The Instagram Algorithm in 2025: What’s Going On and How to Actually Grow Again

It’s not just you. The Instagram Algorithm is acting up — again. Reels that used to pull 30k+ views are flopping. Carousels are suddenly trending like it’s 2020. And Story views? Weirdly high… but only if you post one frame a day (yes, one). If you’re a content creator, small biz owner, or part of a social media agency in Dubai trying to make sense of this mess — welcome to the club.

In this post, we’re breaking down:

• What’s going on with the Instagram Algorithm in 2025
• Why your Reels might be tanking
• The one Insta Story trick that’s bizarrely working
• Why carousels are back in style
• A real-talk strategy to grow your account again
• And how any smart Instagram management Dubai service should be adapting to all of this

So, grab your iced coffee, or green juice, or whatever beverage screams “I’m dealing with algorithm chaos” — let’s unpack this.

Reels Are Down Bad. Like… Really Bad.

Let’s start with the obvious. If your Reels have been flopping lately, you are not alone. From January to March 2025, over half of creators surveyed said their Reel views dropped compared to late 2024.

This is the same platform where Reels used to be the growth hack. Personally, I went from 35k to 100k followers in one year by focusing on high-quality, consistent Reels. But lately? My top-performing Stories are doing better than my best Reels. It’s the Instagram equivalent of cats sleeping with dogs — chaos.

So what changed?

Let’s walk through some theories — and yes, they’re theories, because even Instagram’s head honchos are probably scratching their heads too.

1. Trial Reels Might Be Breaking the System

Instagram launched “Trial Reels” — a feature that lets you publish Reels only to non-followers. Sounds great in theory, right? Test new niches, reach strangers first. But in practice? They’re not working.

Creators say these Reels bomb. They underperform, and yet — there’s a theory they’re flooding our feeds with low-quality content, squeezing out space for regular Reels. It’s like the algorithm is experimenting on us in real time. Fun!

If your social media agency in Dubai is still pushing trial Reels as the next big thing, it might be time for a strategy rethink.

2. Short Form Fatigue is Real

We’ve been in a short-form content sprint for years now. TikToks. Reels. Shorts. Endless 7-second videos with the same trending audio.

But the tide is turning. People are craving slower, deeper content. Long-form YouTube, podcasts, even newsletters are getting love again. We’re trying to fix our attention spans — and that means less doom-scrolling through Reels.

This could explain the drop in views. There’s more content being created than ever… but fewer eyeballs to go around.

3. The Reels Algorithm Still Isn’t It

Let’s be honest. The Reels algorithm just doesn’t hit like TikTok’s. Instagram still shows me three Reels in a row with the same audio, then a random ad, then a Reel that was clearly meant for someone else.

It’s predictable. It’s repetitive. And it’s pushing people away.

Which sucks for creators — because if fewer people are enjoying their feed, fewer people are sticking around to see your content. And that’s hurting everyone’s reach.

Meanwhile… Instagram Stories Are Exploding (If You Do This One Weird Thing)

This one’s wild. If you want insanely high Story views, do this:

Post exactly ONE story frame per day.

That’s it. One and done.

Creators everywhere are noticing it. When they post a single story frame within a 24-hour window, Story views shoot up. Post a second? Views tank. It’s like Instagram is rewarding people for doing less. We’re calling it the accidental “One Frame Hack.”

Here’s why it probably works: Instagram’s algorithm might be overly punishing “skips” and “exits” from Stories. The fewer frames you post, the fewer chances someone has to swipe away — and the better your story performs.

Wild, right? But while this is happening, every social media agency in Dubai should be coaching their clients to optimize this glitch. Until Instagram patches it, it’s free real estate.

Carousels Are Making a Comeback — and They’re Kinda the New Stories

Because Stories are weirdly broken right now, people are turning to carousels instead. And not the old-school infographic carousels from 2020 — we’re talking:

• Casual photo dumps
• Moodboard-style posts
• Text-on-image story slides
• Mini essays told visually

Think: a selfie with a hot take over it, followed by a few slides with more value, then a CTA at the end.

It’s personal. It’s digestible. And it’s working. Big time.

So if you’re managing a brand’s Instagram in Dubai, don’t sleep on carousels. They’re the discovery tool right now.

So What Do You Do? Your 2025 Instagram Strategy

Let’s be honest: the Instagram Algorithm isn’t going to get any easier. But you can game it a little with a solid content strategy. Here’s what’s working right now:

1. Two Carousels a Week (Minimum)

Make carousels that:

• Hook the viewer with Slide 1 (a bold quote, a question, or an emotional statement)
• Provide real value (a story, a tutorial, a perspective)
• End with a CTA (like “Follow for more” or “Join my email list”)

You don’t need groundbreaking photography. Use simple pics with personality — selfies, vacation shots, or even stock photos. Add short, punchy text over the image. That’s it.

This is the type of content blowing up and converting followers.

2. Alternate Between Trendy and Original Reels

Reels still matter, even if they’re underperforming. Mix it up like this:

Week 1: Trend-based reel using a hot audio track with quick text overlay.

Week 2: Original reel — talk to the camera, show a BTS moment, or do a mini vlog.

Don’t overthink it. Keep it short, punchy, and human. Even a 5-second clip with a strong hook can go the distance. And if you’re managing Instagram accounts for businesses in Dubai, this structure gives you a sustainable rhythm without burning out your content team.

3. One Story Frame per Day — Max

This one’s still so weird, but it’s working.

Try to post one high-impact story frame every 24 hours. That could be:

• A product photo with a link sticker
• A quote or reminder
• A quick behind-the-scenes look

If you want to go beyond that, do it once or twice a week — but know those extra frames probably won’t get the reach you’re hoping for.

Pro tip for Dubai-based businesses: use that one-frame story to drop affiliate links, promote lead magnets, or drive sign-ups. Stories are one of the only places you can still link — use it.

4. Email is Your Secret Weapon

Instagram is volatile. One algorithm tweak and your reach could vanish overnight. But email? Email is solid. It’s yours.

Start building that list. Use your carousels and stories to tease your newsletter. Repurpose content across both platforms. Comment automation tools (like ManyChat or Stand Store) make this super easy — “Comment ‘email’ to join the list” — and they work.

If your Instagram management Dubai team isn’t helping you build an email funnel, they’re doing you a disservice. Period.

Final Thoughts: Play the Game — But Make It Work for You

Yes, the Instagram Algorithm is unpredictable. Yes, Reels are frustrating. And yes, sometimes it feels like the platform is just testing our patience.

But here’s the deal — you don’t have to chase trends mindlessly. You can build a strategy that works with the algorithm, not against it.

So:

• Ride the carousel wave
• Keep Stories minimal
• Mix Reels with intention
• Get serious about your email list

Whether you’re a creator grinding solo or a brand working with a social media agency in Dubai, this approach will keep you visible, valuable, and sane in 2025.

TL;DR: Your Instagram Game Plan for 2025

Need Help? That’s Where We Come In.

If you’re overwhelmed or just tired of second-guessing your Instagram strategy, we get it. Our team specializes in Instagram management in Dubai, helping creators and businesses stay ahead of the curve.

From content calendars to creative strategy, we’re here to help you grow — with intention.

Let’s talk strategy. Book your consultation with our Dubai-based team today.