Reels ruled 2023, but in 2025? Not so much.

In this episode, I break down why more reels aren't the answer—and how Instagram's algorithm has changed in ways most marketers aren’t ready for. We’ll dive into what’s actually working now, how to shift without burning it all down, and why carousel posts might be your new best friend.

This one might step on a few toes, but if you're still stuck in last year’s strategy, it’s time for a serious content upgrade.

Key Takeaways:

• Reels reach is down by 20% year-over-year; photo and carousel post reach is up 21%.
• Over-posting Reels with low engagement is triggering algorithmic penalties.
• Carousel posts (especially educational + story-driven ones) are on the rise—especially with Instagram expanding limits to 20 slides.
• A single strong carousel can outperform five mediocre Reels.
• Focus on saves, shares, and comments—not vanity metrics like likes.

Timestamps:

00:02 – Why Reels might be hurting your reach

00:30 – New stats from Metricool’s 2025 study

01:45 – What changed in the Instagram algorithm

03:10 – Carousel posts: the surprising comeback

04:45 – How to shift your content strategy without starting over

06:20 – The 4-post content system

07:05 – The real metric that matters in 2025

08:00 – How to turn long-form into carousels

Enjoyed today’s episode? Make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone still chasing trends instead of building strategy. For more step-by-step guidance, visit katiebrinkley.com or connect with me on Instagram.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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