Instagram stands at the top among the leading social media platforms out there that can help you drive traffic and engage the intended audience.

The popularity of the platform has been increasing over the years, making it a preferred choice for all generations.

While the platform offers a variety of capabilities to help you create a buzz around your brand, the story feature outshines them all. It enables you to leverage visual content and connect with your target audience.

Instagram stories can get you the desired level of traction through the platform if the content you share is relevant and offers value.

Adding music to your stories makes them stand out and gets you more eyeballs. However, doing so may not be as easy, especially for beginners.

We have created a detailed guide to walk you through the process and help you learn how to add music to your Instagram story.

What makes Instagram popular?

Instagram is a rapidly growing social media app. With more than 2 billion users, it’s a preferred choice for social media marketers, influencers, and content creators around the globe, enabling them to connect with their respective audiences.

There are a number of reasons why Instagram has become a popular choice among social media platforms today.

 

For starters, Instagram has a beginner-friendly interface. Hence, you don’t have to spend days learning what you can or can’t do using the platform.

It’s home to influencers and content creators around the world, serving as a reliable channel that offers countless collaboration opportunities.

Instagram provides you with creative tools to create personalized content in the app. You don’t need to leverage multiple tools to create engaging content for your audience.

Due to the huge user base, you can expand your reach exponentially and convey your message to the masses with ease.

Instagram doesn’t charge you anything unless you decide to go for paid advertising. You can sign up for free and interact with an audience segment that aligns with your goals.

Most importantly, the platform enables you to leverage visual content, which is one of the most effective ways to ensure high engagement.

It takes us only 13 milliseconds to process information presented to us in the form of an image. It’s the reason why people prefer consuming visual content compared to text.

All these things and more make Instagram popular among audience segments representing diverse demographics and psychographic characteristics.

 

How does the Instagram algorithm work for stories?

Every social media platform has its algorithm, and Instagram is no exception. These algorithms define how social media platforms operate and display the content published.

Back in the day, Instagram displayed the latest content published by users at the top. Over time, the algorithm evolved, and it’s not how things work anymore.

Now, there are a number of factors that decide the fate of the visual content you publish on Instagram and the traction you generate through it.

The platform now considers the authority of the publisher, the relevance of information, content quality, posting time, users’ activity, interaction history, and user experience into consideration.

The algorithm not only dictates the performance of the content you see in the news feeds, but it also influences the performance of stories you publish.

It’s the reason why you come across stories shared by certain content creators, influencers, and brands more frequently compared to others. 

 

How can you generate traction through Instagram stories?

In most cases, the first thing that catches users’ attention when they access Instagram is stories published by accounts they follow.

It provides you with an opportunity to connect with your target audience on a deeper level and ensure high engagement.

You can leverage stories to post announcements about your brand, share the latest updates about your solutions, publish polls, run giveaways, display testimonials, share discount codes, and more.

Not only do you get to engage the users who follow you, but you also draw more potential followers.

The more interactive your stories are, the higher your chances of generating traction through them and conveying your message to the right people.You should tailor the content you share to the interests of the intended audience. Plus, you can amplify the user experience by adding music to them.

 

How to add music to Instagram stories

Adding music to Instagram stories may be tricky when you are getting started. There are a number of ways you can add your preferred tunes to the content you share and level up the engagement. 

1. Add music using Music Sticker

Let’s talk about the most commonly used method for adding music to Instagram stories first. You can use the music sticker to add your different soundtracks or tunes to your stories on Instagram.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Upload content

Open Instagram, click the ‘+’ button from the story menu, and upload your preferred visual content that you want to post as a story.

Step 2: Click the music icon

After uploading your content, the next step is to click the ‘music icon’ appearing at the top to add your favorite tunes or soundtracks.

 

 

Step 3: Select the music

The third step is to select the music you want to add to your Instagram story. You can choose from the options the platform recommends or browse other soundtracks that may pique your interest.

 

Step 4: Add a sticker

After selecting your preferred music file, choose a sticker to make your story more appealing. You can choose the audio-only option if you don’t want any text to appear in the story or choose to display the lyrics of the soundtrack.

 

You can also add an album cover or explore other options. The goal here is to improve engagement. So, go with an option that you think will work best for you.

Click ‘Done’ and publish your story.

2. Add music using Keyhole

Consistency is important when your goal is to engage your audience through Instagram. You compete with hundreds of players in your industry who all strive to gain a competitive advantage.

So, it’s best that you consistently share quality content through the social media platform.

3. Add music using Apple Music

If you aren’t happy with the music options that the platform recommends, Instagram allows you to add your music to your stories. It’s likely a go-to approach for music artists or content creators.

 

Source

To add a soundtrack from your device, you can use Apple Music and select your favorite tune for the story. Just follow the steps below to do so.

Step 1: Open Apple Music

To add your favorite tune to your Instagram story, you need to access the Apple Music app from your phone.

Step 2: Choose the file

The next step is to explore the music files and select the one you want to add to your Instagram story.

Step 3: Add music to the Instagram story

After selecting the music file, click the ‘share’ icon and pick ‘Instagram’ from the options available to you.

You’re all set. The music you added is now accessible to your audience through your Instagram story.

4. Add music using Spotify

Another useful tool for adding your music files to Instagram stories is Spotify. All you need to do is follow the below-mentioned steps.

 

Source

Step 1: Access Spotify

To add the soundtrack you like to your Instagram story using Spotify, you should access the app using your phone.

Step 2: Pick a soundtrack

The next step is to pick a soundtrack you want to share with your audience or add to your Instagram story.

Step 3: Add music to the story

After selecting the file, click ‘share’ and then proceed with the ‘Instagram stories’ option in the app. The next step is to pick your favorite soundtrack.

That’s all. The app will add the music you selected to your story.

You can further customize your story as per your liking through Instagram and share it with your followers.

5. Add music using Shazam

Shazam gives you the option to add catchy tunes or soundtracks you discovered through the app to your Instagram story.

All you need to do is follow the given process.

Step 1: Access Shazam on your phone

To initiate the process of adding music to your story, the first thing you need to do is open Shazam through your phone.

Step 2: Select a song

Source

The next step is to either discover the song or choose the previously discovered soundtrack from the library.

Step 3: Add a tune to the Instagram story

The final step is to add the soundtrack to your Instagram story and customize it with stickers, GIFs, or text in the app.

 

Why add music to Instagram stories

Adding music to stories is one of the many handy features that Instagram offers. It enables you to offer an enhanced experience and grab the attention of the intended audience.

Adding music to your content makes it more relatable. Music is associated with different memories and experiences of people. Hence, listening to it while accessing your content may have a deeper impact.

Additionally, adding music to the videos in your story enhances the user experience. For example, if you’re an event marketer or social media manager planning a New Year’s Eve party, plan to add relevant music to your stories instead of raw audio.

This can make your brand’s post feel polished and professional, avoiding the distractions of background noise or shouting. You may be able to bond with your audience and convince them to pay heed to what you have to say. You get to improve your brand’s credibility and establish lasting relationships in the long run.

 

Final words

In this guide, we discussed different processes through which you can add music to your Instagram stories.

We recommended simple steps for you to follow so you can amplify the experience you offer and generate more traction through the content you share.

Sharing stories on Instagram serves as an excellent strategy to engage your target audience. However, you compete with hundreds of players out there.

So, your goal is to make your stories as interactive as possible. Adding music to them is a handy tactic that may help you drive optimal results.

 

Author Bio

Syed Balkhi is the founder of WPBeginner, the largest free WordPress resource site. With over 10 years of experience, he’s the leading WordPress expert in the industry. You can learn more about Syed and his portfolio of companies by following him on his social media networks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is adding music to an Instagram story a must?

No! You don’t need to add music to your Instagram story before publishing it. However, adding it may serve as the best course of action.

2. Can Instagram unpublish my stories with music?

Yes! Instagram can remove your stories with music if they don’t contain visual elements due to copyright issues. For example, you may encounter this problem when you add to a story with a blank screen.

3. Will adding music to the Instagram story affect the quality of content?

No! Adding music to your Instagram story will not affect the quality of your content, be it image, video, or any other type of visual content.

The post How to Add Music to Instagram Stories appeared first on Keyhole.

Ahrefs holds 30% of the SEO market, while Semrush accounts for 10%. But their competition extends far beyond market share—it’s alive and well on social media.

Both brands have cultivated fiercely loyal communities. Their followers aren’t shy about sharing why their tool of choice outshines the other. But what makes these platforms so effective at engaging their audiences? And how do their strategies differ? This blog breaks it all down.

Analysis of Semrush’s & Ahrefs’ social media accounts

Semrush’s story started back in 2008, thanks to two SEO geeks with big dreams: Oleg Shchegolev and Dmitry Melnikov. They had a vision—to create a tool that would help marketers make sense of the chaotic online world. Little did they know, their passion project would grow into one of the most popular digital marketing platforms out there.

