How Instagram Became the Center of the Universe
The Colin and Samir Show
Nov 19
How Instagram Became the Center of the Universe
How Instagram Became the Center of the Universe
The Colin and Samir Show
Nov 19
In 2025, Instagram has cemented its place not just as a social network but as the beating heart of the creator economy. With unparalleled engagement and evolving tools, it's reshaping how content is created, shared, and monetized across the digital landscape.
Instagram now dominates daily screen time and serves as the primary platform for creators to launch, grow, and engage audiences. Its strength lies in seamless integration between content and direct messaging, fueling organic 'sends' that drive virality. While YouTube remains strong for polished, long-form content, Instagram excels in short-form experimentation, discovery, and personal reach. The platform’s cultural influence is amplified by celebrity adoption, photo-based storytelling, and shopping features. Though monetization lags behind YouTube’s mature systems, Instagram incentivizes performance-driven content and brand partnerships. Short-form ads from major brands prove highly effective, and the platform acts as an incubator for emerging talent. Creators are increasingly advised to build on Instagram first before expanding elsewhere, positioning it as the foundational layer of digital influence in the years ahead.
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04:46
Instagram has become the center of the cultural and creator universe
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13:50
'Sends per reach' is a more meaningful engagement metric than likes or views.
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16:34
An Instagram episode got 1.8 million views in 24 hours
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27:49
A well-made short-form ad can be more valuable and shareable than a long-form ad.
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33:23
Instagram is the center of the creator universe with over 3 billion monthly active users
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38:54
Instagram's photo feed keeps celebrities engaged due to high cultural relevance and ease of use
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44:05
Start on Instagram, then expand to YouTube and podcasts for maximum impact.
