I Posted an Instagram Reel EVERY DAY for a YEAR - Here's What Happened

[@AlexArmitage]

The real question is, are you already following me on instagram? instagram.com/alexarmitage_/

[@andyjones5413]

I am now :)

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

yes

[@denisroy81]

Sorry, never watch instagram at all.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Sorry Alex, I’ve removed myself from pretty much all social media as I find it a waste of time. It’s amazing what I now have time to finish up. I’ve also learned a lot about the history of New Mexico where we live through postcard collecting which I now have more time to pursue. And I don’t think I’m receiving nearly as much spam in my email.

[@garrysugdenphotography]

Yep 👍

[@meaningoflifewithkavi]

So many thoughts here! 1. The initial reels just were images. There are so many reels like these - even those who are not photographers can make it. The reel that blew up was you showing how you shoot. There was novelty in it, connection and that truly showed what your business is. 2. Artist and good marketing are different. Insta has nothing to do with artist and everything to do with marketing 3. Insta is a channel. Like every channel of promotion it needs to be optimised, relevant and contextual for your business. Don't go by other's algos - a reel a day. You can choose quality, creativity and think more in terms of what's the business objective! 4. Insta or any channel are fantastic for the idea that the asset you created once could forever help you get leads. And that's making money when you sleep Thanks for this video, as a small business owner helped me to consolidate my thought.

[@eternalnoises]

Great comment on a great video. Thank you for making it!

[@Vlican]

Just a fact that some folks get lucky, while others don't. You have great art and photography!

[@alexweidelt1411]

This is the first Video of you I saw. That's an instant like and follow for being just honest without wasting anyone's time while also putting in quite a lot of work. Love it!

[@billkossmann9246]

Ditto - that's a like and a follow on my part as well. BTW I choose *not* to play the game; I have a small (private) IG account where I do more lurking than posting.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much Alex

[@babinpierre]

I clicked on this video hoping not hear another bullshit speech from a youtuber / instagrammer telling me the secret recipe for success, and i finally found it. Thank you.

[@daniel_brqlo]

Don't play the game

[@AlexArmitage]

Oh wow. Thank You!

[@TamaraVagabonde]

200 followers on my channel 20 must be friends 50 must be mums friends 100 must have forgotten they subscribed 20 cos you can see some part of my back if you nearly close your eyes, And 10 that must actually like my personality But each time I go back on my channel I remember how lucky I am and it brings tears to my eyes Thanks for sharing your experience

[@johnmehalick]

I don't care about how many likes or followers I have. I just enjoy getting out with my camera on a trail.

[@AlexArmitage]

Finding joy in photography is the easy part, thank goodness. Thats how we all got here!

[@jambononi]

That's called a hobby. Which is fine. But he's running a business. Which is also fine.

[@tanner.quintero]

This is the way

[@jenslindnerfotografie]

Then this video is not for you🙄

[@olivierdujardin8426]

@@tanner.quinteroMandalorian moment here 😄

[@JaydenLawson]

It’s disappointing to see accounts posting the one post over and over again and gaining hundreds of thousands of followers

[@RazorNub]

Yeah and people say its not luck and you can study the algorithm, honestly its shit

[@MTVFlexx]

Yes it’s pathetic

[@feofficial7]

Tbh it’s the truth and it works

[@Goldedaimond]

Agree Bro

[@murtazzgaming]

Yes i saw many accounts, likee manyyyy they posting same content and gaining like 15 - 20 k followers mahn😶

[@jessejayphotography]

IG is garbage. Most social media is garbage. Twitter has fooled people into thinking they can have a discussion about incredibly nuanced topics in 200 or less characters. Worst still discussions have boiled down to pithy “hot takes” that stoke drama and say nothing. IG comments are quite literally an open pit toilet for peoples’ dysfunction. Short form content, in its essence, always leads to this. This is why I enjoy YT long form content the most. You can actually learn things, watch incredibly works done by some dude in his garage, or follow along adventures with someone living an alternative lifestyle to your own. I’ve had more sparks of inspiration that have led to actually doing watching YT videos than any shitty “inspirational” soaked 30 second clip.

