Step 1 of 4
Reels are the only Instagram format that still grows accounts
Stop posting carousels for reach. Use them for retention, not acquisition.
Carousels, single posts, and stories are now retention tools — they keep your existing audience warm. Reels are the ONLY format Instagram still pushes to non-followers. If you want to grow an account in 2026, 80%+ of your output needs to be Reels.
The split
4 Reels per week + 1 carousel + daily Stories. That's the floor for growth. Less and the algorithm de-prioritizes you.