The Algorithm Is a Bully | OFF TOPIC EP. 147

If your posts aren’t performing the way they used to, it’s probably not your content… it’s that the rules have changed.In this episode, I’m breaking down what Instagram actually cares about right now and why so many designers feel stuck posting beautiful work that gets little to no traction. The algorithm isn’t rewarding what it used to, and if you’re still creating the same way you were even a year ago, you’re going to feel it.We get into the five signals that are driving reach today, from why watch time has quietly become the most important metric, to why saves and shares are now far more powerful than likes. I also talk about how quickly your content is being tested after you hit publish, and why the first hour matters more than most people realize.But the biggest shift is this… content that feels human is outperforming content that feels perfect. And that’s where a lot of designers are getting left behind. When you’re only posting finished, polished spaces, you’re missing the opportunity to create connection, hold attention, and actually give people a reason to stay.This episode is really about reframing how you think about content. Because Instagram isn’t asking if your work looks good. It’s asking if people care enough to watch, engage, and come back for more.If you’ve been feeling frustrated, inconsistent, or like your content just isn’t landing… this will help you understand why, and more importantly, what to do differently moving forward.