Hashtags Are Dead | Here's How To 10X Your Followers Without Them

In this episode, Brock Johnson explains why hashtags are effectively dead on Instagram and what you should be doing instead to grow in 2026. He looks at platform changes and data, including the SocialPilot study and statements from Adam Mosseri, along with Instagram removing the ability to follow hashtags, eliminating their presence in the feed, and removing the “recents” section. Brock breaks down the strategies that are replacing hashtags, starting with Instagram SEO—how to use keywords in your captions, on-screen text, audio, and even comments to improve discoverability. He also covers creative strategies like hook swaps, all-or-nothing editing, and how to make your content more shareworthy using the S.H.A.R.E. framework. He also discusses why including a human face and voice improves performance, how committing fully to your content (even filming in public) increases impact, and why posting more frequently still plays a major role in growth. This episode focuses on the practical shift from hashtags to content-driven discovery and how to adapt your strategy accordingly. Watch On YouTube  👉https://www.youtube.com/@BuildYourTribePodcast/videos 🔥 Checkout Metricool:  Use code "Brock" 👉   https://metricool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20260330_brock-johnson_upcycle-strategy_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q1 🎯 Check out InstaClubHub!!  For $7! Plus Ultimate B-Roll Bundle   👉 https://instaclubhub.com/flash-sale-7/ 💥 Related Links: Get Hook Swap Library DM “SWAP” Brock @Brock11Johnson Google Trends - https://trends.google.com/trends/ AnswerThePublic - https://answerthepublic.com/en 💥 Subscribe to the InstaClubHub Newsletter For weekly top trending audios and meme templates to help you grow on Instagram! https://instaclubhub.com/newsletter/ 🤓 Related Episodes: I Studied 1,300 Hooks, Here’s What Actually Works Watch: https://youtu.be/QTgabAQ9kCU?si=PxsFJDf71lrNkTlu Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-your-tribe-grow-your-business-with-social-media/id910990031?i=1000752484853 Complete Guide To Shareworthy Content | How To Beat The Instagram Algorithm Watch: https://youtu.be/pWNDkFuV0RY?si=0k-k3qXi8XMKNZ1X Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-your-tribe-grow-your-business-with-social-media/id910990031?i=1000708572868 Connect with Brock on your fav social platform: Instagram: @Brock11Johnson TikTock: @brock11johnnson