Back then, Semrush was a simple (but effective) SEO toolkit that helped users track keywords and website rankings. Over time, Oleg, Dmitry, and their team kept pushing the limits, adding new features along the way. They didn’t stop at SEO—they introduced tools for content marketing, social media, PPC, competitive analysis, and more. Suddenly, Semrush wasn’t just a tool; it had become the Swiss Army knife of digital marketing.

Fast forward to today, and Semrush is used by 10 million users worldwide, with 2 million signups each year. It’s even gone public—how cool is that?

Here’s a quick snapshot of their following on social media:

• Instagram: 158K
• Facebook: 245K
• Twitter: 284.4K
• LinkedIn: 495K
• TikTok: 50.9K
• YouTube: 194K

Semrush’s Instagram account has 158K followers and serves as a hub of creativity, insights, and marketing inspiration. It’s a place where digital marketers, SEO enthusiasts, and content creators gather for tips, tricks, and even a little fun.

The account strikes a perfect balance between education and entertainment. You’ll find actionable marketing advice, SEO hacks, social media strategies, and highlights of their latest tools and features.

But it’s not all serious business—they also sprinkle in humor, relatable memes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Semrush team to keep things lively and engaging.

Semrush’s Facebook page has 207K likes and 245K followers, surpassing their Instagram numbers. The real standout here is their educational content—quick tips, tutorials, and infographics that break down SEO, social media, and PPC concepts in a way that anyone can understand.

They’re also big on webinars and live videos, which feel like free mini-classes where industry experts share actionable trends and strategies. From keyword insights to marketing hacks, their Facebook content is packed with value for anyone looking to improve their skills.

Semrush’s official TikTok page has 51K followers and 746.1K likes. That’s nearly 14 times more likes than followers—a clear indicator of their reach and engagement on the platform.

On TikTok, they mix quick tips and marketing hacks with trendy music. Whether it’s breaking down SEO concepts in just 30 seconds or demonstrating how to use their tools, Semrush keep their content short, snappy, and entertaining. Their content is designed for anyone—from beginners to seasoned pros—so you’ll always find something useful, no matter your skill level.

What’s even more impressive is how they lean into TikTok trends, blending educational content with popular challenges or memes. It’s marketing knowledge packaged in bite-sized, shareable clips—a perfect balance of playful and professional.

With 495K followers on LinkedIn, Semrush’s page focuses on thought leadership, with posts that dive into industry trends, reports, and actionable strategies for marketers. What sets their LinkedIn presence apart is its personal touch.

Posts highlighting the Semrush team, behind-the-scenes moments, and company milestones make the brand feel more approachable and authentic.

Semrush’s official YouTube channel has 194K subscribers and 717 videos that focus on tutorials and walkthroughs. Covering topics like SEO, social media, PPC, and content marketing, it’s designed to help users get the most out of their tools.

Semrush also shines with its tool walkthroughs, which show users how to make the most of the platform. The videos are clear, visually engaging, and delivered in a friendly tone that makes learning both easy and enjoyable.

Ahrefs claims that 44% of Fortune 500 companies use their platform. It was founded in 2010 by Dmytro Gyrasimenko, who had a passion for making the web more transparent and accessible.

The company initially focused on building one of the best backlink databases in the industry. Dmytro’s idea was simple yet game-changing: to help marketers and SEO professionals understand the web’s link structure and use it to grow their online presence.

At first, Ahrefs was all about backlinks, quickly gaining a reputation for its massive and constantly updated link index. But they didn’t stop there. Over the years, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive SEO suite. Today, Ahrefs offers tools for keyword research, site audits, content exploration, rank tracking, and more—all designed to make SEO easier and more effective.

Here’s a quick snapshot of their following on social media:

• Instagram: 33.4K
• Facebook: 106K
• Twitter: 158.4K
• LinkedIn: 186K
• TikTok: 45
• YouTube: 590K

Ahrefs’ Instagram account has 33.4K followers, and all you’ll find is people. The team that makes the dream work fills in each square on Instagram. It’s not your typical “product promotion” feed—instead, it’s a celebration of the people behind Ahrefs.

Their posts are filled with team snapshots, fun outings, and in-person meetings, showcasing the vibrant and collaborative culture they’ve built. Whether it’s photos from company retreats, office celebrations, or casual team gatherings, the feed radiates positivity and a sense of family.

Ahrefs’ Facebook page has 95K likes and 106K followers. Unlike Semrush, Ahrefs places a big emphasis on getting Ahrefs-certified. Their branded hashtag is prominently displayed on the cover page, and their traditional call-to-action is replaced with educational and contextual CTAs.

They combine SEO education with guided tutorials, showcasing the power of their tools while offering valuable insights for marketers.

A major highlight of their Facebook content is the focus on the Ahrefs team, with behind-the-scenes posts and milestone celebrations giving followers a glimpse into their company culture. They also keep things lighthearted with relatable SEO memes and fun content, making the page both informative and entertaining.

Ahrefs just got started with their TikTok page and has just 45 followers with 57 likes. They take a similar approach here, sharing quick SEO tips and tool highlights with a touch of humor and creativity, making learning feel effortless.

Ahrefs has 186K followers on LinkedIn. The content here follows a similar vibe, with a strong focus on meetup highlights, product usage, and plenty of SEO-related updates.

It’s not just about business—Ahrefs offers a behind-the-scenes look at their team and milestones, making you feel like part of the journey. Whether you’re there to learn or to see the human side of the brand, their LinkedIn page strikes the perfect balance between education and personality.

Ahrefs’ best bet is on YouTube. Their channel has 590K subscribers and 305 videos. Their playlists are well-organized, almost like mini-courses in themselves. They also maintain additional channels dedicated to product updates and region-specific content, allowing them to cater to diverse audiences effectively.

Read More: Calm vs. Headspace On Social: Who’s Bringing Mindfulness To Your Timeline?

How different are Ahrefs’ & Semrush’s social media strategies

1. Community focus vs. product-centric

Semrush focuses on building relationships and fostering community. Their social media is filled with personal moments, memes, GIFs, and templates—showing they’re more than just a tool. It’s like they’re inviting followers to become part of the Semrush family.

Ahrefs, on the other hand, takes a more product-focused approach. Their content leans heavily on SEO expertise, showcasing in-depth features of their tools and offering practical advice. While Semrush gets personal, Ahrefs stays tool-centric, delivering clear and actionable insights.

2. Tone of voice

Semrush keeps it casual and friendly. Their tone is like chatting with a colleague over coffee—light, approachable, and filled with fun. Whether it’s a meme, a quick tip, or an office photo, Semrush feels like a brand that cares about making learning fun. 

Ahrefs, however, leans into a more serious tone. They want to be seen as the go-to SEO experts, so their content is professional and value-driven, cutting out unnecessary fluff.

3. Contrast in graphics

Semrush’s feeds feature a mix of infographics, team photos, and other visual content designed to make educational posts approachable and engaging. Their use of bright colors and clear layouts helps communicate complex ideas in an accessible way.

Ahrefs keeps their visuals clean and to the point. They prefer simple, data-driven graphics and tool tutorials, showcasing the power of their tools without unnecessary embellishments. Where Semrush focuses on engaging, eye-catching posts, Ahrefs sticks to functional, no-nonsense visuals.

4. Prioritizing platform usage

Semrush’s use of TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn is all about storytelling. They share behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Semrush, highlight team milestones, and provide educational tips.

Ahrefs uses YouTube more strategically. Their content focuses on quick, impactful SEO tips and tool demos that show exactly how their product works. On Instagram, they emphasize their team and culture, positioning themselves as experts while maintaining a relatable and human approach.

5. Discrepancy in content frequency

Semrush is on social media all the time. Whether it’s a quick tip on TikTok, an Instagram Story, or a LinkedIn post, they keep their audience constantly engaged with fresh content. It’s like they’re always there, keeping you in the loop.

Ahrefs, on the other hand, posts less frequently but with purpose. They prioritize quality over quantity, delivering well-thought-out content that dives deeper into SEO strategies.

While Semrush might post multiple times a day, Ahrefs tends to post only when they have something valuable to share. Both approaches keep their audiences engaged, just in different ways.

Semrush vs. Ahrefs: Social media strategies at a glance

Here’s a platform-by-platform breakdown of their social media growth:

1. Instagram

From August to November 2024, Semrush achieved 38.7K engagements, far outpacing Ahrefs, which only managed 828. The engagement rates tell a similar story, with Semrush leading at 24.3% compared to Ahrefs’ 2.5%.

This difference is largely due to activity levels. Ahrefs posted just 9 times over three months, while Semrush shared 111 posts in the same period.

While Semrush has a balanced mix of reels, carousels, and images, Ahrefs relied solely on carousels and reels for Instagram marketing.

Interestingly, Ahrefs’ most frequent and engaging post types are the same, whereas for Semrush, it’s different. Despite posting more reels, Semrush’s most engaging post type on Instagram is carousels.

2. Facebook

A striking observation here is that with just 35 posts, Ahrefs earned 11K engagements, while Semrush, with 122 posts, gained 4K engagements. This gave Ahrefs a higher engagement rate of 11.5% compared to Semrush’s 2%.

