In this episode of the Brand Up Podcast, Marian Esanu dives into the most effective Instagram hacks for increasing video views and engagement. By sharing insights from his Instagram Live Q&A sessions, Marian covers strategies for improving organic reach and leveraging Instagram’s ad tools to maximize visibility. Let’s explore his top Instagram hacks, along with an additional secret strategy that every content creator should know for scaling video views across platforms.
Introduction to Increasing Instagram Video Views
Instagram has evolved into a highly competitive platform where getting views on video content can be challenging. With organic reach declining, it’s crucial to understand new strategies to stay visible. Marian shares his unique approach using a tool called Flick for hashtag optimization, and he explains how to use Instagram Ads to strategically boost content visibility.
But for those looking to grow a multi-platform presence, Marian introduces his Secret YouTube Strategy, a powerful method to drive viewers from YouTube back to Instagram.
The Organic Approach: Using Flick for Hashtag Optimization
One of the first methods Marian recommends is leveraging hashtags through Flick, a tool designed to help users find targeted hashtags that are more achievable to rank for. Here’s how it works:
- Identify Popular Hashtags: Start by selecting larger hashtags that are relevant to your content.
- Refine Your Search: Use Flick to find related hashtags that match your engagement levels.
- Test and Track: With the smaller, more manageable hashtags, track which ones are helping your videos gain traction and start appearing on the explore page.
This approach allows you to get organic reach without needing a massive following or paying for ads, though it requires consistency and ongoing testing.
Paid Strategies for Boosting Instagram Video Views
With Instagram increasingly becoming a pay-to-play platform, Marian recommends using Instagram Ads but emphasizes setting them up through Facebook Ads Manager rather than Instagram’s in-app ad feature. This approach allows for more targeting options, including showing ads on the Explore page—a powerful feature for maximizing exposure.
- Create a Business Account: Ensure you have an Instagram business profile linked to Facebook Ads Manager.
- Target Specific Audiences: Run ads to reach followers of similar accounts, tapping into audiences who are likely to be interested in your content.
- Explore Page Ads: As of October 14, Instagram has introduced the option to pay to appear on the Explore page, giving creators a unique opportunity to reach larger audiences directly.
Secret YouTube Strategy: Using YouTube to Drive Instagram Engagement
For those looking to expand beyond Instagram, Marian shares his Secret YouTube Strategy to cross-promote and increase Instagram engagement. Here’s how it works:
- Create High-Value Content on YouTube: Focus on producing evergreen content that can rank in YouTube’s search results.
- Include Instagram CTAs: In your videos and descriptions, prompt viewers to follow you on Instagram for additional, related content.
- Utilize YouTube Playlists: Organize playlists around similar topics that relate to your Instagram content, effectively funneling your audience back to Instagram.
By strategically directing YouTube viewers to Instagram, you can tap into YouTube’s search-driven traffic and bring over followers interested in your Instagram content, thus maximizing both platforms.
Implementing These Strategies: Key Takeaways
Marian’s insights offer a practical roadmap for Instagram growth, focusing on both organic and paid methods. Here’s a quick summary:
- Flick for Hashtag Targeting: Use smaller, related hashtags that fit your engagement levels for organic growth.
- Instagram Ads through Facebook Ads Manager: Target your niche audience and explore Instagram’s new Explore page ads.
- Secret YouTube Strategy: Direct YouTube traffic to your Instagram, growing an engaged audience across platforms.
With these steps, you’ll be equipped to tackle Instagram’s algorithm and increase your video views strategically.
Conclusion: Start Applying These Instagram Hacks
Whether you’re focused on organic growth, want to explore paid ad strategies, or plan to use Marian’s Secret YouTube Strategy to bridge platforms, each of these methods offers a unique way to boost visibility on Instagram. Marian’s podcast consistently delivers value-packed insights for anyone looking to improve their social media presence. By applying these tips and remaining consistent, you’re sure to see growth in your Instagram video views.
For more on these Instagram growth strategies, tune in to the full episode of Brand Up Podcast, and don’t forget to explore other episodes covering topics like growing a YouTube channel, fitness coaching, and PR tips for business.
Resources mentioned by Marian:
Connect with Marian on Social:
â–şInstagram:Â @marianvesanu
â–şFacebook:Â @marianvesanulive
â–şTwitter:Â @marianvesanu
â–şLinkedIn:Â Marian Esanu
