Outdated Instagram Strategies Athletes Need to Drop (And What to Do Instead)
Family, I came across a really solid video that breaks down Instagram strategies that are officially outdated and what actually works moving forward as we head into 2026. This is especially important for athletes building brands and trying to attract NIL opportunities. Here are the key takeaways, broken down simply: 1. Stop over-relying on AI and stock content People are craving real, human content. Instead of polished AI graphics or generic edits, film your real life, your environment, your routine, even just your hands at work. This builds trust, which brands care about. 2. Reels aren’t the only growth tool anymore Carousels are driving serious growth right now. Instagram now allows up to 20 slides and music on carousels, and for many accounts, they’re outperforming Reels. Don’t put all your energy into one format. 3. Stop making your page feel like a sales ad If every post feels like “buy this” or “look at me,” people tune out. Brands want athletes who can tell stories, educate, and connect — not just promote. 4. Retire random holiday posts Posting “National ___ Day” just to post is filler unless it ties directly to your story or journey. Content should have intention. 5. Ignore vanity metrics Follower count doesn’t matter as much as: - Shares (people spreading your content) - Saves (people finding value) - Watch time (real interest) - Conversions (actions taken) These are the numbers brands actually care about. 6. Sharing feed posts to Stories does NOT hurt reach That’s a myth. Post a native Story first (poll, question, behind-the-scenes), then share your feed post as the “reveal.” 7. Stories matter more than most people realize Stories build relationships and now can be shared by viewers, increasing reach. They also signal the algorithm to show your feed posts more often. 8. Hashtags aren’t the growth driver anymore — SEO is Focus on keywords in your captions instead of stuffing hashtags. Three relevant hashtags is more than enough.