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The Brandakin Blog

Social media tips, insights and how-tos from Emily Avdem Nelson.

Woman filming a talking head video on her phone in front of a styled wall with framed art. Text reads ā€œThe Perfect Talking Head Reel Setup So People Actually Watch.ā€
The Perfect Talking Head Reel Setup So People Actually Watch contenttips instagram reels reel

If youā€™re creating talking head Reels and theyā€™re not performing the way you want, it might not be what youā€™re saying.

It might be how itā€™s set up.

Because where you place your text, captions, and...

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Most people overcomplicate their content. They think they need better editing, better lighting, or more time to create something that performs. But a lot of the time, the difference between a post that flops and one that takes off comes down to one thing. The hook. If you donā€™t grab attention in the first few seconds, nothing else matters. Not your tips, not your visuals, not your call to action. Thatā€™s why simple, pattern-interrupt hooks work so well. And one of my favorites right now is this: ā€œIā€™m not saying you should ___ā€¦ but Iā€™m not not saying that.ā€ It works because it creates curiosity. It feels a little bold. A little unexpected. And it makes people lean in because they want to know what you mean. It also gives you flexibility. You can use it across almost any niche, offer, or type of content. For example, in business content, you might say: Iā€™m not saying you should raise your pricesā€¦ but Iā€™m not not saying that. In health and wellness: Iā€™m not saying you should delete your calorie tracking appā€¦ but Iā€™m not not saying that. For mindset: Iā€™m not saying your productivity is just avoidance in disguiseā€¦ but Iā€™m not not saying that. Even local businesses can use it: Iā€™m not saying we should go get coffee and chatā€¦ but Iā€™m not not saying that. The structure stays the same, but the message shifts depending on your audience. Thatā€™s what makes it powerful. But hereā€™s the part most people miss. A good hook might get the view, but strategy is what turns that view into something more. If your hook pulls someone in but the content doesnā€™t build trust, create clarity, or lead them somewhere, youā€™re still leaving results on the table. So when you use a hook like this, think about what comes next. What are you leading into? Are you educating them on something they need to understand? Are you challenging a belief thatā€™s holding them back? Are you guiding them toward a next step? Because high-performing content isnā€™t just about getting attention. Itā€™s about holding it and directing it. Thatā€™s where the real growth happens. One of the easiest ways to improve your content is to test. Take a hook like this and create a few variations. Change the message. Shift the angle. Try different topics. Then pay attention to what actually lands. Which version gets watched longer? Which one leads to saves or shares? Which one sparks conversations? That feedback is what helps you refine your strategy. Because content that performs well usually isnā€™t random. Itā€™s tested, intentional, and built with a purpose. So if your content hasnā€™t been hitting the way you want it to, donā€™t start by overhauling everything. Start with your hook. Sometimes a small shift at the beginning is what changes the entire outcome. And when you pair a strong hook with a clear strategy, thatā€™s when your content starts doing more than just getting views. It starts working for your business.
The Hook That Stops the Scroll and How to Use It in Your Content Strategy content creation hooks instagram reels

Most people overcomplicate their content.

They think they need better editing, better lighting, or more time to create something that performs.

But a lot of the time, the difference between a post...

Continue Reading...
Bright gradient graphic in Instagram colors with bold white text reading ā€œInstagramā€™s New Reel Links Feature: How to Use It to Boost Retention and Bingeable Content.ā€ Includes Instagram logo and Brandakin Social Media branding.
Instagramā€™s New Reel Links Feature: How to Use It to Boost Retention and Bingeable Content content creation instagram instagram reels reels

Instagram Just Shifted How We Guide Our Audience

Instagram is slowly rolling out a new feature and it is a big one.

You can now add clickable links directly to your Reels.

But there is a catch.

...
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Instagram Edits graphic with bold text reading ā€œInstagram Edits Sound FX Series.ā€ The Instagram Edits logo appears on the left over a bookshelf background with colorful books and neon decor, highlighting tips for adding sound effects to Reels.
The Best Sound Effects to Use in Instagram Reels (So Your Edits Feel Instantly More Professional) instagram reels reels social media tips

Ever Wonder What Sound Effects to Use When Elements Pop on Screen?

Youā€™re not alone.

Most people focus on visuals.

Transitions.
Text placement.
Camera angles.

But they forget one thing that quietl...

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Text on image reads ā€œThe EASIEST Instagram Reel to Makeā€ over a blurred photo of a woman walking past a white wall with art prints. The image includes the Brandakin logo and has soft, light-toned colors with pink font.
The Easiest Instagram Reel To Make instagram instagram growth instagram reels

Ā 

Whatā€™s the easiest Instagram Reel to make?
Iā€™ll give you a hint: itā€™s all about working smarter, not harder šŸ’”

One of the biggest mindset blocks I see when it comes to content is this idea that ev...

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A woman in a pink sweater stands in a cozy, decorated room smiling while filming herself with a ring light and phone setup. She appears inside a large illustrated pink phone graphic, with a light bulb icon and the text "Easy Instagram Reel Tip" beside her on a pastel diamond-patterned background.
Easy Instagram Reel Tip instagram instagram growth instagram reels instagramtips

Ā 

You asked, ā€œWhatā€™s the easiest Instagram Reel to make thatā€™s not just a photo?ā€
Hereā€™s the honest answer and itā€™s one of my favorite go-to strategies.

The timelapse. Yep, thatā€™s it!

Sometimes we...

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A smiling woman is recording a video using her phone and a ring light, with bookshelves in the background. Text reads "Instagram Reel Ideas for December" on a pink and peach wavy background.
Instagram Reel Ideas for December december content instagram instagram growth instagram reels

December is packed with content potential and itā€™s the perfect time to end the year strong on social media!šŸŽ‰

If youā€™re feeling a little stuck or need a spark of creativity, here are a few Instagr...

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Retro style disco ball with text Stop Sleeping on this Underrated Instagram Feature
Stop Sleeping on This Underrated Instagram Feature instagram instagram growth instagram reels instagramgrowth instagramtips social media social media strategy social media tips

Now's the time to stop sleeping on this underrated Instagram feature!

If youā€™re creating reels for Instagram and not using the ā€œtrial reelā€ feature, youā€™re seriously missing out on one of the easiest...

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Illustration of an hourglass and Instagram icon on a soft pink background with text that reads 'How to save time on Instagram Reels' and Brandakin Social Media logo
How to Save Time on Instagram Reels instagram reels instagramtips time saving strategies

We all know that Instagram reels can take forever to create. From planning the idea to picking the audio to filming and editingā€”it can feel like a full-time job. šŸ˜…

But it doesnā€™t have to be that ...

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Overhead view of Emily typing on a laptop with a phone nearby and overlay text that reads 'Easy Instagram Reels for those who donā€™t want to show their face on social media' with Brandakin Social Media logo
Easy Instagram Reels for Those Who Don't Want to Show Their Face on Social Media instagram instagram reels social media social media troubleshooting

Letā€™s be real. Some days, youā€™re just not feeling camera ready and that is completely okay.

You donā€™t need to be front and center on video to create fun, valuable, and engaging content. There are s...

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