Revealed: The Video Strategy Crushing the Instagram Algorithm
The brain hack that turns scrollers into super-fans
Talk-to-camera videos aren't just a trend—they're an essential strategy for Instagram success. Sure, they might not always snag the most views, but they're critical for boosting follower counts and deepening connections with your audience.
The Psychology of Connection
Why do these videos work? It's all about brain chemistry. When viewers see a human face, something magical happens: our brains light up. Human expressions are like a magnet for attention. This isn't just content—it's an instant, personal connection that transforms your brand from a faceless entity to a relatable, approachable expert.
No Spokesperson? No Problem
Even if you don't have a designated brand representative, you've got options. The key is identifying team members who genuinely embody your brand's values and can communicate them authentically on camera.
Pro Tips to Nail Your On-Camera Presence
Embrace the Awkward: Practice makes progress. Film yourself everywhere—in your car, during your morning routine, wherever feels natural.
Tech is Your Ally: Teleprompter apps like CapCut help you maintain eye contact while delivering a smooth, professional message.
Edit Like a Pro:
Cut out unnecessary pauses and unimportant info
Keep clips short and energetic (2 seconds or less keeps things moving)
Aim for crisp, engaging content
Authenticity Over Perfection
Start today. Grab your phone. Share your expertise, your story, your brand's unique voice. Transform your Instagram from a content platform to a living, breathing community.
The result? Deeper connections, a more engaged audience, and a brand that feels genuinely human.
*NORMALLY, everything below this line is ONLY available to paying subscribers. But, because we have so many new followers this week (hi, everyone!) I’m opening it up so you can see what a paid subscription looks like.
HOP ON THESE TRENDS:
If I was your Instagram strategist, here are 3 Reels I’d encourage you to recreate for your brand:
RIGHT! This trend showcases moments of validation when someone finally understands your point.
Video Structure:
Choose Approach:
Solo performance: Mouth lyrics directly to camera
Duo performance: Film with a partner responding to each other
Audio Clip:
Use THIS trending sound: "Did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh"
On Screen Text Options:
When I'm telling them ______ and they actually get it
When you realize they actually listen when you talk about ______
Examples:
Weeeee! A playful trend showcasing products "eagerly" greeting you, creating a funny marketing moment.
Video Structure:
Film yourself walking in front of a wall displaying your product
Audio Clip:
On Screen Text Options:
How the ______’s greet me when they see me coming
Examples:
We did it! A candid, authentic way to showcase the behind-the-scenes of your brand journey by highlighting challenging moments and subsequent triumphs.
Video Structure:
Choose Approach:
Celebration: Film yourself enthusiastically celebrating (dancing, toasting). Sing/mouth along to "We did it!" audio.
Exhaustion: Film yourself looking stressed out and tired. Lip-sync “We did it!” to convey relief.
Audio Clip:
Use THIS trending sound: "We did it! We did it! We did it! Yay! Lo hicimos!”
On Screen Text Options:
POV: When you _____ without ______
You survived _____ without _______
Examples:
OR, BUILD YOUR OWN REEL(S):
*These easy reels are designed to be easily built off your B-Roll library. If you need a refresher on what this means, read through THIS past newsletter!
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC
Remember, try to create content that will stay relevant for at least 6 weeks so it can keep gaining traction on the algorithm.
Year-End Reflection: Share personal and professional highlights from 2024, revealing the most impactful lessons learned and celebrating major goals achieved despite challenges.
Last Minute Gift Guides: Create curated recommendations for unique, budget-friendly gifts that cater to different personas like entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, solving last-minute gifting dilemmas.
Planning & Goal Setting: Inspire audiences with techniques for strategic 2025 planning, offering workshops and reflection exercises that help people visualize and map their personal and professional growth.
Holiday Community/Connection: Develop content that emphasizes gratitude, team appreciation, and inclusive celebration, focusing on building connections that transcend traditional holiday boundaries and foster a sense of shared experience.
STEP 2: FILM YOUR B-ROLL
Your background video footage should align with your overall content theme to keep things cohesive. People connect better when visuals match the message.
Need inspiration? Here are some examples to get you started:
Surrounded by presents or boxes: This example is obviously staged and styled beautifully, but it doesn’t have to be this fancy! Just pile a bunch of boxes in your arms (you want enough that they cover your face).
Walking with tons of shopping bags:
Eating at a restaurant: These clips always perform well! Eating things on camera is a GREAT visual hook!
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR HOOK
Crafting your text overlay carefully is key to grabbing attention on Instagram. Use precise wording to connect with your audience, and don’t worry if it deviates from perfect grammar — Instagram has its own style. Need help? Use Chat GPT for inspiration and tweak the options to fit your vision.
Have you tried _______ [something special that your brand/product offers?]
REAL LIFE EXAMPLES:
Local Coffee Shop: Have you tried our single-origin Guatemalan pour-over that takes 7 minutes to perfect?
Shoe-Maker: Have you tried our handcrafted leather boots that are resoled for free within the first year?
Real Estate Agent: Have you tried our complimentary home staging consultation that increases listing value by 15%?
God’s plan for me does not involve ______ [something your brand would never do], I can promise you that.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLES:
Cookbook Author: God's plan for me does not involve making processed, pre-packaged meals that strip away all the joy of cooking, I can promise you that.
Pet Food Brand: God's plan for me does not involve using low-quality fillers or artificial ingredients that compromise animal nutrition, I can promise you that.
Go-Carting Racetrack: God's plan for me does not involve offering a boring, safe experience that doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, I can promise you that.
US: We should ________[a unique/special action your brand takes]
THEM: You’re crazy!
I guess we like crazy.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLES:
For a Skincare Brand:
US: We should indulge in weekly hydrating mask sessions.
THEM: You’re crazy!
I guess we like crazy.
For a Local Recruiter:
US: We should personalize every candidate's interview prep.
THEM: You’re crazy!
I guess we like crazy.
For a Postpartum Women's Clothing Line:
US: We should offer virtual fittings for new moms.
THEM: You’re crazy!
I guess we like crazy.
STEP 4: PICK TRENDING AUDIO
Using trending audio can boost visibility, so choose emerging tracks to enhance your content's reach on Instagram. Here are the ones I recommend this week:
How do you sleep at night? Funny & country.
STEP 5: UPLOAD EVERYTHING AND POST!
Congrats on perfecting your topic, B-roll, message, and trending audio—now share your work and watch your engagement soar!
You made it! Thanks for reading along. We’ll be back with more next Monday.
xx
Alison
These are great, Allison! I didn't realize I wasn't subscribed ... and now I am!