[@AlexArmitage]

I don't feel very different than you do. As much as I TALK about instagram here. I don't consume on it unless its for work.

[@Codeonegammer]

This is great insight! I think the problem creators is face what you enjoy and the things you like to create doesn't always fit the best strategy for growing online or even getting paid for creative work. I think you touched on that very well.

[@AlexArmitage]

So true!

[@photographersfreedom]

Your images are amazing Alex. Well done on sticking it out for 365 days. I couldn't. The LAST thing I want to do when I'm out in nature taking photos is grab my phone and spend even 5 minutes posting something on social media!! It's such a disconnect from what we do as nature photographers. Thanks for the vid. 👍

[@mexicangeoff]

The appreciation is a distraction, not a goal. Your art is your satisfaction and your refuge. As the Eagles would say, "Every form of refuge has it's price."

[@rikimarizard]

That’s all well and good but like he said he has to make a living too, so more appreciation = more followers = more potential business.

[@olivierdujardin8426]

Instagram died last year. I used to post every day at the same time. They killed reach and without reach, I don't see the point anymore.

[@kennethmyrez]

not to mention all bot accounts trying to scam you

[@DartilyArtStudio]

Same I don’t go on IG anymore. There’s no reach there, content lives for a very short time, and too many ads. Not worth my time or art.

[@MartinFransson]

Same here. I just stopped using IG.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Instagram is no longer for photography. It's to push short form video. Thanks to TikTok.

[@olivierdujardin8426]

@@KevinNordstromand also to poor management with a very narrow mindset

[@shawkyazad5202]

This is one of the most wholesome videos I've seen in a while. Thank you, man!

[@AlexArmitage]

Wow, thanks!

[@shawkyazad5202]

@@AlexArmitage Thank you for posting this video! 😊

[@Carlos1Silva]

Love it! I love changing your headspace and being able to just give a healthy amount of effort into it. A lot of times I go WAY too hard and burnout quickly. Thank you for the perspective.

[@AstroForumSpace]

I love honest videos like this. Awesome portfolio. Enjoying what you do is most important.

[@storiesfromastoria]

That was actually really helpful for me. I struggle with the same thing for my photography but viewing it as just business and a game helps tremendously! Thanks!

[@deoarlo]

Excellent breakdown, authentic and packed with lessons!

[@andyvaldez4334]

Straight to the point. Thanks for the video!

[@hubby_medical5454]

you earned a subscriber sir for your genuine honesty.

[@madisonl]

Man I'm not a photographer, but I loved your video. The quality of the image and the sound are obviously great. But the quality of your script is amazing. Great video.

[@AlexArmitage]

This put a smile on my face. Thank you

[@whenryhuang]

I’ve had various stints with KZbin. For my videos now, I just make them make sense to me, and I’ve felt the most successful yet (even if success is just defined by my own perception). This is a unique video that truly brings attention to a different perspective. Thanks for putting into words this feeling

[@technopriest8686]

I'm not into landscape photography but your mindset alone is dope enough it deserves a sub and a like. Optimal game indeed.

[@patrickcasella]

I've been feeling the same recently. I know everything I need to do to gain a bunch of traction on social media. But the art that I create is not conducive to posting every day. In terms of playing the game optimally, it would require me to make content in a format that I genuinely don't enjoy. As a filmmaker / 3D artist, I could post educational content in a talking head format, throw on captions, some b roll, and trending audio and do that consistently for a year. But then I kind of just end up blending in and looking like everyone else. Even if I find a way to put a spin on it, at the core, it's still the same as everyone else. And at the end of the day, do I want to be known as the camera tips guy? In my opinion, no. But I do see the value in the doors it will open on the sheer fact that more eyes will be on my art. It's a weird feeling as an artist today. It's a struggle of "playing the game" and being authentic. Sacrifice too much of one of those and you either find yourself looking like everyone else or unfulfilled. Thanks for the video, I liked the message at the end and think its important for artists to recognize. Cheers!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Patrick

[@RatnoonTV]

This is so true that it's almost poetic. Great write!

