41: The #1 Instagram ICK in 2026: Why THIS Type of Content Is Killing Your Engagement
Description
The number one ick on Instagram right now? Perfect expert vibes. Perfect tips, perfect tone, perfect designs—and honestly, it's all perfectly forgettable. If you've been feeling like your polished content isn't landing the way you hoped, this episode is exactly what you need. I'm sharing why connection is beating perfection in 2026, how to lean into messy authenticity without losing your brand vibe, and the exact headline formulas that are getting me 400+ likes and 140+ comments per post. Plus, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own struggle with this shift and the posts that proved vulnerability wins every time.
Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE.
Things I cover inside this episode:
- Why perfect expert energy is the #1 content ick right now—and what's working instead (hint: human first, expert second)
- The 4 posts I made this year that got 468 likes, 139 comments, and proved messy authenticity beats polish
- My "Connection First Kit" with intrigue-based hooks, expert-second framing, and vulnerability guardrails you can steal
- Before and after headline makeovers across industries (leadership coaches, Pilates studios, real estate agents, therapists)
- 7 connection-style posts to try this month—from confession + lesson to spicy takes and client mirrors
- How to keep your visuals cohesive while relaxing your tone (because I'm not abandoning my brand either!)
Resources & Links mentioned in the episode:
- My fave Instagram Analytics Tracker ($19)—includes video tutorial on exactly how to track what's working
- Subtle darkening filter for Instagram carousels (mobile link must be opened on a mobile to load)
- Trending Carousel Tutorial Reel - How to make casual, relatable carousels directly in Instagram Stories
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