Slaves of the YouTube and Instagram algorithms
Since short-form content like reels, shorts and TikTok became famous and started feeding viewers instant dopamine, my desire to post on Instagram died. For me, it was the death of a platform that showcased photos and the rise of a thumb-scrolling app where you move from one video to another.
I gained zero followers on Instagram in the last two years until a few months ago. Did it bother me? If you had asked me this question two or three years ago, I would have said yes. For a long time, I thought that getting followers and subscribers equated to my financial freedom, riddance from my full-time job, and then selling my photos, workshops, and whatnot to the thousands of followers. I was naive and a fool. I didn’t have clarity in my mission. In my previous life as an employee, I saw many folks desperately asking for an increase or a senior role, and many didn’t have the correct competency levels. I look back at my younger self; I was like that person on Instagram, frustrated about not getting followers, yet my work wasn’t that great. Now, I focus on improving my skills and discovering my style; I will share that on Instagram, with or without followers.
Long story short, I have gained approximately 400 followers on Instagram lately for two reasons. My YouTube channel got some traction, which sent YouTube subscribers to Instagram, and my friendship with Kamran, the well-known cyclist, also sent people my way as he mentioned my name in his posts and stories. Ask me how I feel about crossing the 2000 subscribers milestone on Instagram. My answer is, “nothing”. Is that a milestone? Has it changed me? Have I gained something that a person with 1999 followers doesn’t have? Or a person with 9999 followers has?
Please remember, especially if you are a youngster, an aspiring social media personality or a parent, that the game of numbers and social media are facades which hide depression and a materialistic approach to life. That’s it! Don’t follow this rabbit down a hole from where you will seek no light! Feeding the algorithm with another photo or video will exhaust you to get likes or subs. Your creativity will diminish, and you will burn out. Many likes or followers don’t equate to personal fulfilment and the meaning of life. I speak on behalf of people like myself with fewer followers and big YouTubers and Instagrammers. Go to Google videos about burnout and feeding the algorithm, and you will see people in tears and broken down in front of the camera.
However, I care about the people in that number of 2000 Instagram followers. It’s because someone has decided to give me their time and attention, and I am thankful for that. If someone unfollows me now, I think of it like this: " Thank you for giving me your time. I am sad to see you go. However, I understand it’s time for us to part because your liking, taste, or aspirations have changed. I wish you all the best.” It’s ok to unfollow and unsubscribe to me. You’ve had enough of me. I was maybe repeating myself too much, I stopped inspiring you, or you outgrew me.
In my first three months as a full-time creator, I have learned that I will not rely on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook to earn my living and be a slave to the algorithm. Yes, I will be using these platforms as creative outlets and for organic growth, and anyone coming and buying my time, course, or services will always be welcome. I will use these medium to my advantage, they do add value in our lives but to make a living outside of these platforms is completely possible.
I hope I have given you some food for thought and insight.
Quote of the week: "Moths do not get worried about catching fire; for souls in love, worrying is a source of shame. Love is the flame that burns away the fears." ~Rumi (This expresses the idea that true love transcends fear and worry)
Video of the week: Story of a gym instructor who was bullied as a child and laughed at when he decided to follow his passion. I shot this film a few years ago. Click here to watch on YouTube,
Kind regards
Muji
