Instagram Pods: Are They Worth The Hype?

In the past, I've always been a little hesitant about joining Instagram pods. I never really believed that they worked, it was a pointless exercise and that my engagement would increase by the bare minimum. I thought it would be like joining a colt, or a gym. Gym memberships are a bugger to get out of.


Recently, I got asked by one of my favourite blogger's to join an Instagram pod. Automatically, my answer was thanks but no thanks. However, pushing my scepticism aside, I thought, "Would it do any harm?" they say that you should try new things, so this could be my new thing for today? I messaged my friend back and said yes. Before you know it, a notification flashes up from Instagram saying that I have been added to a group chat AKA pod.


A flatlay of an Instagram book on rug (Instagram pods)
Instagram Pods: Are They Worth The Hype?
Ok, there was still a tiny atom of doubt floating around in my mind. Would it actually work? You may say I sound negative, a defeatist if you will. Or you may say that I am being a realist. Whatever you think, these were my initial thoughts.



I've been in this Instagram pod for over a week now. The results so far - I am pleasantly surprised at how things have turned out - in a good way. My engagement has increased, not only from the Instagram pod I joined, but from my other following in general.


A flatlay of an Instagram book on rug (Instagram Pods)
Instagram Pods: Are They Worth The Hype?


Now, I'm not here to tell you that you should join an Instagram pod. I'm not going to hire a plane to get a banner flown in the sky to influence (the irony) you to do that. It's a free world after all. One thing that I have learnt from being a part of a pod is that I shouldn't be so cynical about these sorts of things. I should weigh up the pros and cons of stuff. It's entirely up to you if Instagram pods could and can be your thing. I'm kind of treating it like a science experiment in school, I have the resources, I will experiment with the pod then I'll write my evaluation afterwards (not literally, but you know what I mean)


Will I stay in this pod forever? That remains to be seen. I don't think I honestly will. But it's nice to be a part of a group of blogger's who you can chat to about blogging in general and rant about Instagram engagement! It's also refreshing to know that people always have something nice to say. Instagram doesn't have to be a strained environment. Support each other, always be kind and just enjoy posting what makes you happy!


A Flatlay of an Instagram book on rug (Instagram Pods)
Instagram Pods: Are They Worth The Hype?

Have you ever joined an Instagram pod? What did you think?
31 comments
  1. I’m actually in 3 different Instagram pods and I thought the same thing before I was added to them but I actually really enjoy it and my engagement has got so much better! X

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  2. I used to use pods when I used Instagram alot because I found that they helped alot with my engagement. I really hate the following and unfollowing thing though x

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    1. Yeah that is the one thing I do dislike about it x

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  3. I heard so many negative things too, but I'm glad I pushed my scepticism aside and joined a pod! I'm glad you enjoyed the post Bexa! xx

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  4. I used to be in a couple but I'm not really a fan of them these days and would be unlikely to join one again. While I think it's great that your engagement is boosting outside of the pod, I'm not a fan of feeling like I have to engage with someone's content that I might not otherwise or that they would potentially feel that way about my content too x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. That's fair enough Sophie, if they're not for you, then don't be a part of one. I had the same feelings as you before I joined a pod x

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  5. I am in one pod at the moment and I find it to be pretty useful.

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  6. I'm enjoying the instagram pod at the moment and i've also noticed an overall increase in engagement which is fab! x

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    1. I've noticed an increased engagement too Jenny! It's so refreshing to see! x

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  7. I'm in a couple of pods and genuinely away from the engagement (brilliant!) I'm enjoying chatting and getting to know a wonderful group of women I might not have before

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  8. I definitely agree they boost your engagement. I used to be in a few pods, and it's great when you find a good one. However I left all of my because I didn't like commenting on content I wouldn't usually engage with and the comments I got in return didn't feel as genuine. Whereas now I engage with content I like and get good engagement just from that. But I'm glad your enjoying it, it's nice to read about the positives!

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

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    1. I think I will probably leave the pods I'm a part of eventually Anika, but it's nice to experience what they're like so I can say I've tried it and can give an honest view on them!

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  9. I'd love to join one as I'm struggling to enjoy instagram lately due to the changes and such. It makes me feel rubbish about my content and I feeling joining a pod may help me with my motivation! Thanks for the fab post! X

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    1. Joining a pod has helped me a lot Louna! I would definitely recommend giving it a try! x

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  10. This is the first time I am hearing about Instagram pod, please how do you find and join one?

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    1. You will often see blogger's say about creating one on Twitter, if you express your interest and drop your Insta handle, you will get added to the group aka pod x

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  11. Never heard of thesebefore, so def need to go do some research. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Do your research and see what you think Tea x

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  12. I'm only in one Instagram pod now after I left a few a couple of years back! The girls I'm with are more blogger friends and we chat about all sorts. We probably chat more than we do share posts and it's a great way to be supportive of one another xx

    Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.co.uk

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  13. I've been on and off in instagram pods. I've been in ones that aren't that great, and have been in some that have been a lot of fun! I really like them when I'm really putting a lot of effort on my feed. Recently, I haven't been the most active on Instagram, and have left all posts. I'm so glad to hear that it's worked out for you ! xxx

    Melina | melinaelisa.com

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    1. It does make me feel like putting in more effort into my Instagram! xx

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  14. All instagram pods never really work out for me because too many people get added, not everyone interacts with your stuff and it just gets annoying! x

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  15. I've heard about instagram pods before but I'm not sure where/how to join them? Do you have to be invited to one or can you just join one? Danielle | https://www.missdanielle.com

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    1. Usually you have to be invited to them lovely x

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  16. I really enjoy using instagram pods when they are high quality groups, usually invite only. It's nice to support and connect with similar accounts but also share my own content. That being said, there are sooo many bad spammy pods with straight up weirdos in them, or pods that just want you to become a "premium member" so you pay to not have to engage with people back. So you have to be careful which pods you join. Interesting article!

    www.dolleupbyj.com

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    1. I'm lucky that the pod I'm a part of is full of genuine people thankfully! I can't join more than one otherwise I would get snowed under!

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