Hashtags: dead or just misunderstood? If you’ve been stuffing 25 of them into every post hoping for a viral moment… this episode is your wake-up call.

In 2025, hashtags aren’t what they used to be—and I’m here to break down what’s changed, what still works, and what you should be focusing on instead. From the rise of AI-driven discovery to caption-based SEO, we’re diving into the truth behind the algorithm and how to stay relevant without looking outdated.

I’ve been using hashtags strategically for 10+ years, and in this episode, I’m telling you exactly how my strategy has shifted—and how yours should too.

Key Takeaways:

• The Instagram update that changed hashtag functionality forever
• Why hashtags no longer boost your reach (and what does instead)
• 3 smart ways hashtags still work in 2025
• The new metrics that matter for reach and visibility
• Why keyword-rich captions outperform hashtag dumps
• When and how to use branded hashtags effectively
• A simple content audit to clean up your current hashtag strategy

Timestamps:

00:00 Are Hashtags Dead?

00:17 The Evolution of Hashtags

00:43 Welcome to Marketing Trends

01:03 The Role of Hashtags Today

01:31 Why Hashtags No Longer Drive Reach

02:33 The New Purpose of Hashtags

04:16 Effective Strategies Beyond Hashtags

06:16 How to Use Hashtags in 2025

07:19 Hashtags Across Different Platforms

07:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Before your next post goes live, ask yourself: am I using hashtags as a strategic label… or as a crutch? This episode gives you the clarity (and the strategy) to make your content work smarter—not harder.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTrendsNow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think YouTube is oversaturated? Think again.

In today’s episode, I break down what’s actually working on YouTube right now—and what’s holding most creators and entrepreneurs back. If you’ve been stuck in perfectionism, chasing trends, or trying to “delegate your way” to growth, this is your wake-up call.

We’re talking:

• What YouTube’s algorithm really wants in 2025
• The mindset shift from viral to visible
• Why general content gets general results
• How to use search, story, and strategy to create bingeable, high-converting content
• The 3 metrics that actually move the needle

This episode will help you rethink YouTube as a lead generation machine—not just another social media platform.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Power of Podcasting

00:43 Why Podcasting is Still a Blue Ocean

02:21 The Loyal and Affluent Podcast Audience

03:26 The Power of Video Podcasting

05:20 Consistency and Simplicity: Keys to Podcast Success

05:37 Maximizing Content Through Podcasting

06:23 Getting Started: Tools and Tips

07:42 Conclusion: The Deep Impact of Podcasting

If this episode got your wheels turning, share it with a friend and subscribe so you never miss an update. And if you're ready to take YouTube seriously but want a strategy that doesn’t rely on guesswork, head to yournextstep.agency and let’s build your growth plan together.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@MarketingTrendsNow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reels ruled 2023, but in 2025? Not so much.

In this episode, I break down why more reels aren't the answer—and how Instagram's algorithm has changed in ways most marketers aren’t ready for. We’ll dive into what’s actually working now, how to shift without burning it all down, and why carousel posts might be your new best friend.

This one might step on a few toes, but if you're still stuck in last year’s strategy, it’s time for a serious content upgrade.

Key Takeaways:

• Reels reach is down by 20% year-over-year; photo and carousel post reach is up 21%.
• Over-posting Reels with low engagement is triggering algorithmic penalties.
• Carousel posts (especially educational + story-driven ones) are on the rise—especially with Instagram expanding limits to 20 slides.
• A single strong carousel can outperform five mediocre Reels.
• Focus on saves, shares, and comments—not vanity metrics like likes.

Timestamps:

00:02 – Why Reels might be hurting your reach

00:30 – New stats from Metricool’s 2025 study

01:45 – What changed in the Instagram algorithm

03:10 – Carousel posts: the surprising comeback

04:45 – How to shift your content strategy without starting over

06:20 – The 4-post content system

07:05 – The real metric that matters in 2025

08:00 – How to turn long-form into carousels

Enjoyed today’s episode? Make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone still chasing trends instead of building strategy. For more step-by-step guidance, visit katiebrinkley.com or connect with me on Instagram.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.