NEW Instagram Algorithm April 2026 | Direct From Instagram's CEO

In this episode, Brock Johnson breaks down the new Instagram algorithm updates for April 2026, based on insights directly from Instagram’s CEO and recent data analyzing over 52 million posts. He starts by looking at the current state of engagement, including a 26% decline since 2024, and how Instagram now behaves like two separate platforms—Reels driving more reach, while carousels generate higher engagement. Brock walks through key strategic changes you should be making right now, including how to optimize and reorder carousel posts, why you should stop sharing feed posts to Stories, and how to properly recycle content without hurting performance. He also covers Instagram’s crackdown on aggregators and low-effort reposts, including what now qualifies as original content. From there, Brock breaks down what’s currently working in video content, including why speech-based videos outperform music-only content, how showing your face early improves retention, and new interaction behaviors like single-tap pause. He also explains the concept of disconnected reach and what it means for growth. Finally, he covers new and emerging features, including editable comments, “Spin” Stories, and early testing of links in captions for Meta Verified users. This episode is focused on helping you adapt your content strategy based on what Instagram is actively prioritizing right now. 💥Subscribe to the InstaClubHub Newsletter For weekly top trending audios and meme templates to help you grow on Instagram! https://instaclubhub.com/newsletter/ 🎯 Related Links: The State of Instagram Study ➜ https://buffer.com/resources/state-of-social-media-engagement-2026/?utm_campaign=paid&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&utm_content=20949967838&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20943525075&gbraid=0AAAAADq9yAoSgq3NnVvhSdJ-jbXOJ0srN&gclid=CjwKCAjwhLPOBhBiEiwA8_wJHBHZv515wV7qtCwR-jtnXUS3zQvAiNbPJ3TDtyctb8D-XJ-RKO6-ChoCDx0QAvD_BwE Social Media Today Study ➜ https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/human-speech-and-presence-help-drive-reels-engagement/815381/ Checkout Shopify 👉http://www.shopify.com/tribe Check Out Hello Fresh 👉http://hellofresh.com/BYT10FM Check Out Notion The AI Workspace 👉 Go to http://notion.com/byt 🤓 Watch Next! 8 VIRAL Instagram Carousel Ideas to Boost Views and Followers https://youtu.be/mV2nSkB-9-g?si=iOmyycw3SCRQugbt Get 10X More Views on Your Instagram Stories in 5 Minutes https://youtu.be/wA2EOo8DuRw?si=_xVzxt_9vxPSLd7F Complete Guide To Shareworthy Content | How To Beat The Instagram Algorithm https://youtu.be/pWNDkFuV0RY?si=0k-k3qXi8XMKNZ1X ------------------------------------------------------------------ 🎯Check out InstaClubHub!! For $7! Plus Ultimate B-Roll Bundle 👉 https://instaclubhub.com/flash-sale-7/ ▶ Be sure to check out the Build Your Tribe Playlist for other great episodes ➜ https://www.chalene.com/byt 🔗 Let’s Connect! Brock Instagram: ➜ https://www.instagram.com/brock11johnson/?hl=en TikTok: ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@brock11johnson/video/7115837515713547566 00:00 - Intro 00:04 - Constant Changes 00:45 - What Matters 01:17 - Platform State 02:08 - Two Platforms 03:08 - Strategy Shift 04:00 - New Feature 04:30 - Fix Mistakes 07:12 - Interactive Use 08:08 - Hook Strategy 09:55 - Story Views 14:02 - Reposting Allowed 18:02 - Content Crackdown 23:28 - What Performs 24:51 - New Controls 27:41 - Key Engagement