Stop Posting for the Old Algorithm: What’s New on Instagramin 2026
If you’ve been feeling frustrated by constantly changing Instagram features, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. I’m joined by Sarah Donoghue, the brilliant Instagram marketing strategist from Muted Tone Media, who specialises in organic growth.
Sarah reminds us that platform updates aren’t designed to make our lives harder; they’re a direct response to how people are actually using the app. The key is to adapt your strategy to meet users where they are now.
Instagram Has Changed and There’s a Reason for It
One of the most reassuring parts of this conversation is when Sarah explains why Instagram keeps changing.
These updates aren’t designed to make life harder for small businesses. They’re a response to how people now use the platform. Instagram is over 15 years old, and the way we consume content is completely different to when it first launched.
Back then, a single photo could get huge reach. Now, there are far more users, far more content, and far more competition for attention.
Understanding this shift is key, because it means the problem isn’t you. It’s that the strategy that worked a few years ago might not work anymore.
You’re a Business Owner, Not a Content Creator
This is one of the most important points Sarah makes.
A lot of Instagram advice is aimed at full-time content creators, not business owners who are juggling clients, admin, family life and everything else. Trying to follow those strategies is where burnout creeps in.
Sarah explains that if you don’t have the budget to outsource content creation, your strategy has to work within your business day. That means finding ways to stay visible without spending hours filming, editing and posting.
Instagram should support your business, not become a second full-time job.
Why B-Roll Is a Game Changer for Busy Business Owners
One of the most practical takeaways from the episode is Sarah’s explanation of B-roll.
B-roll is any video where you’re not talking directly to the camera. Things like:
- working at your desk
- walking with a coffee
- opening your laptop
- writing notes
- setting up for the day
The beauty of B-roll is that you can reuse it again and again, simply changing the message over the top. It removes the pressure to constantly show up on camera and makes content creation far more manageable.
For small business owners, this kind of flexible content can make a huge difference to consistency.
Why Posting More Isn’t the Answer for 2026
Another key message from Sarah is that posting more content isn’t automatically the solution.
More content doesn’t equal better results if the strategy behind it isn’t right. Instead, 2026 is about being more intentional:
- clearer messaging
- content that reflects how people actually use Instagram
- strategies that work alongside your business, not against it
Refreshing your Instagram strategy doesn’t mean doing more. It often means doing less, but doing it better.
Want More Support Understanding Instagram in 2026?
Sarah will be delivering a masterclass inside the This Mum Loves Tech Membership, where she’ll be breaking down her top Instagram updates for 2026 and showing how to adapt your strategy without the overwhelm.
If you don’t want to figure out Instagram (or your tech) on your own in 2026, the membership is there to support you.
Inside, you’ll get:
- weekly tech support from me
- monthly masterclasses
- guest experts like Sarah
- a growing library of practical training
👉 The membership is £30 a month. Find out more and join here: https://thismumlovestech.co.uk/membership/
Connect with Sarah at Muted Tone Media:
Join the waitlist for the next Brand Boost Day
(in collaboration with Nicola Jane Photography)
Follow Sarah on:
