Instagram does not present one universal feed to everyone following the same accounts. Each user's likes and other past behavior shape what the platform predicts they want to see, including the content shown in discovery surfaces.

Feed ranking is personalized to individual behavior
Following the same accounts does not produce identical feeds
Past likes influence future recommendations
Users can improve their experience by engaging with what they want more of

“If you are unhappy with your experience on Instagram, it's because you're not engaging with what you want to see more of.”
Jasmine Star · 06:10

“When we open our app, we will not be seeing the same photos.”
Jasmine Star · 06:19

#personalization#algorithm#discovery

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take02:31

Polished Instagram Content Has Become Too Easy to Distrust

Jasmine argues that audiences have learned to recognize repetitive, overproduced influencer imagery. Instagram Stories offer an alternative because their less polished format can reveal a more believable side of a person or business.

Audiences repeatedly encounter the same aspirational imagery
Highly staged posts can create skepticism rather than trust
Stories can reveal a less polished and more believable perspective

“People become to smell the fakeness.”
Jasmine Star · 03:10

“Stories on the other hand really reveal a different side.”
Jasmine Star · 03:02

#authenticity#instagram#trust

Explainer· 1

Explainer04:55

How to Read Story Views and Audience Drop-Off

Story view counts naturally decline after the first post in a sequence, so raw views should not be judged in isolation. Jasmine suggests watching for a sharp exit point and adjusting sequence length around the audience's demonstrated tolerance.

The first story normally receives the most views
A large decline by the third story may indicate a shorter ideal sequence
Two to three percent reach is presented as an industry-standard benchmark
Viewers who remain through six stories may continue through much longer sequences

“Your first story that you post will always have the most amount of views”
Jasmine Star · 05:24

“if the same person stays with you, six stories, they're gonna stay with you for six stories or 30”
Jasmine Star · 05:40

#analytics#retention#instagram stories#benchmarks

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway01:21

Do Not Put Your Entire Marketing Strategy in Instagram

Although Instagram is Jasmine's favorite marketing platform, she explicitly rejects relying on it alone. Diversifying channels protects a business when a platform, algorithm, or audience behavior changes.

A favored platform should not become the only marketing channel
Channel diversity reduces platform dependency
Algorithm changes make single-channel strategies fragile

“I do not only market my business on Instagram because I believe in the power of diversity.”
Jasmine Star · 01:21

“Instagram is definitely not the only way I market my business, but I will admit it is definitely my favorite.”
Jasmine Star · 02:11

#channel strategy#risk#diversification#marketing

Takeaway10:34

Fear Does Not Need to Disappear Before You Publish

Jasmine closes by challenging hesitant business owners to record a story immediately rather than waiting for confidence. Her point is that doubt may remain, but purposeful action can occur alongside it.

Fearful internal voices may never become silent
Meaningful work can be done despite doubt and negativity
Speaking to one specific person can reduce the pressure of publishing
A small public action creates accountability

“But in order for you to do great things, you must do them despite your fear, despite the voices, despite the negativity.”
Jasmine Star · 10:53

“Take the first step and do it before you feel ready.”
Jasmine Star · 11:40

#fear#confidence#action#content creation

Frameworks in this episode

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Method

Interest–Recency–Relationship Model

Insights & moments

⚡Myth Buster· 1

You and a Friend Can Follow the Same Accounts but See Different Feeds

◆Hot Take· 1