This Social Cottage
This Social Cottage
Gemma
Instagram Q&A: Canva carousels, trial reels, and dead accounts
11 minutes Posted Jul 23, 2026 at 4:00 am.
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Show notes

There's so much nonsense out there about Instagram right now, and today I'm answering your questions about all of it. You sent these into my story question box, and I'm deep-diving on each one because I want to assure you that Instagram doesn't have to be complicated. It gets to be enjoyable once you find your unique perspective and positioning!

In this episode:

  • Are designed Canva posts or in-feed carousels better?
  • Is effort ever actually wasted on Instagram, or is it a perspective and positioning problem?
  • Does Instagram throttle a trial reel that doesn't get traction in the first 24 hours?
  • Why trial reels don't work the way they used to
  • Should you start a new account or stick with the one you've got
  • Does format (reels vs. carousels) actually matter for reach

If you've got a question I haven't answered today, come find me in my DMs. I'd love to chat and feature it in a future episode.