For Ahrefs, photos are both the most frequent and most engaging content type. Semrush, on the other hand, continues to experiment with a variety of formats, including photos, links, reels, and text posts. Interestingly, text posts, while making up only 6% of their total content, bring in the highest engagement for Semrush on Facebook.

3. Twitter

Semrush is highly active on Twitter, with 1.6K posts in the last three months. This frequent posting brought in 26.9K total engagements, resulting in an engagement rate of 9.5%.

Ahrefs, on the other hand, has taken a quieter approach, posting just 57 tweets during the same period. Despite the lower activity, they managed 1.3K total engagements, with an engagement rate of 0.8%.

4. YouTube

For YouTube, Semrush has posted 16 videos since August, while Ahrefs has shared 4. However, Ahrefs leads in engagement, with a total of 15,712 and an engagement rate of 2.7%. In contrast, Semrush’s engagement is much lower, with a total of 725 and an engagement rate of 0.4%.

Analyze your presence on social media

Semrush and Ahrefs take very different approaches to social media, but both deliver results in their own way. Semrush is the fun, approachable brand that posts memes, behind-the-scenes content, and keeps the vibe lively.

On the other hand, Ahrefs is more like the smart, straight-to-the-point mentor, always ready with a practical tip or insight.

Both bring immense value—just in different ways. Ready to unlock your brand’s potential? Book a demo with Keyhole now and let’s upgrade your social media strategy.

The post Semrush vs. Ahrefs: Who’s dominating social media? appeared first on Keyhole.

Enter Bluesky: a decentralized social media network that is rapidly gaining traction from niche communities and tech-savvy users. Initiated by former Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, Bluesky was developed to provide users with more control over their data and the content they engage with on social apps.

Designed with a similar interface to X (formerly known as Twitter), Bluesky offers many of the same features and functions, with the caveat that genuine, transparent interactions and connections are much easier and feasible. 

With the platform now boasting approximately 24 million users, Bluesky represents more than just another social media platform. It represents a fundamental shift in the social media market dominated by Meta, X, and Google, offering a glimpse into the future of digital marketing and communication between brands and followers. 

For marketers looking to stay one step ahead, understanding all that Bluesky has to offer and how to utilize it can give them a distinct competitive edge. Let’s look at the features and benefits of Bluesky and how it can help you foster more genuine interactions with your audience. 

What is Bluesky?

At its core, Bluesky is a decentralized social network built on the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol). This essentially means that people can see how it works and suggest improvements to its interface, functions, and integrations.

The main crux of traditional social platforms sees a single company controlling everything, which has been a bugbear for many social media users over the years, especially pertaining to the proliferation of misinformation and the abundance of data being held and shared. Bluesky’s decentralized nature means that users and communities have more control over their personal information, who they talk to and what they see online.

The Bluesky platform is experiencing a boom at the moment, where many X users are migrating over to the platform, particularly following X’s recent ‘block’ feature change and subsequent controversy. Bluesky is very much like Twitter – you can click a Post symbol to write and share a 300-character message and include photos, videos, links, gifs and emojis, with users able to reply, repost and like your post, and direct message other members. The Bluesky platform accommodates popular image formats like JPG and PNG but image size limits are in place to ensure optimal UX, so be mindful before uploading high-quality film-like images taken on digital cameras, as these file sizes are invariably larger. 

Users are gifted with three feeds upon joining – Following, Discover, and Popular With Friends, but you can modify your feeds to see specific types of content. Many communities have already begun to flourish organically on the Bluesky platform, where they would struggle to find organic, natural engagement on more mainstream platforms. It’s especially good for people who want to escape toxicity on other platforms.

Bluesky, in essence, gives users the chance to customize and control their entire social media experience. 

What makes Bluesky stand out?

What sets the Bluesky social media platform apart is its commitment to transparency, independence, and user empowerment. The AT Protocol enables users to maintain ownership of their data while participating in a larger social ecosystem. For marketers and brands, this means cultivating relationships with audiences who are conscious about privacy and digital rights, and who want to cut through the proverbial noise often found on social media giants.

1. Bluesky is decentralized

Bluesky’s decentralized nature offers unique advantages for marketers. Rather than being subject to sudden platform changes or algorithm shifts, brands can maintain more stable relationships with their audiences. This infrastructure also allows for greater innovation in how content is distributed and consumed.

2. Users can create custom domains

Perhaps one of the most compelling Bluesky features for brands is the ability to use custom domains for their handles, providing a personalized touch and borrowing authority from established domain names. Bluesky has built-in features that allow users to purchase and manage domains directly through the platform. It caters to diverse audiences, through music videos, movie trailers, and interviews. If you want to replicate their success, it is crucial to understand your target audience and create content that resonates with them, focusing on great title ideas.

3. Content moderation

Unlike traditional platforms where algorithm changes can dramatically impact reach, Bluesky emphasizes user autonomy, allowing you to influence your own feeds and how content is moderated. Marketers can better understand how their content reaches audiences and make data-driven decisions accordingly.

4. Data portability

The platform’s commitment to data portability means brands can maintain ownership of their content and audience relationships, reducing platform dependency and enabling more strategic long-term planning.

5. Free environment

The platform offers a refreshing environment where users can share a diverse range of content without the need to feel overly promotional.

Differences between X/Twitter and Bluesky

While Bluesky’s interface might feel familiar to X users, several key differences affect how marketers should approach the platform:

• Content distribution: Bluesky’s nature means content can reach across different feeds, lists and communities more organically.

• Engagement patterns: Users tend to favor in-depth discussions over viral, clickbait content, requiring a different content strategy.

• Moderation approach: Community-driven moderation creates a more nuanced environment for brand safety.

• Technical features: Despite some current limitations on Bluesky, many of the same features and functions on the app make it easy for those very familiar with X/Twitter to adjust. 

Ways to use Bluesky for your brand

• Focus on creating value-driven content that encourages healthy and beneficial discussion. Research key interests that align with your brand and target them in your content, so you can reach niche communities and engage with users who are actively interested in your offering(s).
  
• Secure your brand’s identity early by setting up a custom domain. This not only establishes legitimacy but also helps with cross-platform brand recognition. Bluesky will need to confirm domain ownership, usually by adding a TXT record to your DNS settings.
  
• Position your brand as an industry authority by sharing insights, participating in relevant discussions, and contributing meaningful content to your niche. Become a thought leader in your space through informative posts, analysis, news commentaries, case studies, infographics and threaded posts for deep dives.
  
• Foster genuine connections within your industry’s community. Engage in discussions, share expertise, and build relationships with other thought leaders, rather than being overtly promotional. Consider launching campaigns encouraging user-generated content (UGC) where users share their experiences with your product or service.
  
• Leverage tools like Keyhole to track engagement, monitor brand mentions, and measure the impact of your Bluesky social media strategy alongside other platforms. Using Keyhole’s best-in-class social listening and analytics tools, you can decipher how well your content is performing and determine strategies for improvements on this growing marketing channel.

Getting started on Bluesky for your brand

Adapt strategy based on community response

Step 1: Create your account

• Secure your brand name early
• Set up proper verification through custom domains
• Optimize your profile
  

Step 2: Develop your content strategy

• Focus on quality over quantity
• Plan content that encourages meaningful engagement
• Integrate with your broader social media strategy
  

Step 3: Build your network

• Follow relevant accounts in your industry
• Engage in community discussions
• Share valuable insights
  

Step 4: Monitor and adjust

• Track engagement metrics
• Analyze content performance

Final words

Integrating Bluesky into your marketing strategy

Succeeding on Bluesky requires you to be thoughtful and willing to adapt without compromising your existing marketing efforts across other social platforms. While content should always be platform-appropriate, ensure that your message remains consistent and applicable across all of the ones you utilize. 

Modifying your content strategy to match Bluesky’s unique environment and restrictions will be key. Much like how long-format posts need to be adapted for X/Twitter, the same will need to be done for Bluesky. However, with more autonomy and control, you can focus more on creating discussions rather than simply broadcasting sales messages where users often feel trapped in a proverbial echo chamber.

The key lies in adapting your content and strategy based on what your Bluesky audience is responding to and what drives engagement on this platform. Implement robust social tracking features using Keyhole which can help you measure engagement rates, brand mentions, and sentiment.

Whatever your goal(s) with your Bluesky social media strategy, adopt a unique approach on this platform that complements and doesn’t detract from your existing one on platforms like X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. 

The post What is Bluesky & How Can You Use It as a Marketer appeared first on Keyhole.

As a company built around engagement, it’s no surprise that Slack has established a strong presence across multiple channels. With 65 million monthly active users, Slack continues to engage them with regular, valuable content.

Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube videos, Slack is there. The company shares tutorials, connects with its community, and uses diverse content formats to drive engagement.

Slack’s social media accounts

Slack was founded in 2009 and quickly became the go-to tool for teams looking to streamline communication and improve productivity.

Slack enables teams to communicate efficiently with features like public channels and private messaging. It also allows users to set up notifications, ensuring they stay updated on team activities.

Unlike platforms like Facebook, Slack gives businesses more control over privacy. Clients can decide who joins their Slack groups, making it an ideal tool for onboarding. By centralizing communication, Slack helps teams stay organized and work more effectively.

A productivity tool at its core, Slack actively engages across multiple social media platforms to maintain visibility and connect with users. Here’s a breakdown of Slack’s main social media accounts:

• Instagram: 85K
• Facebook: 136K
• Twitter: 452K
• LinkedIn: 1.6M
• TikTok: 3K
• YouTube: 62K

Read More: Mastering Community Management on Social Media: Principles, Strategies, and ROI

Slack’s Instagram account has 85K followers. The company uses a mix of engaging story highlights and Instagram posts to attract new followers. Instagram is where Slack showcases the app’s latest features, shares valuable insights, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company.

Slack regularly posts video tutorials that show different ways to use the app. One example is a tutorial showing the seamless integration between Salesforce and Slack. The team posts multiple times per week on Instagram to keep followers engaged.

Slack also posts daily on its Facebook Page. The company also uses Reels to engage more users, with some getting over 1K views. However, engagement on Facebook overall is lower compared to other platforms.

Slack’s video tutorials are top-notch across its social networks. These fast-paced videos keep the viewer engaged, moving quickly without lingering on still frames. It’s clear that a lot of effort goes into creating these high-quality videos.

Twitter is one of Slack’s largest platforms. The productivity app is approaching 452K followers and invites users to tweet if they need help. Slack supports users on this platform, but if you look at some of the tweets and Facebook posts, you’ll see a familiar content strategy at play.

Engagement on Twitter is a bit lower than expected for an account with over 450K followers. However, much of the content posted on Twitter is also shared on Facebook.

Slack uses a content redistribution strategy to stay active across multiple social networks. Posting the same content on both Facebook and Twitter helps to multiply their reach without requiring extra effort. Setting up social media posts in tools like Keyhole makes this process even easier.

Not every Twitter follower will check Slack’s Facebook page, and vice versa, so this strategy helps ensure content reaches as many users as possible, without doing extra work.

LinkedIn is where Slack truly shines, and it makes sense. The app serves business professionals who are looking to sharpen their skills, and LinkedIn is the perfect platform for that. People who follow Slack on multiple networks will notice the content redistribution strategy at work once again.

Its LinkedIn page does drive engagement more than Slack’s other social media accounts, and it’s no surprise since Slack’s workplace app is nearing 1.6M followers.

Slack is new to TikTok and is approaching 3K followers. You’ll find the same videos here as on Instagram, as Slack sticks to its content redistribution model. It’s a simple strategy, and it’s exactly what Slack promises as a software: simplicity at its core.

Most of Slack’s TikTok videos get about 1K views, with the account offering a blend of tutorials and behind-the-scenes content.

Slack has a well-organized video content library on YouTube, primarily filled with tutorials. The company updates the channel several times a month, but the content is exclusive to YouTube, not redistributed from other platforms.

Slack groups its YouTube videos into multiple playlists, making it easier for viewers to navigate content and find a video series related to specific learning objectives.

What makes Slack’s social media strategy successful?

Slack has used social media to retain customers and drive sales. Here are a few components that contribute to the success of its social media strategy:

1. Content redistribution

Slack maximizes the reach of each post by distributing it across multiple platforms. Creating copy, videos, and other content takes time, so businesses often feel overwhelmed by the need to create unique content for each platform. Slack overcomes this by recycling content across multiple channels, saving time while reaching a wider audience.

2. Visual content

Slack does an excellent job incorporating visual content, especially videos, into its strategy. The videos are highly engaging, and they move quickly. You’ll learn about Slack features without feeling like you’re sitting through a lengthy tutorial.

The company also keeps its posts visually consistent, using the same shades of purple throughout. This color consistency makes it easy for users to identify Slack’s posts as they scroll through their feeds.

3. Organized video catalogs

Slack’s YouTube playlists help users navigate the channel and find relevant content more easily. This improves the user experience and can increase watch time across Slack’s videos.

Producing social media content requires a lot of effort. However, if you don’t organize your content, it can become overwhelming and hard to find. Slack takes the time to organize content into categories, whether it’s on YouTube or through Instagram story highlights, making it easier for followers to find what they’re looking for.

4. Behind-the-scenes content

Slack gives followers a closer look at its team members. These employees create educational videos and offer a glimpse of the inner workings of Slack.

Sharing behind-the-scenes content helps humanize the brand. It allows followers to see the people behind the company, making Slack more relatable rather than just another faceless business. Sharing these moments can drive more engagement and spark more conversations.

Slack’s social media strategy at a glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of Slack’s social media growth from August to November 2024:

1. Instagram

From August to November 2024, Slack averaged 81 engagements per post, with a total of nearly 4K interactions. Engagement peaked mid-September when they launched a feature update with Agentforce.

In the first week of November, weekly growth reached 172. While Reels is the most frequent post type, the carousel format seems to perform better in terms of engagement. Despite making up just 18% and 14% of the content, carousels and image posts respectively are driving more engagement than Reels.

2. Facebook

Between August and November, Slack posted 44 times, but engagement was relatively low. The average engagement per post was 8, with a total of 341 engagements.

Slack’s Facebook page sees a daily increase in page likes, though in small increments. They maintain a vibrant mix of content—photos, links, videos, and reels—to keep the page fresh and engaging.

3. TikTok

Slack’s presence on TikTok is growing. With 20 videos posted over three months, they have had 20.3K views and an average of 19 engagements per video.

Follower growth has been steady, though not particularly fast, likely due to the lower posting frequency. There haven’t been any significant spikes or drops in followers at this point.

4. Twitter

Slack’s social media team has tweeted 716 times between August and November, generating 579K impressions.

However, they’ve been losing followers each week. Replies make up 87% of their posts, while retweets contribute just 2% of the content. This reflects Slack’s focus on fostering direct engagement with its audience, rather than simply increasing visibility.

5. YouTube

Slack posted 16 videos in the last 3 months, generating 17.4K views. In total, the channel has accumulated 35.9M views and 62.1K subscribers. YouTube is where Slack continues to offer exclusive content, primarily tutorials, to support users and help them get the most out of the app.

Wrapping up

Slack likes to keep things simple with its social media strategy. The company redistributes content across its platforms to save time and maximize its reach.

However, Slack doesn’t just post for the sake of it. Most posts educate followers on new features, ensuring they get the most out of the app. This strategy demonstrates why Slack is among the best for workplace communication tools.

Want to create a successful social media strategy like Slack? Keyhole lets you gather live insights about your audience and monitor online conversations. These insights can help your team create highly engaging posts that reach the right audience.

You can book a free demo with Keyhole to see how your business can boost revenue with social media.

The post Slack Social Media Strategy: Connecting Teams, One Channel At A Time appeared first on Keyhole.

The platform has not only revolutionized how we consume and share media but has also given rise to a new generation of content creators and influencers.

If you are curious to know what are the fifteen most subscribed YouTube channels, keep reading to find out.

1. MrBeast

• 320 million subscribers
• 822 videos
• +60,000,000,000 views

MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, is an American YouTuber famous for his extravagant and philanthropic video stunts.

His content ranges from challenges and experiments to giving away large sums of money to strangers or helping out small businesses in need.

MrBeast’s channel has been growing exponentially in recent years, with his videos reaching millions of views within hours of being uploaded.

From planting 20 million trees to constructing the world’s largest Lego tower, MrBeast has become a household name on YouTube with his larger-than-life personality and charitable deeds.

Lesson learned MrBeast’s success is a result of his unique content ideas and constant innovation. It is essential to stay creative and think outside the box to stand out in a sea of similar channels. AI detector tools will help you create original content. 

2. T-series

• 276 million subscribers
• 21,873 videos
• +269,000,000,000 views

T-series, an Indian music and film production company, is the second most subscribed channel on YouTube.

The channel initially started as a music label in the early 1980s but has now become a media empire with its film studio and multiple subsidiary channels.

T-series’s success on YouTube can be attributed to its diverse content that caters to different demographics, including Bollywood movie trailers, music videos, and devotional songs.

“Music can change the world” is the T-series’ channel slogan, and it has indeed changed the world of YouTube with its massive subscriber count.

Lesson learned T-series shows the power of catering to diverse audiences, through music videos, movie trailers, and interviews. If you want to replicate their success, it is crucial to understand your target audience and create content that resonates with them, focusing on great title ideas.

3. Cocomelon

• 184 million subscribers
• 1,301 videos
• +190,000,000,000 views

Cocomelon, formerly known as ABCkidTV, is a children’s animation YouTube channel that creates educational and entertaining videos for kids.

The channel specializes in producing catchy nursery rhymes with colorful animations that help teach basic concepts such as alphabets, numbers, colors, and more.

Cocomelon’s success can be attributed to its appeal to both parents looking for educational content for their children and children who enjoy the fun and engaging visuals.

Lesson learned   Cocomelon’s growth showcases the importance of understanding your target audience. They concentrate on producing content that not only entertains children but also educates them, which sets them apart from other kids’ channels.

4. SET India

• 178 million subscribers
• 146,266 videos
• +170,000,000,000 views

SET India is a Hindi-language entertainment channel that primarily features Indian TV shows and dramas.

