If I Started an Instagram Account in 2024, I'd Do This

For a better visual experience, read it on cre8newsletter.com.

Here's a hot take, some of you, especially Twitter guys won't agree with.

Instagram is, by far, the best social media platform to build a career on.

And there are only 3 main steps you need to understand to start creating viral content on Instagram.

If you excel at these 3 things, it will feel like you're printing millions of views out of thin air.

Your account will explode.

Big brands will offer you thousands of dollars in sponsorships.

And all these other hustle culture things you see on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

How do I know this?

Because in only a year, I grew my accounts from 137 to over 50,000 followers with this exact same strategy.

Not starting an Instagram account should be a crime in 2024.

If you don't wanna commit a crime, this is how to start growing right now!

Understand the Algorithm

Forget everything about classic likes, shares, and so on.

The Instagram algorithm pushes content based on watch time and audience retention.

The two most important metrics and the only ones that you should focus on.

Why?

Because all these social media platforms make money through sponsorships.

The longer you stay on their app, the more ads they can show you, and the more revenue they generate.

That's why it's so addictive, it's designed to be.

Based on that, if you're growing an account from scratch, focus only on video content (reels).

Structure of a Viral Reel

Now that we understand the algorithm, we've got to structure our reels so they get picked up by it.

There are 4 simple steps you need to understand:

1. The Idea

2. The Hook

3. The Value

4. The CTA

The Idea

Avoid creating random content in the hope that something goes viral.

Instead, study what resonates within your niche.

I've developed a method called "content sniping"; use an Excel spreadsheet for this.

Start by identifying 10-15 creators on Instagram in your niche.

They should have between 5,000 and 50,000 followers.

Analyze their content to spot anomalies.

Focus on reels that receive five times or more views than their average.

Document these anomalies in your Excel spreadsheet.

Next time you create content, you'll have a collection of ideas that have already proven to go viral.

The Hook

If you've been in the social media space for a while.

You know that having a strong hook is a classic cliche, but it's true.

The hook is vital.

It decides whether your post goes viral or fades away.

With millions of reels uploaded daily, attention spans have shortened drastically.

You're not just competing with other accounts, but also with real-life distractions.

This makes it essential to grab your viewer's attention the moment they scroll onto your post.

It doesn't matter how talented you are.

But, if your content starts slow and boring, people will scroll away before it gets good.

To help you master this, I've created a list of my 50 most viral hooks, each generating over 20,000 views on my content.

Click HERE to download it for FREE.

The Value

Here's the deal: Value is what separates a watcher from a follower.

To keep gaining followers, you've got to give out value for free.

Once you've hooked viewers with something intriguing.

Deliver value on that promise.

Keep it simple - just share as much helpful information as you can.

Using your caption as the primary vehicle for delivering value is the best approach for this.

As viewers read it, the reel continuously loops in the background.

This boosts watch time a lot.

Remember, more watch time means better chances of going viral!

The CTA: call-to-action.

I've noticed something that most creators overlook, yet it's a common practice.

This isn't only about Instagram.

It's about building trust and growing your brand in general.

Have you noticed the "comment this word to receive that" call-to-action at the end of my captions?

It plays a crucial role in strengthening my brand.

By encouraging comments, I boost engagement on my reels.

And when your free products are as good as mine (no bragging, just facts lol), the trust you build is invaluable.

You should definitely consider creating a free product yourself.

One of the best decisions I have ever made.

Monetization

The final step in turning your Instagram game into a real career is, of course, monetization.

If you didn't know, Instagram won't pay you a single penny for views.

So, even with millions of views and followers, you won't make any money directly from the platform.

You'll need to find other ways to monetize those followers.

You may sell a product, offer a service, or secure sponsorships.

However, the principle is the same: you need to become a value creator.

I've discussed this in previous newsletters, but here's a quick recap for those who missed it.

A value creator, or simply a creator, is a modern internet career that finds purpose and gets paid for it.

What does a creator do?

• They identify problems in their life.

• They find solutions using internet information.

• They put it into their own system for achieving results.

• Then they share this system with others, helping them achieve results faster.

This process makes you irreplaceable.

It's what this newsletter is all about—my system that got me results, which I'm passing on to you.

This is how you monetize.

Have a fantastic day!

Jan