keyword" automation. This strategy works because it creates meaningful interaction and extends watch time.
Small Accounts Can Generate Big Revenue
Monetization doesn't require hundreds of thousands of followers. (42:03) Brock shared examples of students with under 1,000 followers generating $30,000-$40,000 launches by building deep trust and connection with their audience. Smaller accounts actually have an advantage because creators can personally engage with most followers, creating stronger relationships. The key is focusing on trust-building rather than follower count, as intimate connections with a smaller audience often convert better than superficial reach to millions.
Carousels Are Undervalued Growth Tools
While everyone focuses on Reels (34% more posted this year), carousels are being underutilized despite showing increased engagement rates. (29:44) Brock rates carousels as a 9 out of 10 for growth effectiveness and recommends adding music to them as a game-changer. Since fewer people are posting carousels, there's less competition for attention, making them an excellent opportunity for organic reach and engagement in 2025.
Statistics & Facts
- There were 34% more reels posted in 2025 compared to 2024, while average time spent on social media has plateaued or slightly decreased since 2022. (06:46) This supply and demand imbalance explains why organic reach feels harder to achieve.
- InstaClubHub's internal analysis found their average member grows by almost 16,000 followers in their first year, proving organic growth is still very achievable. (07:37)
- A Carrot Financial study revealed Instagram generates seven times higher customer value per follower than YouTube and 11 times higher than TikTok, making it the most profitable platform for monetization. (09:29)