The channel’s content caters to a vast Indian audience, making it one of the most subscribed channels not only in the country but in the whole world.

Along with full episodes of popular TV shows, SET India also creates short clips and behind-the-scenes content for its viewers.

Lesson learned SET India’s popularity highlights the importance of catering to a specific niche audience. By focusing on one language and culture, the channel has built a loyal following among Indian viewers worldwide.

5. Kids Diana Show

• 126 million subscribers
• 1,259 videos
• +106,000,000,000 views

Kids Diana Show is a YouTube channel featuring videos of a little girl named Diana and her family.

The channel’s content primarily revolves around unboxing and reviewing toys, playing with them, and role-playing different scenarios.

Kids Diana Show has become an internet sensation among children worldwide, with its relatable content and cute hosts.

Lesson learned This success shows that authenticity and relatability can go a long way in building a loyal audience. By keeping their videos fun, engaging, and age-appropriate, the channel has gained massive popularity among children and their parents.

6. Vlad and Niki

• 125 million subscribers
• 772 videos
• +96,000,000,000 views

Vlad and Niki is another channel that caters to children’s content.

The channel features two brothers, Vlad and Niki, who create videos of their daily adventures and imaginative playtime.

Their videos often feature popular toy brands and incorporate elements of storytelling, music, and learning.

Lesson learned Vlad and Niki’s success highlights the importance of establishing a brand through consistency in content. By sticking to their theme and incorporating familiar elements for their young audience, they have gained a loyal fan base.

7. Like Nastya

• 121 million subscribers
• 906 videos
• +105,000,000,000 views

Like Nastya is a YouTube channel featuring videos of a young girl named Anastasia and her family.

The channel’s content includes vlogs, storytime videos, challenges, and educational videos that follow the daily life of the family.

With vibrant visuals and relatable content for children, Like Nastya has become one of the most popular channels on YouTube.

Lesson learned This success shows how personalization can help build a strong connection with your audience. By sharing their daily lives and incorporating interactive elements like challenges, the channel has created a loyal following among children worldwide. 

8. PewDiePie

• 111 million subscribers
• 4,793 videos
• +29,000,000,000 views

PewDiePie is one of the most subscribed individual creators on YouTube, known for his gaming commentary and meme-based content.

He often collaborates with other YouTubers and occasionally shares personal vlogs, keeping his content fresh and diverse.

While PewDiePie’s success has faced controversy in the past, there’s no denying his impact in shaping YouTube as a platform for creators and gamers.

Lesson learned PewDiePie’s success showcases how staying true to your passions can lead to success. By consistently creating content that he enjoys and connecting with fellow creators, he has built an immense following on YouTube.

9. Zee Music Company

• 110 million subscribers
• 12,297 videos
• +70,000,000,000 views

Zee Music Company is a music label that features various Indian songs from Bollywood movies and independent artists.

The channel’s content caters to a diverse Indian audience by featuring songs in multiple languages and genres.

With its vast collection of popular music videos and movie trailers, Zee Music Company has become one of the most subscribed channels in India.

Lesson learned This success highlights the power of collaboration and diversity. By featuring a variety of content from different sources and artists, the channel has gained a massive following among music lovers in India and beyond.

10. WWE

• 104 million subscribers
• 79,566 videos
• +88,000,000,000 views

WWE is the channel for World Wrestling Entertainment, featuring highlights and full matches from their various events.

It also includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and other exclusive content for WWE fans.

With a loyal following of wrestling enthusiasts, it has become one of the most subscribed sports channels on YouTube.

Lesson learned This success showcases how creating engaging content can build a strong community of dedicated fans. By providing exclusive access and exciting footage for their audience, WWE has gained a massive following among wrestling fans worldwide. 

11. Goldmines

• 101 million subscribers
• 8,942 videos
• +29,000,000,000 views

Goldmines is a channel that features Hindi-dubbed versions of popular South Indian movies.

The channel’s content caters to the Bollywood-loving audience in India and has become one of the most subscribed channels on YouTube in the country.

With its vast collection of blockbuster films, Goldmines has gained immense popularity among movie buffs.

Lesson learned This success highlights how providing access to exclusive and entertaining content can build a loyal fan base. By catering to the demand for regional cinema with high-quality dubbing, the channel has become a go-to destination for Indian movie lovers. 

12. SonySAB

• 96 million subscribers
• 92,124 videos
• +120,000,000,000 views

SonySAB is a channel that features comedy and drama shows from the Indian television network SAB TV.

The channel’s content caters to a broad audience, including families and children, with its mix of sitcoms, game shows, and animated series.

By providing free access to popular TV shows and creating unique digital content for their YouTube audience, SonySAB has gained a massive following in India.

Lesson learned This success showcases how adapting to changing media consumption habits can expand your reach. By leveraging its existing TV content on YouTube and creating exclusive digital content, SonySAB has established itself as a go-to destination for Indian entertainment online. 

13. BLACKPINK

• 95 million subscribers
• 603 videos
• +37,000,000,000 views

BLACKPINK is a K-pop girl group that has taken the world by storm with its catchy music and stunning visuals.

Their channel features music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive content for their dedicated fans, known as BLINKs.

With a massive global following, it has become one of the most subscribed music channels on YouTube.

Lesson learned This success highlights how creating visually appealing and engaging content can lead to worldwide recognition. By providing exclusive access and behind-the-scenes looks at their music videos and performances, BLACKPINK has built a devoted fan base that eagerly awaits each new release. 

14. ChuChuTV

• 94 million subscribers
• 813 videos
• +52,000,000,000 views

ChuChuTV is a channel that creates educational and entertaining content for young children.

Their animated music videos teach kids about various topics such as the alphabet, numbers, and moral values.

With its colorful visuals and catchy songs, ChuChuTV has become one of the most subscribed channels in India.

Lesson learned This success showcases how creating age-appropriate and educational content can build a loyal following among parents and children. By providing engaging and informative content for young audiences, ChuChuTV has become a go-to destination for parents looking for quality entertainment for their kids. 

15. Stokes Twins

• 92 million subscribers
• 324 videos
• +14,000,000,000 views

Stokes Twins is a channel run by twin brothers, Alex and Alan Stokes, featuring pranks, challenges, and vlogs.

Their entertaining content has gained them a massive following on YouTube and other social media platforms.

With their popularity among Gen Z audiences, they have become one of the most subscribed channels in the U.S.

Lesson learned This success showcases how connecting with your audience through relatable and engaging content can lead to online fame. By creating viral pranks and challenges that resonate with young viewers, the Stokes Twins have built a strong following worldwide.

Final words

These top fifteen most subscribed YouTube channels showcase the power of diverse and engaging content in building a massive following on the platform.

From music and entertainment to education and vlogs, there is something for everyone on YouTube.

By creating quality content that resonates with their audiences, these channels have become global sensations, proving that anyone can achieve success on the platform with dedication and creativity.

So if you’re looking to grow your channel or simply find new content to enjoy, don’t forget to check out these top channels for inspiration!

Want to keep a watch on these channels or grow your base? Book a demo to get detailed insights of any public YouTube channel with Keyhole.

Author Bio

Erik Emanuelli has been in the online marketing game since 2010. He contributed to many important online publications and he has been featured on sites like Entrepreneur and GoDaddy. He’s now helping people increase their online visibility by sharing what he has learned during these years.

The post The Top 15 Most Subscribed YouTube Channels appeared first on Keyhole.

Introduced in 2023, they allow you to send messages directly to your audience, but there’s a catch: it’s one-way communication. 

This means you can broadcast your updates, and followers can listen, react, and participate in polls without the flood of replies cluttering your inbox. 

Instead of tossing every update into the wild, you can create a more VIP experience for your community.  

What are broadcast channels on Instagram

With broadcast channels, your biggest fans get first dibs on exclusive content, product drops, or even behind-the-scenes insights straight to their DMs. 

This feature perfectly cuts through the noise and speaks directly to the people who care most.

In short, here’s how businesses and creators can benefit from Instagram broadcast channels:

• Direct reach: Your messages land right in your followers’ inbox, making them feel personal.
• Reactions and polls: While followers can’t reply, they can react with emojis and vote in polls, keeping the interaction alive without overwhelming you.
• Multimedia support: Share more than just text. You can send voice notes, videos, and photos, allowing you to keep things fun and engaging.
• Exclusivity: Followers feel like insiders, getting special updates before anyone else. This builds a stronger, more loyal community.

Read More: 17 Black Friday Marketing Ideas To Boost Sales & Increase Conversions 

Benefits of using Instagram broadcast channels for businesses

1. Builds stronger relationships with your core audience

Broadcast channels allow you to focus your energy on your most loyal followers, creating a space where they feel like insiders. 

For example, you can share insider behind-the-scenes content or upcoming updates that make followers feel valued and appreciated, enhancing long-term loyalty. This deeper connection can foster more trust and encourage customer advocacy​. 

2. Seamless integration with other platforms and campaigns

Businesses can easily integrate broadcast channels with their Instagram marketing campaigns. 