[@lanceschill75]

Great post, Alex. I am going to say that I'm really impressed with your effort over the years as you have strived to provide interesting and relevant content while sharing some of what is going on behind the scene. I have watched your photography evolve, your production value continually climb, and have really enjoyed the way you have re-focused your brand. Well done!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Lance

[@camilaboaventura]

This video is such an inspiration! The part that you say about the algorithm is the game and even that you know how to play, sometimes is good to disconnect. Honestly, all the video was great! Thank you!

[@ourwildventures]

Such a real video!! So nice to hear someone else who enjoys what they do but finds it hard to play the game 😭 hope all goes well in your journey! Will drop you a subscribe, don’t give up we will get there 😊🙌🏼

[@RamPrism]

this is a really refreshing video I gotta say.

[@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants]

That was good.... such a good message at the end, has certainly gotten the better of me, whether I want to play or not, knowing the rules... It's tough sometimes, but this was a mellow reminder and a bit of motivation....

[@neysaroyy]

That’s real! Needed to hear this. Keep being you.

[@kylehumber]

Thank you for sharing a genuine message! There are so many creators out there who get caught up in creating to follow trends and ride waves that they lose sight of why they are creating or the passion for it in the first place. Disconnecting from the numbers we see on social media is very true - even if it might sound like common sense, it is validating to hear it come from someone else 😁

[@georginaburrows]

I sincerely appreciate your honesty 👏🏼

[@marcschmiedermusic]

So much truth in this video. Really a gem for anybody who is new to the game. You gained another follower.

[@trond7]

I think that this video just changes my mind all over. But only in a positive way and i liked the way you said that something different is more relevant than just gaining followers!

[@KENKEN-io1dy]

Thanks for you refreshing honesty

[@studio21_Au]

Fantastic video Alex, thank you for your honesty. Very much appreciated :) all the best with your photography and business my friend

[@challengedollar2880]

thanks for this alex :D

[@daniel_brqlo]

Loved the honest video, man! I decided that I definetelly don't want to "play the game". I'd rather focus on other things and tha'ts ok.

[@thematturlookingfor]

That chess analogy is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for this man, great brain food. Good stuff🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Memodeth]

To be honest, I feel like you did some disservice to yourself with the type of content you chose. Your photos are high effort and amazing. Even if you slapped like an inspirational quote on your photos, it would get people to share them on their stories; everyone loves that kind of thing, they would follow you to start their days with a beautiful photo and an inspirational quote. You could also just pick a photo and do a voiceover in the app, talk about how you took it, add captions. You are so pleasant to listen to and it's so many incredible locations, everyone would want to know about it. It would take you 10 mins to do it. But I hate doing social media too, so I totally understand even just posting everyday is a huge achievement.

[@AlexArmitage]

As much as that likely would have helped, I think I would have burnt out on it and needed something that took little time to keep up with it!

[@FamEllaTV]

Wow, this is really a great study on how the platform promotes the your content, This just shows that rome was really not built in a day, it shows there is some gain but slowly. This also shows that consistency really is one of the key for growth

[@ONEGOODDREAM]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Absolutely love your videos!

[@AlexArmitage]

You are so welcome!

[@nihon94b]

I myself spent time in photography/Art and want to say I agree what he is saying. His analysis is very good. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@inwils]

Fantastic video and a really important message - thank you, I needed to hear this today!

[@Oli.Rogers]

Wow, thank you. Pure honesty and transparency. Makes me think does seem that people more engaged with a story (almost like the old tv program How it’s made) than high end quality content, informative or educational content. Spike curiosity seems to get engagement and followers.

[@harshavardhanranger]

wow, such an honest guy, love ya!

[@FrazerAndrewsMotoVlogs]

Love the video dude. I've been posting daily reels (only week days) as a challenge to myself and have been gaining just over 100 followers per week since doing it 🤘🏻 I love playing the game ✌🏻

[@localnavy433]

One of your best videos yet my friend loved it

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks buddy

[@RandumbTech]

Really great analysis! I do YT for fun so I could care less about the algorithm. People who chase the algo often come across fake. Not you - keepin' it real all the time and that's what we appreciate.

