Instagram Pods: What Are They and Should You Use Them
Oh boy! The thing bloggers never want to talk about or want you to know they are apart of - Instagram Pods! I have been in Instagram Pods with your favorite blogger's favorite blogger, and I am here to keep it VERY REAL WITH YOU. In this blog post we are talking about what they are, when did they become a thing, why do people use them, why I don't use them, and alternatives. I am fully aware that some individuals enjoy using Instagram Pods and find them beneficial, but I am here to share my personal experience.
WHAT IS AN INSTAGRAM POD?
A group of individuals who have created a group DM or message to boost their Instagram engagement for it reach more people on the social media platforms. Each pod is different for the rules of engagement, which typically include or require comments, likes, and saves. In Instagram pods I have participated in I have seen ten or more members in them at a time.
WHEN DID INSTAGRAM PODS BECOME A THING?
Instagram changed its algorithm in 2016 from chronological order to fit what they felt the user would be more likely to interact with.
WHY DO PEOPLE USE IG PODS?
Instagram's shift away from chronological order to ensure the time the user spends on their platform allows them to view and engage with content they connect with. This change has caused content creators to become more crafty in the content they create to get their social following to engage and to connect with new followers.
DOM, HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN IG PODS?
Yes, I have participated in 2 pods, which lasted about 4-6 months, and realized it is not for me.
WHY DO I NOT USE IG PODS?
Forced engagement with others' content can be draining if it is not authentic, and then it feels like a daunting task. I don't know about yall, but content creation is a lot of work between blogging, IG, Twitter, and Facebook. The energy spent engaging with the pods can spent elsewhere, such as creating more engaging content.
Your engagement will possibly decrease if you decide to step away from the pod.
Instagram hires top talent for its product, engineering, and data teams. Do you really believe a group of individuals can create a group message on THEIR platform and outsmart THEIR algorithm? I DON’T THINK SO!
I work with PR companies often, and I know that they review my comments from time to time, and if the same 20 people are commenting - they WILL notice.
INSTEAD OF IG PODS WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Think about your content you are creating and why your followers are not engaging with it. Are you creating content that is of value to your audience? The individuals that are following you should feel empowered, informed, inspired, or flat out to make you laugh.
What does the quality of your photos look like? No one wants blurry or dark photos, so find a way to up your quality game with lighting or a better camera.
Are your photo captions including a call to action? Create or start a genuine conversation in your caption that allows you to get your followers and vice versa.
How relevant are your hashtags to the photo? Remember, do your research on what you are posting.
Try testing different times of the days to post and determine what is the best time of the day for your following to interact. Instagram also provides you with insights if you have a business account.
Create Instagram stories that are engaging and will lead your audience to your stories.
Additional Reading:
Later - “This is How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2020”