If you’re promoting content across multiple platforms, you can share direct links to blogs, YouTube videos, or other content through the channel. This ensures that your Instagram followers are aware of everything happening across your digital landscape, driving more traffic to your external assets​. 

3. Efficient collaboration opportunities

Broadcast channels aren’t limited to just you. 

You can invite collaborators like popular Instagram influencers, guest speakers, or even partner brands to share content in your channel. This collaborative approach amplifies your message and brings in fresh voices that may resonate with different segments of your audience.

How do broadcast channels work on Instagram

Instagram broadcast channels are essentially your direct line to your most engaged followers but without the chaos of managing a flood of DMs. 

Instead of interacting in a back-and-forth, you get a streamlined way to broadcast content, and your followers can engage through reactions and polls. 

No clutter, just clean, effective communication.

Here’s how they operate:

1. Set up your broadcast channel: If you have a Creator or Business account, you can launch a channel straight from your inbox or story interface. It’s quick to set up and lets you personalize the channel name to suit your brand or message.
2. Notifying your audience: Once the channel is live, Instagram notifies your followers with a direct message invitation. This is key because it places your channel front and centre in their inbox, ensuring high visibility.
3. Broadcasting your content: Now the fun begins! You can share everything from photos, videos, voice messages, and even live links. 
4. Instant feedback through reactions and polls: Followers can’t message back, but their reactions and poll responses help you understand what’s resonating. This immediate feedback is beneficial for testing ideas, like gauging interest in a new product line or getting feedback on your latest campaign.
5. Collaborators and co-broadcasting: You can even invite collaborators to share the channel with you. This is perfect for running co-branded campaigns or influencer collaborations, allowing multiple voices to engage the same audience.

How to create and set up a broadcast channel

Creating a broadcast channel on Instagram is incredibly easy and can be done in just a few steps. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Make sure you’re using a Creator account

To access the broadcast channel feature, you need a Professional account, meaning either a Creator or Business account. 

If you’re currently using a personal account, you can switch by going to Settings, choosing “Switch to Professional Account,” and selecting the appropriate category for your needs.

2. Start from your inbox

Once you’re set with the right account type, head to your Direct Messages (DMs). 

From there, Instagram gives you the option to create a new broadcast channel by tapping the pencil icon. Now you’ll get the option to:

• Enter a channel name.
• Choose an audience for your channel.
• Choose when your channel ends.
• Choose to show your channel on your profile.

3. Invite followers 

Once your broadcast channel is set up, Instagram automatically sends an invite to your followers via their inbox, making sure they see it. 

You can also share the channel link in your Instagram Stories or copy it to invite others directly. Instagram will also give you the ability to add a CTA (call to action) for your followers to join your channel through your bio. 

For additional reach, you can share specific messages from the channel to your Stories to give followers a sneak peek before they join.

4. Start sharing engaging content

Once your followers are in, start broadcasting! 

Share a mix of text updates, images, videos, or even voice notes. To increase engagement, use features like polls to collect feedback or reactions to gauge how followers are responding to your content.

If you want to maintain a consistent flow of content for your Instagram broadcast channel, consider using an AI writer to reduce the time you spend creating fresh ideas. 

Just make sure the content you share aligns with your broadcast channel’s motive.

How to find broadcast channels on Instagram

Finding broadcast channels on Instagram is pretty straightforward. Here are the most common ways to find Instagram broadcast channels that are relevant to you:

• Most creators pin their broadcast channel link in their Instagram bio, shown as a “two overlapping speech bubbles” icon—just tap to join. 
• You may also discover popular channels in your Explore tab based on your interests​. 
• You’ll also receive a notification in your DMs when someone you follow creates a new broadcast channel so you can join immediately​. 
• Use the search bar in your messages tab to search for relevant broadcast channels by typing keywords or the creator’s name​. 

How to join a broadcast channel:

• Tap the broadcast channel link in the creator’s Instagram bio.
• Click “Join” to subscribe.
• Follow the profile if prompted to complete access. 

Best practices for using Instagram broadcast channels

1. Deliver exclusive, high-value content

Your broadcast channel should offer followers something they can’t get anywhere else. 

This could be behind-the-scenes insights, sneak peeks of upcoming products, or exclusive updates from your brand. 

For example, creators like Mikaela Shiffrin use their Instagram broadcast channels to share exclusive moments from their careers, making their followers feel like insiders​.  

The Train Don’t Stop offers personal insights into Mikaela’s life as an alpine ski racer. She shares links to her vlogs and updates on her life and career milestones. 

This kind of content is unique because you’re offering something more personal and meaningful to your community that usually isn’t shared. 

2. Engage your audience with polls and questions

Instagram broadcast channels allow for interaction through polls and reactions. 

Use these tools to gather feedback, gauge interest in new ideas, or simply ask fun, engaging questions. 

This helps you learn about your audience while keeping them invested in your updates​. 

For instance, creators can ask their followers to vote on new product ideas, helping you with informal market research.

3. Post consistently but avoid spamming

While consistency is critical, overloading your channel with too many updates can cause people to lose interest or mute notifications. 

Stick to a regular posting schedule that keeps your content top of mind without overwhelming your followers​. 

4. Promote your broadcast channel across other platforms

One of the best social media hacks is cross-promotion across different platforms for higher visibility.  

Don’t rely solely on built-in Instagram features and notifications to grow your broadcast channel. You can always share a link or QR code to your Instagram broadcast channel on other meta platforms, such as Facebook and Whatsapp groups. 

5. Keep it personal and authentic

Broadcast channels thrive on a sense of intimacy. 

Your followers want to feel like they’re getting direct, personalized content. Authenticity is key whether you’re sharing a candid voice message or exclusive news. Ensure your content’s tone is conversational, making followers feel like insiders.

6. Track performance and tweak your content strategy

Regularly evaluate the engagement metrics of your broadcast channel. 

Track the number of people joining, how they interact with polls and reactions, and which types of content perform best using various marketing analytics tools. 

Use this data to fine-tune your content strategy and meet your audience’s expectations.

With Keyhole’s real-time social media analytics, you can track key metrics like audience growth, engagement through reactions and polls, and overall content performance​ for Instagram. 

Keyhole also offers sentiment analysis, allowing you to gauge how your followers feel about your posts, which can be incredibly valuable for refining your tone and content style. 

On top of that, it provides competitor insights, so you can see how others in your industry are leveraging similar strategies and adjust yours accordingly. 

Ideas for an Instagram broadcast channel + examples we love

To truly make your Instagram broadcast channel stand out, you’ll need to go beyond the basics of product previews or event updates. 

Here are some unique and engaging ideas, along with examples from real creators and businesses that use broadcast channels effectively:

1. Behind-the-scenes production insights

Give your followers an exclusive look at how your business operates. 

Sharing behind-the-scenes content can humanize your brand, whether it’s a sneak peek into your design process, how your team collaborates, or even the funny moments during production. 

For example, we love how Tommy Hilfiger uses their broadcast channel, Tommy’s Place, to offer followers a glimpse into what goes into the making of their runway shows​. 

2. Invite followers to a ‘day-in-the-life’ experience

Bring followers into a more personal experience by offering “day-in-the-life” content. 

For influencers, this could mean sharing how they structure their day, while for businesses, it could showcase a key team member, like a designer or CEO, going about their day. 

This approach builds a deeper connection and provides engaging content that feels personal. 

For example, Instagram influencers like Hang Nguyen engage their followers with little anecdotes about their day and what’s happening in their lives. 

3. Create a subscriber-only VIP channel

If you offer paid subscriptions or have premium products, consider launching a VIP broadcast channel exclusively for those who subscribe. 

This could include early access to premium content, behind-the-scenes videos, or special discounts. 

Instagram Subscriptions is a feature that allows creators to share content specifically for their paying followers, offering more exclusive and in-depth insights into their personal or professional lives​. 

Subscribing to a creator gives you access to subscriber-only content, including exclusive:

4. Share user-generated content (UGC) and collaborations

• Stories
• Lives
• Reels
• Posts
• Subscriber-only social channels
• Subscriber-only broadcast channels

Leverage your audience by sharing their content on your channel. 

Whether it’s fan art, product reviews, or testimonials, dedicating a day each week to highlight user-generated content can increase engagement. 

You can also bring in influencers or other brands to co-manage a broadcast channel, adding more voices and content diversity. 

Nike effectively uses their BTS broadcast channel to share customer stories and UGC to build community​. 

For an added boost, change Instagram location to match the content’s origin, helping local users discover and engage with your posts.

5. Interactive storytelling

Use your broadcast channel to take your followers on an interactive journey through storytelling.

For instance, brands in travel, lifestyle, or entertainment could tell a multi-part story over a week, adding polls or quizzes to make it engaging. 

Imagine using polls to let your followers decide the next step of the story! This could be an excellent way for brands to test content ideas while keeping the audience hooked​. 

6. Build hype for upcoming events

Planning an exclusive event or launch? 

Use your broadcast channel to create buzz by giving early access to ticket sales or product releases. You can even offer exclusive discounts to those on your broadcast channel. 

