What's Poppin Reader Welcome To Content Corner!!!
Read the web version hereβ
This week:
π Instagram Changes Going Into 2026
π ChatGPT Images Are Here
π TikTok Holiday Tips
and more... lets go!
βSponsored by Lions Behaviorπ¦ We just opened LB Club!
π° Corner Newsstand
I don't normally say this, but what Instagram just announced might be the most important shift for IG creators since the algorithm went from chronological to interest-based.
It felt like Instagram woke up finally and said "You know what? Let's change everything."
The Hashtag Shock
One of the biggest questions that I get is, "Are hashtags still relevant?" We used to be able to put 30 hashtags in our posts, and it would help us get reach. In the past couple of years, that had changed from 15 to 8 to 4.
Adam Mosseri (Head Of Instagram) has been telling us for YEARS that hashtags don't work like they used to. He's been saying it over and over: "Hashtags won't meaningfully change your reach." But we kept using them anyway because... well, that's what we've always done.
Now Instagram made another announcement we have to pay attention to.
New hashtag guidance: Starting today, Instagram will allow up to 5 hashtags in a reel or post
Since they still have a bit of use, here are some of the tips they gave when using them:
- Be intentional with the hashtags you include and focus on ones that are relevant to the content youβre publishing. For example, if youβre a beauty creator, use beauty-related hashtags to help people interested in beauty content find you.
- Donβt spam your caption with too many irrelevant or generic hashtags, like #reels or #explore. Those types of hashtags donβt actually help your content appear in places like Explore and could, in fact, hurt your contentβs performance.
At least we have some answers of what to do with hashtags.
The Algorithm Control Announcement
Mosseri drops another bomb: "Soon you'll be able to control your algorithm by choosing topics you want to see more or less of."
At first, I'm thinking, "Okay, that's cool finally some control over what I see." But this can be a good or a bad thing for us who create on the platform. First it looks like this when you get to pick what you want...
If your followers can now toggle topics instead of just following creators, your content has to be so good within your topic that people choose to see more of that topic, not less. You're not just competing with other creators anymore. You're competing with entire topics.
The IGTV Comeback?
Instagram just launched a TV app. so no, not technically IGTV. What we remember is literally Instagram on TV. I'm not sure how I feel about this yet because, I mean, all the videos are still going to be vertical.
But when you think about it, I guess this is Instagram not wanting to be left out of the smart TV world. this is Instagram's way of competing for your living room.
Actionable Strategy for 2026
so with new updates, you know I had to give you a framework. Let's call this one: I.G.2.0.2.6. Method
I - Invest in Topic Authorityβ
Don't just be a creator - become THE authority in your specific topic. When people toggle "show me more [your topic]," your content should dominate.
Action: Pick ONE core topic and make 80% of your content about it. Go deep, not wide.
G - Go Beyond the Phoneβ
With Instagram on TV now, your Reels need to work on both small screens AND big screens.
Action: Test your Reels on a TV before posting. Does the text read clearly? Is the pacing too fast? Optimize for both environments.
2 - Two-Platform Strategyβ
Instagram is now competing with YouTube for TV time. Smart creators will dominate both.
Action: Repurpose your best Reels for YouTube Shorts. Same content, double the reach.
0 - Optimize for Algorithm Controlβ
Your followers can now choose to see less of your topic. Make your content so valuable they choose MORE.
Action: At the end of Reels, add a CTA: "If you want more [topic] content, make sure you've toggled this topic in your algorithm settings."
2 - Two Types of Hashtagsβ
With only 5 hashtags allowed, you need a new strategy.
Action: Use 3 niche hashtags (your specific topic), 1 medium hashtag (broader category), 1 trending hashtag (current relevance).
6 - Six-Second Hook Ruleβ
With TV viewing and algorithm control, your hook has to work IMMEDIATELY.
Action: Use Diary Of A CEO formula - pattern interrupt + high stakes + emotional trigger in the first 6 seconds.
The creators who win in 2026 won't be the ones with the most followers. They'll be the ones who understood these signals early and adapted their entire strategy around them.
Replay
If you missed the last Content Corner live, here is the replay.
β
π AI Alley
This week, ChatGPT came out with ChatGPT Image. It is their response to Google's nano-banana and how it has been taking over everything.
When you go into ChatGPT, you will now see an image option in their menu, and it has a new interface:
What's great about this interface is that they already give you the prompts. All you have to do is upload a picture of yourself, and you can have that same style.
This was one of the very first pictures that I made inside of ChatGPT with this new update. Let me know what you think about it, and have you tried this feature yourself. It's free for everyone
So you already know you have to email me back about your biggest takeaway from this week's Content Corner take a screenshot and tag me in your stories (or Threads/Substack) so I know you liked this week's content. If not, I'll see you next Friday. Same time, same corner.
I'll Holla,
Nicky S
P.S. Whenever you are ready, here's how I can help you
- Watch my YouTube channel for full tutorials and walk-throughs on content tips, AI, and brand strategy that go beyond this newsletter.
- Subscribe to my Substack for more free written content: Click hereβ
- Join my private community Lion Behavior: Click Hereβ
- 1 on 1 is now back! Email me back for the link