[@AlexArmitage]

Most of the people in the Landscape space are pretty great!

[@gilliebeann]

the message was great! definitely a unique and uplifting take. 🥺

[@FlyEnri]

Love the honesty on this Alex !! Your art is absolutely incredible, and it's what you said, photos are not what people are really looking for in reels, so it's just about the game itself :D

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much!

[@POVjustin]

thank you for making this video! what a great message! i truly needed to see this as I struggle a lot with what to post or how much to post, or how often, etc. I also find social media just exhausting... but you are right... its a game! and we can choose whether or not to play the game. Cant wait to see the next video!

[@jordanandsoph]

Love this message - thank you for your refreshing honesty!

[@AlexArmitage]

Always!

[@ShardulSathe]

Very honest and one of the most realistic videos!

[@nafizimtiaz5680]

Subbed instantly after watching this video. Don't know how I stumbled here though. Keep up the good work Alex

[@mi1knc0okies]

Really enjoyed this video. Super relatable with my own struggles with posting on socials. Love your photography and enjoyed your delivery enough to check out some other videos.

[@Nick_Selleck]

Great explanation of how to play the game even when you don’t like the game! I like your approach. Bravo!

[@DeanKayed]

I really enjoyed the overall message of this video, it’s so true about disconnecting your self worth from the like/view count. It’s just business

[@LoucasStavrouLS]

I subscribe to your channel as soon as i saw few seconds of your video! your photography is great! Just keep being you, don't worry about the ''game'. We create our own!

[@el1teman]

Enjoyed honesty and straight forwardness in the video. First video of yours

[@EFFIEĐeFine]

Your work is AMAZING!

[@itsrichysmart]

I completely agree with this entire video. As a creative, I just focus on my work and the true fans who care about it! Thanks you sir for your ART!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you sir for this COMMENT!

[@mistersupercasual]

Top tier content. We need more of this

[@SCHOOLOFLIGHT]

Nice work man, a super important message delivered beautiful! Thanks for the reminder.

[@Sheriff-b1b]

This is probably the most authentic reflection on what IG is or has become and how to navigate your way through it as a would-be content creator. I've been trying to build my profile as well, and reviewed many similar accounts in my field, but I've noticed that the game is skewed towards US based accounts and girls in short skirts. You can't beat that no matter how authentic you try to be.

[@thecreativephotographychannel]

So much honesty in your video that I had to subscribe...

[@dreaminbig3487]

Alex, thanks for your honesty on IG and the algo, apprecaite you - also an artist doing canvas works

[@jasonschnorr8893]

Glad you're still out there trying to make it happen! I'm always still looking for that great composition, but my camera bag is hidden in my office collecting dust. Nobody wants to look at pictures anymore. I'm constantly frustrated with going on Instagram to look at pictures and it's nothing but ad after ad reel after reel. I'm so bummed out with social media, it's hard to even want to watch my favorite photographers on here anymore. I'm still here, just longing for the good ole days.

[@AlexArmitage]

Maybe shift to consuming people or things that do make you happy! It's okay if you don't find joy in the things you once did.

[@Jepi1]

Such a great video! I love this mindset for social media, it should definitely be a more common thing for content creators (especially to avoid burnout and depression for lack of success)

[@cademadeira21]

This is an outstanding presentation. One of the most authentic I've ever watched on KZbin. I've seen your Instagram account, you are a gifted photographer. Thanks for such an honest video. #MuchRespect

[@Anthony-c7q9b]

Amazing fucking video, the chess anology was so on point it opened my eyes a bit. I gotta detach my ego and play the game if I want to win, or I can do my own thing and get decent results but remain losing… it’s up to me at the end of the day

[@NatureMystic]

Valuable insight. Thank you for sharing!

[@AlexArmitage]

My pleasure!

[@trusiight3558]

Bro you created a goldmine for yourself you have no idea

[@domisifer]

The algorithm has brought me here. You are a really cool guy and the most important.. you are right! Take my like and follow :)

[@studiobotte681]

Amazing message Alex, thank you

[@MovieVerse-z4m]

Oh that’s interesting. Thank you for the advice bro

[@juliettedelta]

Solid message 🎉

[@Widlomaa]

i love this video!! thanks so much for your insights ànd love for photography!