For example, many designers and beauty brands offer their channel members a head start on upcoming product drops, boosting both engagement and conversions​. 

7. Curate resources or guides

If your business shares many useful resources, such as tutorials, blog posts, or downloadable guides, use your broadcast channel to curate this content. 

Followers will appreciate having everything in one place. You can share tips, guides, and external links directly, helping your audience find everything they need without leaving Instagram​. 

These resources and guides work great for individual creators who want to share recipes, travel guides, or academic material.

How Keyhole can enhance your Instagram strategy

As you build your Instagram broadcast channel, success hinges on understanding what truly resonates with your audience.

And no guesswork. We mean data. 

With Keyhole, you can see which content grabs attention, track how your followers engage, and even monitor your competitors’ strategies—all in one place. 

You get the full picture of your Instagram performance, allowing you to make smarter decisions that drive real engagement.

By analyzing audience behavior and competitor trends, Keyhole ensures you’re not just broadcasting but truly connecting. 

Ready to elevate your Instagram strategy?

Author Bio

Pragati Gupta is a Content Marketer @Socialsonic, specializing in AI, SEO, and strategic B2B writing. Leveraging the power of Generative AI, she produces high-impact content that drives superior ROI.

The post How To Use Instagram Broadcast Channels In 2024 appeared first on Keyhole.

For many organizations, Christmas is their biggest season. Whether selling holiday-related items or just products that will be gifted, it can boost revenue with around $967 billion in sales for US retailers.

Black Friday happens just after Thanksgiving and represents the start of the holiday shopping season. What Black Friday marketing ideas can help your business get a slice of a very lucrative pie? 

What is Black Friday? 

Image sourced from Wisepops

Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving (which itself is always the fourth Thursday in November. Ironically, the phrase has negative roots and comes from the idea of workers calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving to extend their holiday weekend. But it has now grown into being one of the most important retail events on the calendar. 

There are other unofficial holidays that see intense marketing by businesses. Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) focuses on e-commerce businesses while Small Business Saturday is self-explanatory.

Read More: Mastering Community Management on Social Media: Principles, Strategies, and ROI

17 Black Friday marketing ideas

Image sourced from Statistica

The first thing to note is that any type of retail business can have a marketing strategy based on Black Friday. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the B2B or B2C sectors, good marketing can improve your sales and conversion metrics. What you decide to include in any Black Friday promotions may vary, and the reasons may be different too. If you have stock that isn’t selling or stock you over-ordered, Black Friday can be the ideal opportunity to shift it.

So, the question is, what can you do differently (or better) when it comes to Black Friday marketing ideas that might make you stand out from the pack? It can also be helpful to use commercial web analytics tools so that you see any patterns and identify how to do things better next year. 

1. Gift cards

Since it is the giving season, gift cards can be an ideal marketing tactic. It may not be moving products now, but still represents a sale and incoming revenue. Gift cards are great as they allow the recipient to choose a product or service they want. 

They’re also extremely versatile and can work for nearly any product, from physical products to subscription services to experiences. 

Screenshot taken from Airbnb.com

2. Free shipping 

As many as 48% of customers abandon carts because of shipping costs or other fees. The trick here is to offer conditional free shipping. Like in the Barnes & Noble example below, they set a $40 threshold spend and let customers know how much more they need to spend for free shipping. Potential customers will often look at adding extra items if their current cart value is below that threshold. 

Screenshot taken from barnesandnoble.com

3. Conditional discounts 

As with conditional free shipping, you could also introduce conditional discounts. One difference here is that you can look at offering tiered discounts. 

When a customer hits your first threshold, they get a set discount, say 10%. If they increase the value of their order, the value of the discount increases too. This can be a great way of persuading customers to spend more and can improve your AOV (average order value).

Screenshot taken from costway.com

4. Timed deals

One of the best tools in a marketer’s arsenal is FOMO (fear of missing out). On Black Friday, you can use this in the form of hourly or daily deals. These deals will start at a set time and will only last for a set period. This can motivate consumers (through FOMO) to make a purchasing decision quickly. If you offer multiple deals, then customers will constantly check your site for discounts. 

Screenshot taken from store.google.com

5. Wheel of fortune

A discount spin wheel can be both effective and fun. You can integrate it into your app or website so that visitors can spin the wheel and get a discount (or even a free gift). You will find that many customers will use their discounts almost immediately, especially if you permit it to be combined with other Black Friday discounts such as free shipping. 

Screenshot taken from clipp.com

6. Upselling and cross-selling 

You look to upsell and cross-sell throughout the year and they may produce good results. Doing it during your Black Friday sales can lead to even better results and higher AOVs. The trick here is to identify what products go well together or what products are a step up from others. For example, you are offering product B at $50. The next level up is normally $85 but during Black Friday, you could discount that item to $65 which may make the customer consider the extra. 

Screenshot taken from shein.com

7. New products

Product launches can be a good Black Friday idea. It may be a product (or package of products) geared towards Christmas or it may be a year-round product or service. By adding discounts or offers such as free shipping, you can boost awareness and sales of your item. For example, if you have a new SaaS product and want to launch it on Black Friday or if you’ve upgraded your service, Black Friday can be a great time to announce your newest offering! 

Screenshot taken from BudgetAir.co.uk

8. Referrals

Referrals are another year-round marketing tactic that can be employed on Black Friday. You could offer added incentives to reward customer loyalty and those loyal customers who refer friends or family during this period. As it comes with low CAC (customer acquisition costs), it can be an effective way of boosting sales and improving your profit margins. 

Screenshot taken from verizon.com

9. Loyalty programs 

You already know the benefits of healthy customer retention rates and may offer a wide range of incentives to reward those customers for their loyalty. Consider exclusive offers for any Black Friday purchases or even use the opportunity to offload low-value overstock by giving the items as free gifts to members of your loyalty program. You could also offer early access to deals. 

Screenshot taken from sonos.com

10. Countdowns 

Anticipation can be a great motivator and can also use that FOMO tactic as well as creating a sense of urgency. Your countdowns could be to a limited-time deal commencing or they could be for how long the discount has left.

You can have the countdown timer on your website or app or even send it to your email subscribers (if the latter, don’t overdo it with multiple emails). By using social media scheduling tools, you can have different countdowns posted when the time is right. 

Screenshot taken from Daisydisk.com

11. Emails 

Email marketing is one of the common tactics used for demand generation in marketing. Beyond its role in generating demand, your email list can also be a powerful tool for Black Friday tactics, such as offering discounts, pre-sale access, or subscriber-only deals. Additionally, the sales period presents an opportunity to grow your subscriber base.

Screenshot taken from wildfang.com

12. Affiliates

You may already be running affiliate programs and Black Friday represents an opportunity to strengthen affiliate relationships as well as generate extra sales and revenue for you both. You may decide to offer special discounts or extra incentives for your affiliates so that they put in extra effort.  

Screenshot taken from Amazon.com

13. Build anticipation 

In the run-up to Black Friday, you can build anticipation as well as FOMO by posting marketing teasers on Facebook and other platforms. You could focus on your more limited – either by stock or time – offers so that customers will look to purchase as soon as any offer starts. You could also combine teasers with your countdowns. The customer first sees that there will be a discount on an item, and then they see how long it is till that offer begins. 

Screenshot taken from Macys.com

14. BOGOF (buy one, get one free)

This tactic may not work for every product or service but it can still produce results. For example, it may not be effective for a SaaS communications solution (unless the buyer has multiple sites) but it could work on something like bedding or cosmetics. From the retailer’s perspective, it can be a great tactic for reducing stock numbers and reducing your warehousing costs. 

Screenshot taken from Shein.com

15. Not all discounts are created equal 

One thing to consider is that you don’t need to offer the same discounts to everyone. Just as you apply segmentation to other marketing tactics, you can do the same here. For example, you might decide to offer a 25% discount to new customers but a 15% discount and free shipping to repeat ones. 

Screenshot taken from katespade.com

16. Free gifts 

This can be another way of offloading overstock or slow-selling items. As with some other tactics, you should make this conditional, usually based on a minimum purchase value. Be sure to highlight the normal price of the free item so that your customers perceive the value of the total package they will buy.  

Screenshot taken from spacenk.com

17. Cart abandonment 

Cart abandonment can cost as much as $18 billion per year. The rates can also vary by sector but it’s still an issue that online retailers face throughout the year. You can highlight any special Black Friday discounts customers may have missed with exit intent popups as they’re about to walk away. You could even have last-gasp discounts that only apply when cart abandonment is about to happen.

Image sourced from voucherify.com

Bonus

Use keyhole’s social listening tool to help you plan and track Black Friday campaigns. Social listening will provide you with the insights you need to plan the perfect discounts, deals and marketing campaigns for your customers. 

Then, once you’re all set up, you can also track the success of your Black Friday campaign by analyzing the sentiment behind your mentions. This means you can adjust your campaign and keep improving results!

The takeaway

Marketing campaigns based around Black Friday should look at achieving as much reach as possible. As well as your website and app, look at social media marketing to spread awareness of your discounts. When people see exclusive deals or special deals, there’s a good chance they will share your social media posts with a wider audience. In turn, that can boost your online sales figures.

