Show It To Everyone: Uploading to Optimize (Reels/Shorts Series)

You’ve nailed your transitions. You’ve picked the right sounds, effects, and filters. 

But now, let’s talk about uploading to optimize—because hitting that “Post” button without a strategy? Nah, we’re not about that life.

Timing is Everything (Kinda)

You might have heard the golden rule: “Post when your audience is online.” Yeah, sure, but also… let’s be real. The algorithm doesn’t just care about when you post. It’s about engagement in the first few hours.

So, if you’re posting when your audience is active but they’re just scrolling and not interacting—that’s a problem.

Instead, test at different times. Find out when your followers are in commenting mode, not just lurking.

(Pro tip: Instagram Insights and TikTok’s built-in analytics are your besties for this.)

Caption It Right

Captions are not optional. They:

✔ Give context (because not everyone is watching with sound)

✔ Encourage comments (more engagement = more reach)

✔ Make you look like you actually planned your post instead of winging it

Short captions work best for humor and trends. 

Longer ones? Great for storytelling. 

(And yes, questions in your captions boost interactions.)

"Have you tried this yet?" is way better than "Check this out."

Hashtags: Still a Thing?

Yes, but don’t spam them. Instagram and TikTok are search engines now—think keywords, not just #ViralVideo.

Instead of 30 random hashtags, pick:

• 3-5 trending ones

• 4-10 contextual ones

• 3-5 niche-specific ones

• 1-2 branded ones (optional)

And no, stuffing #FYP in there won’t magically make you famous…

…though we don’t have any direct evidence to show it DOESN’T help reach…

…so do with that what you will.

Thumbnails & Covers: Do Not Skip

Your video’s first frame might not be its best frame (especially if one of us is in it – wicked self burn).

Manually select your thumbnail (or upload a custom one if the platform allows – YouTube and Instagram).

• For TikTok: Keep it clean, simple, and not covered in text.

• For Instagram: Make sure it fits your feed’s aesthetic.

• For YouTube Shorts: Bright, bold, and intriguing wins.

• Call-to-Action (CTA): Tell Them What to do.

Want likes? Say it. Want comments? Ask for them. 

Want shares? Make content worth sharing.

People scroll fast. Don’t assume they’ll engage just because your content is good. 

Give them a nudge.

(Comment if you think we’re right…or wrong.)

This Week’s Campaigns

Time for another set of “searchability” campaigns! The last set was allllllll the way back at the beginning of December. You should sprinkle these in periodically, but don’t rely in the format.

📍 Real Estate

3 Mistakes Buyers Are Making in 2025

Because they need your help before they regret that purchase. #NoAnIndoorWaterfallIsntAGoodIdea

🧠 Mental Health

How to Break a Bad Habit (Without Feeling Like a Failure)

Because habits run the world, but so do emotions. Show your audience how to master mind over matter.

🛍 Retail/E-Commerce

Customer Appreciation Sale

Announce a special sale or promotion exclusively for your followers, rewarding their loyalty and driving not to mention those “cheap XYZ” people.

That’s a wrap for this week. Post smart. Upload smarter. And don’t just hit publish—optimize it.

If you need help beyond this week’s campaign ideas, you know where to find us.

See you next week!

Fahad & LJ

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash