In this episode of Marketing Sucks, Amanda Casinha and Phil Ginther tackle one of the biggest excuses in marketing right now: blaming the algorithm.

Instead of feeding into outdated myths about reach and suppression, they break down what’s actually happening on Instagram and why most content struggles have nothing to do with the algorithm and everything to do with voice, originality, and how the platform is meant to be used today.

Drawing directly from recent updates shared by Instagram’s head, this episode explains why shares and private DMs now matter more than likes, why polished content is losing ground to raw authenticity, and why boring, copy-paste content is being ignored by both people and platforms.

If you’re stuck at low views, minimal engagement, or blaming the algorithm for stagnant growth, this episode reframes the problem and gives you a clear, practical way forward.

What You’ll Learn

✔ Why the algorithm isn’t the problem, your content is
✔ What Instagram is actually prioritizing right now
✔ Why shares and DMs matter more than views and likes
✔ How private sharing fuels reach faster than public engagement
✔ The difference between content that performs and content that gets ignored
✔ Why raw, unpolished content is outperforming “aesthetic” posts
✔ How AI is changing what originality looks like online
✔ Why originality beats volume in 2026
✔ How to read your own analytics properly
✔ Why saves and shares are more valuable than high view counts
✔ How to test content without chasing vanity metrics
✔ The exact mistakes keeping brands stuck in low reach cycles

Connect With Us

For behind-the-scenes clips, hot takes, and conversations we don’t always have time for on the mic, follow us on Instagram @grindsocialmedia.

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Thanks for listening and thanks for being part of this community.

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Podcasting support

Production: theultimatecreative.com

Show notes: copymagic.agency