[@AlexArmitage]

I love this comment!

[@intrepid.traveller]

An honest review. Thank you. Ps: your photography is brilliant.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you kindly!

[@LisaMarieFord]

Sadly, Instagram has said they suppress obvious slideshow reels. So they might get more views than a photo, but less than a pure video reel. I also get the impression that using our own captions in a reel gets suppressed since they claim they suppress watermarks and logos (ya know, except reshared TT videos with the TT logo on them). I never seem to grow enough to help pay any bills, but I always just post as I can, when I can, and what I want. Those that appreciate it, still appreciate it even if the reach isn’t there. And what you’ve posted is well worth appreciating.

[@sibbedaiah]

Hey Alex, thanks for this really important video. It helps me out so much.

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you!

[@jess-fsouza]

such a fantastic, straight to the point kinda video. Thank you, Alex!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Jessy!

[@30dc]

Thanks! Was very insightful and I'd watch more from you on the topic

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you!

[@VinceSchilling]

The fact that you have such incredible and beautiful work is highway robbery that you did not get more followers ... Thanks for this video, gives me some nice pause for thought, and I absolutely follow you on IG. Thanks for this video Alex.

[@LenaLuciia]

Awe that is so cute thank you for that reminder 🌞

[@Sahudamen]

Sir I respect your thoughts , it really means a lot to me. Thanks for posting this video it helps a lot

[@ricktelesrp]

great content Alex! I just find your channel and subscribed. I`m living the same struggle, since in this moment I am in a creative block that came from burnout to try keep posting every day, and the true is, that it isn't worth it. Now I'm in the process of creating a KZbin channel, since is way more richier content and relevant, besidades it pays when you are abe to monetize. So, thanks for your point! It helped! Wish you success and happiness in your journey!

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks so much Rick

[@wasthataflute]

Excellent perspective!

[@321GoCheck]

Thanks @alex! A lot to consider with this post but I think you offered a good perspective.

[@KevinMullett]

Boom! *mic drop* That's so good, I may start sending this to my clients. 👏👏👏

[@AlexArmitage]

Thanks Kevin!

[@filmmark]

I have the same Patagonia sweater , and its amazing.

[@ManuelBecker]

Great message Alex!

[@agogmented4721]

So good! Thanks Alex

[@SunSoulss]

Nice Video Alex!!

[@AnthonyCrouchPhotography]

Great video. Thanks Alex

[@TravelingCatPhotographer]

This was so right on and such perfect timing for me to see. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@AlexArmitage]

Thank you!

[@1969BadA]

I needed to hear this.

[@lifestephen]

You just shared a secret to insta batch processing system, Thank you! Plus it's good to know photo in reel doesn't work well based on your experimentation I love it!

[@AlexArmitage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DylanSchoch]

Very motivating for small creators, thank you!

[@AlexArmitage]

Welcome!

[@TinyTrackCars]

(Responding from not my photography account) Love seeing Jonny’s face. Love the 4Runner. Hate seeing such amazing work shown every day for a year only yield 1800 followers. Makes me think I’m super doomed!! I slip into the mindset of “does my work suck” all too often based on how it performs on social. But you are absolutely right, like/followers on social do not determine how good/bad your work is. Your work is epic. Keep on creating my friend 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@pentagramyt417]

1800 is a bad thing in a year? Bruh, I got 20 followers by 2 months. I left it imediately. All depends on a proper hashtag, not on how good your photographs/videos are. Pure SEO...

[@TinyTrackCars]

@@pentagramyt417 hashtags don’t matter on IG anymore. Barely anyone is searching for hashtags. And seo on IG isn’t really a thing. Getting IG to show you non stop on the explore feed is what you want. IG recommendations is how you grow and reach a massive audience. You need to “go viral”. His work is amazing and I’d think he would have gotten more than 1800 followers in a year when posting 365 times.

[@hannahvanwagner]

Love this, thanks for sharing, it's a good reminder!