An email marketing campaign can be good to build awareness and anticipation but all your marketing efforts should have the goal of increasing sales and revenue. Your promotion ideas can range from gift guides to free shipping but should reflect your business and your customers. 

The post 17 Black Friday Marketing Ideas To Boost Sales & Increase Conversions appeared first on Keyhole.

Latest Social Media Updates ?

1. LinkedIn users noticed a sudden drop in followers last week, sparking confusion. LinkedIn confirmed this was a bug and has resolved it.

2. Instagram launched new profile cards with QR codes. You can also include a song to play when your card is opened, and edit the background of the card with an image of your choice.

3. YouTube is testing AI-powered reply suggestions making it easier for creators to engage with fans. It learns from past engagements to match a creator’s tone and style.

Gold Nuggets & Resources?

1. Top 6 YouTube Analytics Reports: Key Metrics to Track for Your Growth

2. How To Make A TikTok Video That Gets Noticed

3. How To Create A Monthly Facebook Analytics Report + Free Template

TREND ALERT 

Source

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The post LinkedIn Follower Drop, YouTube AI Comments, & IG Profile Cards appeared first on Keyhole.

Now, while it can be argued that video content can be used on your website and across all social media platforms, there’s still one that’s well-known for its video distribution capabilities: YouTube. 

If you’re considering taking the plunge and creating a YouTube channel for your business, this guide can help. 

Here, we’ll uncover how to create a YouTube channel from start to finish (as well as how to develop a publish-ready layout and create consistent branding to ensure it gets maximum reach and engagement). 

Let’s dig in, shall we?

How good branding amplifies your YouTube channel 

What’s the one thing most YouTubers change (or establish) when they become successful and influential?

Their branding, of course. 

For example, here’s what famous content creator, Mr. Beast’s YouTube channel used to look like back in the day:

Screenshot provided by author

Compared to this, here’s what his YouTube channel looks like today: 

Screenshot provided by author

The difference is obvious — the current videos are branded, have Mr. Beast’s face in the thumbnail, use high-quality visuals, and adhere to an almost consistent character limit in the title. 

Effective branding is crucial for any YouTube channel — after all, how will you establish a strong identity, foster audience loyalty, and differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace?

To be on top of your branding efforts, here’s all that you can do: 

• Leverage social analytics (this will help you keep track of viewer retention, conversion rates, user sentiments, etc.). 
• Have a memorable channel name (or video titles)
• Develop engaging custom thumbnails 
• Create consistent visuals 

[Side Note: You can leverage Keyhole’s social media analytics feature to find how your YouTube videos perform and get recommendations on how to improve your videos.]

Image Source

Read More: Have You Seen These 10-Most Viewed YouTube Videos?

Creating a branded YouTube channel 

Before we discuss how to effectively brand YouTube channels, let’s first explain how to create one. 

Step 1: Sign into YouTube with your Google account

For the first step, go to YouTube.com and click “Sign In” — this option will be visible in the top right corner of your dashboard.

From here on, you’ll be asked to sign in through your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, click on “Create a new account.”

Step 2: Go to YouTube settings

Next, go to your account (again, at the top-right corner of your dashboard) and click on YouTube settings. 

Step 3: Create your channel 

You can create a new channel or add and manage new channels to your account. 

Screenshot provided by author

Alternatively, on some devices, you’ll have the option to create a new channel directly from the dashboard — no need to go into settings. 

Screenshot provided by author

Branding your YouTube channel: A step-by-step guide 

Now, let’s dig into the meatier bits and find how to leverage different YouTube features to effectively brand your channel and make it stand out from the crowd. 

Professional profile picture 

Your channel profile picture is the window to your YouTube channel, so it’s the first thing that has to be branded. In most instances, folks opt to use the most recognizable qualities/elements of their brand. 

For example, some brands like Netflix have their logo in their profile picture (since they’re known for the iconic “N”). In contrast, other brands like Huda Beauty choose to use the face of their founder, Huda Kattan, as she’s the most recognizable aspect of the brand. 

Image Source

You’ll have the option to add a profile picture to your YouTube channel as soon as you create it (you can later change this by going to your channel settings). 

Screenshot provided by author

If you don’t have a branded profile photo, you can keep your profile picture blank or use the illustrations from YouTube’s collection. 

Optimized channel description 

An optimized channel description will help search engines and prospects find you on different channels. It also bolsters your professional image. 

Experts suggest the following tips/tricks to make your description stand out: 

• Adding links to important resources (i.e., your website or branded social channels)
• Removing any “fluff” from the description
• Using relevant keywords in the description
• Highlighting your value proposition
• Creating a strong opening line
• Adding an actionable CTA
• Leveraging social proof

On that note, here are a couple of other things you can do, too: 

• Mention your updated schedule so your audience doesn’t have to make any guesstimates. 
• A/B testing your description to see which one stands out the most. 
• Directly referencing who your target audience is. 

For reference, here’s an example of a channel describing who their target audience is (eCommerce content teams) and how they can help them (by bulk generating product descriptions). 

Screenshot provided by author

Customized channel layout 

Once you set up your account, now’s the time to create a content calendar and think about how you plan to format and present your videos. 

For example, some YouTube channels prefer to customize their layouts based on playlists, recent uploads, popular content, or personalized “for you” recommendations. 

Sticking to a consistent layout allows your viewers to navigate your videos easily (which also increases engagement!). 

You can also customize your channel layout by adding YouTube shorts, creating a channel banner, adding related channels you’d like your audience to follow, developing a community page, etc. 

Screenshot provided by author

Consistent, branded video thumbnails 

Truth be told: Your thumbnails are the “hook” to your videos, and while we don’t recommend adding any clickbaity thumbnails to your YouTube channel, we’d recommend branding your thumbnails with your brand colors (and also adding your unique value prop or reason to watch the video). 

For example, consider these videos by Fellow. They use consistent color palettes and typography in almost all their videos and even include hook-worthy video descriptions that tell the reader exactly how these videos can be beneficial to them. 

Screenshot provided by author

[Side Note: They even use the same expert for all their videos, so there’s an inherent brand familiarity and instant recognition.]

Branded playlists 

Next up, once you’ve created a good number of videos for your YouTube channel, an industry best practice is to categorize each video into a playlist, and create branded playlists for your entire YouTube channel. 

For reference, an excellent example here is the Variety YouTube channel that not only creates branded thumbnails, but also has branded playlists for almost every new segment they do. 

Screenshot provided by author

Consistent layout of playlists like these helps with the following: 

• Increased user engagement 
• Focused audience targeting 
• New content discovery 
• Visibility through SEO
• Improved watch time

Engaging and informational content 

Last but not least, one of the only ways to be successful on YouTube is to actually create the kind of content people want to engage with. 

Even if you go to all the lengths of developing consistent branding throughout your YouTube channel, but your content misses the mark, chances are, you’re not going to have the engagement metrics you need. 

For this, we’d recommend having a conversation with your customers (or your customer-facing teams) to find out what kind of content they’d like to see. 

Utilizing web data to uncover trends and relevant influencers in your industry is the best strategy to focus your marketing and content creation efforts. Data collection tools can scrape social profiles from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. 

This allows businesses to identify key influencers in their niche, track performance metrics, and integrate that data into larger influencer marketing campaigns. Ultimately, by leveraging data collection tools, creators and companies alike can stay agile, adapt to market trends, and make data-driven decisions that optimize their YouTube strategies.

[Side Note: You can also use social analytical tools like Keyhole to help you understand audience sentiments.]

For reference, here is a stellar examples of a brand that spoke to their audience and understood what kind of content they liked engaging with: 

Tailor Brands: Informational content 

Tailor Brands, a business-building platform, quickly realized that its audience was missing the necessary resources required to establish and grow a business from scratch. 

Finding that gap in the market, it decided to create videos that helped its audience with important questions like “What is an LLC,” “How to build a business website,” “How to make your first sale,” “How to start an LLC in North Carolina,” etc. 

For reference, here’s what their videos look like live. (Kudos to them for consistent branded thumbnails, too!)

Screenshot provided by author

Make YouTube your brand’s next platform for success

Assuming you’ve invested some time, money, and effort in creating and branding your YouTube channel, you might want to take your YouTube channel to the next level and monetize from the content you produce. 

Well, one way to do this is to be systematic with your approach and understand how your videos perform, which are your most popular videos, and why. For this, you’ll need a YouTube analytics tool that allows you to track engagement, audience sentiments, conversion rates, etc. 

And Keyhole can become that tool for you — not only can we help with YouTube analytics, but we can help with analytics of all platforms, and also assist with social listening and historical insights.

Author Bio

Mike Bandar is an award-winning UK-based entrepreneur. A Founding Partner of Turn Partners, the startup studio focused on the acquisition, turnaround or creation of digital businesses. Through Turn Partners, Mike co-founded Hopper HQ, the Instagram planning and scheduling tool, working with thousands of influencers, brands, and agencies around the world.

The post How To Create A YouTube Channel: Step-by-Step Instructions, Branding & Layout Tips appeared first on Keyhole.