5 Actionable Tips to Grow Your Audience on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Gaku Lange

Introduction [00:00:00]

The speaker recently achieved one million followers on Instagram and aims to share five key lessons learned about audience growth across various platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

• Benefits of audience growth
  • Receiving sponsorship and revenue opportunities.

    

    

  • Building strong communities.

    

  • Collaborating with larger brands on creator activations and professional client shoots.

    

• Goal of content creation
  • Create enjoyable content while reaching a large audience and growing over time.
  • The speaker introduces the "5 LESSONS" he will share.

    

Consistency = Growth [01:01]

Consistent posting is crucial for audience growth.

• Analogy of "going up to bat"
  • Every post is an opportunity to reach new or existing audiences.
  • Each piece of content allows someone to discover your profile and work.

    

• Personal experience with consistency
  • The speaker started posting daily about four years ago, which significantly contributed to his growth.
  • While daily posting might not always be required due to algorithm changes, consistent sharing remains vital.
• Providing value for followers
  • Give people a clear reason to follow or subscribe.

    

  • Consider how each piece of content provides value (educational, entertaining, shareable).

    

  • Tutorial-based content and behind-the-scenes (BTS) content were particularly effective for the speaker.
  • Showcasing creative techniques and how they were achieved gave viewers a reason to follow and learn more.

    

Systems / Motivation [03:33]

Building systems, not relying solely on motivation, is essential for sustainable content creation.

• The problem with relying on inspiration
  • It inevitably leads to burnout due to the impossibility of maintaining high motivation constantly.

    

• Implementing systems and methods
  • Plan content and optimize the shooting process to create multiple pieces of content from one filming session.

    

• Example: Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) content system
  • During creative shoots (e.g., for a reel or fashion piece), consciously capture BTS footage.

    

  • This can be done by oneself, with a friend, or by setting up a tripod.
  • Maximizing one shoot for multiple content pieces
    • From one original creative piece, develop supplementary content.
    • Examples: breakdown of techniques, sound design breakdown, gear used.

      

    • A single 2-3 hour shoot that previously yielded one piece of content can now produce four to five strong pieces.

      

  • Benefits of this system
    • Increased content output from less overall shooting time.
    • More time-efficient production.

      

    • Allows for rest days and avoids working "like a maniac" every day.

Virality =/= True Follower [06:21]

Viral content doesn't always translate into a loyal following.

• Case study: Viral reel vs. educational tutorial
  • Reel 1: Dolly Zoom Effect (Viral)
    • Views: 6.8 million
    • Likes: 50,000
    • Shares: 11,000
    • Followers gained: 1,800

      

    • This reel was short, snappy, and interesting but lacked personality or deep educational value, offering no strong reason for viewers to follow.

      

  • Reel 2: Creative Technique Tutorial (Less Viral but more effective)
    • Views: 2.2 million (one-third of Reel 1)
    • Likes: 141,000
    • Saves: 77,000
    • Followers gained: 18,000 (ten times more than Reel 1)

      

    • This longer tutorial went in-depth, showcasing shooting and editing techniques in the speaker's traditional style, fostering a stronger connection.

      

• Key takeaway
  • Creating content solely for views or chasing trends may not lead to significant audience growth.
  • The "sweet spot" is showcasing personality and providing engaging, educational, or entertaining value that encourages a lasting connection and follows, even if views are lower.

    

Don't reinvent the wheel [09:37]

Avoid constantly trying to create new content forms; instead, replicate and refine what already works.

• Burnout from constant innovation
  • Initially, the speaker tried to create entirely new content daily, leading to burnout.
  • He felt compelled not to repeat successful content, believing it lacked originality.
• Strategy: Replicate and tweak successful content
  • Analyze why a specific piece of content performed well.
  • Replicate that format or style, making slight tweaks to adapt it.
  • Example: Simplifying tutorials
    • Shifted from long, detailed tutorials to short, simplified visual breakdowns (4-5 steps) without extensive text or audio.
    • These simplified reels performed exceptionally well, likely due to their universal understandability and quick visual appeal.
    • The speaker continued to use the same sounds, music, text, and format for similar content.

      

      

• Benefits of replication
  • Saves mental energy and time.
  • Leverages proven success for continued growth.
  • Creates familiarity for the audience, similar to "series content," reassuring them with a consistent style they enjoy.
• This approach significantly boosted his Instagram audience from 600,000 to one million followers in two years.

Be YOU [12:24]

Authenticity and showcasing your unique personality are your biggest assets.

• Differentiating in a crowded space
  • In an era of AI and numerous creators, true self-expression is what sets you apart.
  • People want to be part of your world, interested in your thoughts, interests, and tastes.
• Power of vulnerability
  • Incorporating your personality, habits, humor, flaws, and mistakes into your content creates human connection and emotion.
  • This vulnerability is a "superpower" that makes people want to join your journey.
• Beyond glorifying wins
  • Social media is often filled with people showcasing only their successes.
  • However, showing the process and journey—including failures and lessons learned—is more relatable and enjoyable for audiences.

Closing Thoughts [14:17]

Reaching one million followers was a surreal, long-term goal achieved through consistent creative expression. The speaker plans to continue sharing his work and thanks his audience for their interest. He also invites questions for a future Q&A video.