How a small IG creator blew up with one reel

CONTENT DECODER

This reel is doing numbers and heres why…

Background info:

• Creator: @makenzieco 

• Content type - “The call out”

• Views & engagement at time of writing - 374k views, 26k likes and 961 comments

Visual appeal:

This reel's visuals tap into a growing trend that's migrating from TikTok to Instagram.

• Casual filming style: The video employs a "FaceTime-like" aesthetic, creating an intimate, one-on-one feeling with the viewer.

• Raw and unfiltered: The casual approach balances out the directness of the message, making it feel less confrontational.

• Relatable presence: The creator comes across as an honest friend - someone who will call you out but ultimately has your best interests at heart.

Why the script works:

• The hook: “Over the last 4 years I’ve noticed if you do these things, you are a quitter” immediately calls the listener out on something they’re more than likely struggling with, but also creates a curiosity loop as you want to wait to hear what “these things” are.

• Relatability: The creator admits "I used to be a quitter", which creates a sense of shared experience and makes it feel less judge-y.

• Paradoxical framing - “you negotiate with your daily non negotiables”. A powerful communication technique where you present two seemingly contradictory ideas to create a thought-provoking statement. This makes the listener question the logic of how they’re showing up and challenge their own beliefs and behaviour - which should always be the aim for our content!

How you can implement this:

• Craft a "call out" hook: “X signs you’re a [character trait they’re trying to avoid]” - If you cant think of anything, then ask ChatGPT for ideas

• Use paradoxical framing: Identify contradictions in common behaviors or thought patterns. Present these in a way that challenges viewers to reconsider their actions.

• Keep it casual and authentic: Film in a relaxed setting with minimal editing. Try speaking directly to the camera as if talking to a friend.

That’s a wrap! See you next Wednesday.

— Peace ✌🏾

P.S Please reply and let me know what you think of this new format!

P.S.S Feel free to forward this to another fellow 5-9 creator if you think they’d find it helpful.