13 Things to Avoid When Making Content on Instagram

Making content for Instagram in 2025? Good. Still doing it like it’s 2019? You’re in trouble.

Whether you're a creator, small business, or social media manager, there are some unspoken rules that will tank your reach, ruin your aesthetic, or make your content feel out of touch. Here’s what to dodge if you want to stand out, not scroll past.

1. Posting Without a Hook

If your first 2 seconds don’t grab attention, nothing else matters. No hook = no retention = no reach.

❌ Don’t: “Hey guys, just wanted to share…

✅ Do: “This one mistake is killing your engagement.”

2. Relying on Hashtags for Reach

Hashtags are dead weight (and we wrote a whole article on why). The algorithm prioritizes content type, engagement, and watch time—not your #MondayMood.

3. Overusing Templates and Stock Content

Your audience can spot Canva fatigue from a mile away. If everything looks like a recycled template, people will scroll right past it.

Fix it: Use templates as a base, but make sure you inject your brand voice, visuals, and tone.

4. Ignoring Captions

Your caption is prime SEO real estate and context for the algorithm. If you’re skipping it or phoning it in, you’re missing half the point.

Think of your caption like a blog intro. Clear, searchable, and intentional.

5. Posting Without Purpose

If you don’t know why you’re posting it, neither will your audience. Is it to inform? Entertain? Convert? If it’s “just to post,” skip it.

6. Sound-Off Content

Instagram Reels are a sound-on platform. If your video doesn’t work with audio—or worse, has no subtitles—you’re missing the mark.

Add captions. Use trending sounds. Don’t sleep on audio.

7. Low-Quality Visuals

Blurry pics, janky graphics, poorly lit videos. This isn’t 2012. Even lo-fi content needs to look intentional in 2025.

Use natural light, clean framing, and proper aspect ratios. It doesn’t have to be cinematic—just not chaotic.

8. Posting Too Much Text in One Frame

Instagram is not a PowerPoint deck. If people can’t read it in one glance, they won’t bother.

Break long text across multiple frames or slides. Think: swipeable storytelling, not a blog post screenshot.

9. Ignoring Analytics

If you don’t know what’s working, you’re just guessing. Check your insights weekly and double down on the formats and topics that hit.

10. Posting at Random Times

Timing still matters. Your content could be fire, but if it drops when your audience is offline, it’s toast.

Check your audience insights. Post when they’re most active (and not just when it suits you).

11. Inconsistent Brand Identity

One day you’re funny. The next, you’re corporate. The next, you’re deep and motivational. Cool. But what’s your actual voice?

Stick to 2–3 content personas. Consistency builds recognition and trust.

12. Chasing Every Trend

Not every trending sound, meme, or format is for your brand. Chasing virality can make you look desperate, off-brand, or out of touch.

Only hop on trends that align with your message or audience. Be selective.

13. Neglecting Community Engagement

If you’re posting but not replying to comments, DMs, or mentions—you’re leaving value on the table. Instagram is not a billboard. It’s a conversation.

Reply. React. Repost. Build actual relationships.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be perfect on Instagram—you just need to be intentional. Avoid these common traps and you’ll already be ahead of 80% of the feed. Create with purpose. Post with clarity. Engage with people like you’re not a bot.

Want content that actually works?
That’s what we do at EIE Digital.