How Instagram Saved Me
An unexpected cure to the blues I was feeling in February was directly related to my social media use...specifically, creating seconds-long Instagram reels. I generally try to limit my time on the app (everyone knows how it has a way of insidiously deteriorating our mental health) but this particular practice didn’t compromise my mind’s well-being; it actually boosted it. I can genuinely say that making and sharing 15-20 seconds-long video clips of myself became a reliable coping mechanism for me and nursed me through a painful breakup.
When ‘Reels’ first came around I wasn’t the least bit interested. For one, I’d already found the constant updates of new Instagram features to be overstimulating. Then there was the labor of making a reel — it seemed tedious. If I was going to make a short video I preferred to record it in one shot, rather than multiple takes that I’d have to thread together. Also, I had no idea what the hell to actually do in a reel. I watched other creators push out informational videos like how to cook something, apply makeup, or problem-solve some issue. Even if I were to change my mind about making a reel, I have no particular skill to offer, I thought to myself.
It wasn’t until a mentor of mine urged me, for the third time, to engage with the Reels feature that I began to consider it. He tagged me in a tweet about Instagram monetization through producing Reels. I read it and realized the author of the tweet made a convincing argument. “You’re leaving five figures a month on the table because you don’t want to get in front of the camera for thirty seconds every day?” she asked.
Exhausting all Insta has to offer — reels, stories, igtv, carousels, direct messaging — is the best way to beat the algorithm and gain new followers. I began to think of the long-term benefits of using that specific feature to grow a following on the app. More followers equals more eyes on my writing, more opportunities to build brand partnerships, and more chances to monetize.
I also happened to be fresh out of a dating situation, needed a distraction from a broken heart, and wanted my ex to see me looking unbothered and productive. I decided to give it a go. I still didn’t know exactly what to post though.
My first reel was tame...a mashup of clips with me going through my morning routine of working out. I wore leggings and a sports bra — hardly titillating stuff. Then, a montage of me getting a manicure. My female followers were into it, but they make up less than half of my following. I still hadn’t quite hit my groove as far as reeling in the views (see what I did there? 😉).
Then I had a vision: a sexed up post that would include me wearing 6 inch Pleaser heels while looking into the camera seductively, soundtracked by Tory Lanez’s “B.I.D.” I imagined it shot by shot, using my balcony and bed as my set. When I completed the edits and posted it to my profile, I felt triumphant. It was satisfying to bring my idea to life. I kept going. The next reel was my most viewed and liked one.
I threw on a white string bikini and recorded myself outside on a lounge chair. I synced one of my latest music obsessions, “Fancy” by Amaarae. After that I had another idea: shots of me in all white briefs and a white tank, smoking, drinking, and being pouty on my couch. The song? “Ni Bien Ni Mal” by Bad Bunny, a breakup banger. The California blue sky and palm trees in the window behind me would serve as a nice backdrop.
I was on a roll. It felt rewarding to dream up a concept and bring it to fruition. It gave me something to do while my heart was on the mend. The attention I no longer was getting from the guy I was dating was replaced with likes, views, and affirming comments from my followers. The cherry on top was when one of our mutual followers reposted one of my reels to her story. Even if he had been avoiding seeing my posts, it was still potentially getting in front of his eyes, and that made me happy. Making the content was a beautiful healing practice, but since I’ve stopped pining over the romantic split, my motivation to make reels has waned.
I’m trying to get back into the swing of making them — growing a following is still important to me. Although I haven’t yet monetized my platform like that tweet talked about, it’s still nice to know the potential for it is there. It’s even cooler to have a new knack for recovering from heartbreak. Never underestimate the healing power of being sexy on the internet!
