6 Instagram Myths BUSTED (+ Tips That Actually Work!)

6 Instagram Myths vs Facts

...what You really Need to Know

If you've ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice about Instagram, you're not alone. With so many self-proclaimed “experts” and constantly changing algorithms, it’s no wonder people get confused. So today, we’re busting six common Instagram myths — and sharing the real facts that can help you grow your account in a genuine, sustainable way.

Video

We've prepared a less than 5 minute video on these 6 myths vs facts, and tips which you can watch on the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTpyRew42nk

Or, if you prefer, continue reading the text version below.

Myth 1: Follower count is the most important number to measure

Fact:
While a big follower count might look impressive, it's not the most important thing. What really matters is your engagement rate — the percentage of people who interact with your posts through likes, comments, shares, and saves. Instagram’s algorithm prioritises content that sparks conversation and connection, so the more engagement you get, the more likely your posts are to be seen.

Tips:

• Remember: social media is meant to be social!
• Ask your audience questions in your captions to encourage interaction. Try something like: “Which of our table lamps would YOU pair with this table?”
• Use tools like engagement rate calculators to check your engagement rate.
• Focus on building meaningful interactions, not just numbers.

Myth 2: Buying followers can help you appear more popular

Fact:
Buying followers might give you a short-term ego boost, but it’s actually damaging in the long run. Fake followers don’t engage with your content, and Instagram’s algorithm notices this. If you’ve got loads of followers but barely any engagement, Instagram assumes your content isn’t worth pushing — and shows it to fewer people.

Tips:

• Think tortoise, not hare. Slow, steady, and authentic growth always wins.
• Focus on building a real community who actually care about your content.
• Avoid shortcuts — they’ll only hurt your growth over time.

Myth 3: Sharing your Reel to your Story hurts your reach

Fact:
There’s been a lot of noise online claiming that sharing Reels to your Stories reduces your reach. But this simply isn’t true. Instagram’s goal is to keep people on the app as long as possible — so it wouldn’t make sense for them to punish you for sharing engaging content in multiple places.

That said, Instagram has acknowledged that some users find it repetitive when feed posts or Reels are shared too often to Stories. So while sharing Reels to Stories is still a great way to increase reach, try to be mindful of how often you do it and how it’s presented.

Tips:

• Use Stories as a teaser — add a fun sticker or ask a question to entice people to click through to the full Reel.
• Monitor insights to see what works best for your audience.
• Keep it varied — Stories are a great place to show behind-the-scenes moments, not just reposts.

Myth 4: Putting hashtags in the comments keeps your caption tidy and works just as well

Fact:
Instagram has confirmed that for hashtags to be searchable and effective, they need to be in the caption, not in the comments. Hashtags in comments might keep things looking cleaner, but they won’t help your reach.

Tips:

• Add your hashtags at the end of your caption with a few line breaks for a cleaner look.
• Keep them relevant to your content and audience.
• Want to save time? Create groups of hashtags tailored to different types of posts.
• Curious about trending hashtags for your industry? Drop us a message – we’d love to help.

Myth 5: Instagram doesn’t want to push your content

Fact:
Many people feel like the algorithm is out to get them — but Instagram wants to help your content succeed! The key is to create engaging, high-quality content that keeps people interested. If your posts aren't getting much traction, it’s usually a sign to switch things up.

Tips:

• Think about what your audience enjoys and how you can keep them engaged.
• Focus on creating “bingeable” content — Reels, carousels, and tips that make people stick around.
• Stay consistent and aim for quality over quantity.
• And remember — don’t buy followers. It will work against you.

Myth 6: Switching to a business account will hurt your reach

Fact:
Nope! This one’s outdated. Switching to a business account won’t harm your reach — and in fact, it can give you a real edge. Instagram’s algorithm now focuses more on engagement, not account type.

Tips:

• If you're running a business on Instagram, make sure you’re using a business account — not a personal one.
• You’ll unlock access to Instagram Insights, which gives you valuable data on:
  • Follower growth
  • Engagement levels
  • Your audience’s demographics and activity
  • How well your content is performing
• You can also tag products in your posts with Instagram Shopping, making it easier for users to buy straight from your feed.

Need help switching over or setting up Instagram Shopping? That’s exactly what we do — and we’d love to support you. Ask us how we can help you grow your business using Instagram Shopping.

Final Thoughts

Instagram can feel like a maze sometimes, but understanding the difference between myths and facts makes a huge difference. Focus on creating authentic content, building real connections, and using the tools available to you — and you’ll be on your way to real, long-term growth to drive sales!

Got questions or need help managing your Instagram? Get in touch – we’re here to make it all a lot easier (and way more fun).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTpyRew42nk