Fortunately, Growing on Instagram Just Changed Forever

GaryVee

361 views • 22 hours ago Save 4 min 4 min read

Video Summary

Forget traditional gatekeepers; the internet is the ultimate equalizer, offering unprecedented opportunity for content creators, according to entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. He argues that social media's algorithm doesn't discriminate, unlike the fashion industry's past, where access was controlled by a select few. This democratization means anyone can build an audience and succeed, challenging the notion that older generations hoarded all the opportunities.

Vaynerchuk emphasizes that "extremities of random ass shit" alongside genuine human connection and valuable tactical advice drive views. Quantity, he insists, is a crucial competitive advantage, far outweighing subjective notions of quality. In today's "interest media" landscape, where feeds prioritize topics users are curious about rather than just who they follow, consistent, diverse content creation across platforms is key to capturing attention and building a brand, even if it means creating new online identities.

Short Highlights

The Internet as the Great Equalizer: Social media has eliminated gatekeepers, providing unparalleled opportunity for anyone to build an audience and succeed, regardless of background or resources.
Content That Drives Views: Success comes from a mix of "extremities of random ass shit," genuine human connection, emotional resonance, and valuable tactical advice.
Quantity Over Quality: Consistent content creation is a significant competitive advantage in today's digital landscape.
The Shift to "Interest Media": Platforms now prioritize content based on user interests, not just who they follow, making diverse and frequent posting crucial.
Building a Brand in the Digital Age: Treat your company as a media company, create content consistently, and leverage new platforms and handles to reach your audience.
Overcoming Obstacles: Don't let excuses like lack of time or money prevent you from creating content and growing your business.

Key Details

The Power of Content Creation [0:00]

Starting from zero with no audience, money, or reputation, the best strategy is to create content online about what you know.
Social media is the "greatest equalizer" because there are no gatekeepers controlling access.
"The algorithm doesn't give a fuck."

Democratization of Opportunity [0:45]

Unlike the fashion industry, where access was limited to a few key people, social media is completely democratized.
This generation has more opportunity than any before, with unlimited people like them succeeding online.
"When I was coming up the game, you had to eat shit for 15 years to begin the first days of opportunity."

Driving Engagement Through Content [1:35]

Content that gets views often comes from "extremities of random ass shit," like a simple statement about blueberries being underrated.
Emotional content, such as encouraging a young woman who wants to be "somebody," also resonates.
Tactical content offering value, whether through attractiveness, humor, mentorship, or skills, is also effective.
"Mentorship, coaching, skillset learning, those things are value too."

Quantity as a Competitive Advantage [2:45]

Quantity of content is not debatable; 800 pieces are objectively more than one.
Quality is subjective, but quantity is a meaningful competitive advantage, consistently seen in successful brands and individuals.
"If you look at the people that are winning, quantity is a very consistent variable in the brands and the people that have elevated over the last three years."

Navigating "Interest Media" [3:20]

Social media has shifted from "social media" to "interest media," where feeds show content based on recent user interests, not just who you follow.
Creating organic content consistently across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts is essential.
"All you have to do is make organic social media content over and over and over again in as many different ways as possible..."

Rethinking Audience and Handles [4:05]

Creating new handles is now good advice because audience consumption happens in the feed, not just on your grid.
Your audience is primarily people interested in the specific content you just made, not necessarily your existing followers.
"Your audience is not your audience that follows you anymore. Your audience is the people interested in the content you just made."

Embracing Humanity and Authenticity [4:50]

Companies should be viewed as media companies first. Don't be afraid to show humanity or "dorkier" aspects of your personality.
Many people are too "perfect" or fake, and showing vulnerability can be beneficial.
"A lot of you in this room are a little too perfect, AKA fake."

Overcoming Excuses [5:40]

Don't use excuses like having a team or being busy to avoid creating content.
The speaker created content for 8.5 years before hiring anyone, starting with no resources.
"You guys are so fortunate. The world's attention is on that phone and you can post for free."