February Wrapped: The Creator Moves You Missed (And What to Do Now)
From Instagram’s algorithm reset to A$AP Rocky’s new gig, here’s what happened, why it matters, and how to use it to your advantage.
Inside This Recap:
Instagram’s Algorithm Reset – Why now + how you can use it to your advantage
A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban – What this “CD” deal means for brand partnerships
The Podcast Boom – YouTube, Spotify, Gavin doubling down and what you should do
Live Shopping: Bust? – The latest data & how creators can turn it into revenue
Black History Month & DEI Rollbacks – How brands (or the lack thereof) showed up
Trying something new this month: short(er), sharp, and straight to the point. Because let’s be real, attention spans are fighting for their lives out here.
February was full of big brand moves, platform shake-ups, and marketing trends that reveal what’s next but not every opportunity is obvious at first glance.
Here’s some of the moments that peaked my interest, why it matters, and how you can use this to your advantage.
1. Instagram’s Algorithm Reset: A Fresh Start for Creators
What Happened: Instagram quietly introduced an algorithm reset option, letting users refresh their feed and retrain what they see (and what sees them). At the same time, Instagram has been shifting its algorithm to prioritize long-form content signaling that short, viral clips aren’t the only way to win on the platform anymore… (although they’re still important). Also, in news we’ve all heard before, Black creators are noticing their visibility shrinking… again. In the midst of Black History Month, some influencers are calling out the same algorithmic suppression that resurfaces every February (and at other random times.
What To Do Now:
Manually Reset Your Feed – Go to your profile, then navigate to "Settings," scroll down to "Content preferences," and select "Reset suggested content." This should help tell IG what you actually want to see (and be seen for).
Experiment With New Content – This is the best time to test new formats (for example: instead of posting a static picture on IG, post it as a one second Reel), storytelling, and frequency without being trapped by old engagement patterns.
If Your Engagement Is DOA… Start Fresh – Some small business owners and consultants are launching new pages instead of fighting dead reach. A clean slate could be your smartest move.
2. A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban: The Power of Creative Control
What Happened: A$AP Rocky was named Ray-Ban’s first-ever Creative Director. This isn’t just a brand deal; it’s an executive-level power move that gives him decision-making influence over campaigns and product direction.
Why It’s Big: Ray-Ban could’ve chosen anyone for this role but they picked Rocky, fresh off a felony trial, because of his deep-rooted cultural influence and brand alignment. This proves cultural credibility is more valuable than clout and integrity outweighs risks in some cases. And this is just the beginning…
What To Do Now:
Stop Thinking Brand Deals, Start Thinking Brand Partnerships – The best creators aren’t just doing sponsorships; they’re shaping brand identity.
Culture Moves Markets – A$AP’s appeal isn’t just numbers it’s taste, trust, and leadership. Define what you uniquely bring beyond engagement stats.
Position Yourself as an Authority – Whether it’s style, strategy, or storytelling, brands want voices that guide their audience, not just echo trends.
3. Podcasts Are Booming And It’s Not Too Late to Start
What Happened: YouTube announced that over 1 billion people watch podcast content monthly, solidifying its position as the top platform for podcast consumption and also, thaaaat’s craaaaazy!! In 2024 alone, users spent 400 million hours per month watching podcasts on their TVs, making it clear that video-first podcasting is the future.
Meanwhile, Spotify and Apple Podcasts are still investing big in exclusive deals and creator partnerships, proving that long-form content isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving… and still growing:
Khloe Kardashian launched her podcast, "Khloe in Wonderland," in early 2025. Look, whether you care or not, if a Kardashian is just now getting in, this goldmine hasn’t dried up.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is now a podcaster. His new iHeartMedia show, This Is Gavin Newsom, aims to bring bipartisan debate into the podcasting world (and, let’s be real, probably sets the stage for a 2028 presidential run). If politicians are jumping in, this isn’t just a trend, it’s a power move.
What To Do Now:
If You Can Podcast, Do It – YouTube is actively pushing podcast content, rolling out new tools and monetization opportunities. If you’ve ever thought about starting one, and you have the resources and time to commit to it, now’s the time.
Not Ready Yet? Create Episodic Vlogs Instead – Film long-form day in the lifes, behind-the-scenes (anywhere from 8-25 mins), Q&As, or storytelling content, then cut it into shorter clips for IG Reels, TikTok, and Shorts. (This is how many YouTubers and podcasters grow across platforms.)
Think Long-Term – Short-form gets views, but long-form builds deeper relationships. Whether it’s a newsletter, a podcast, or a community-based series, investing in depth creates loyalty and monetization opportunities over time.
4. The Live Shopping Paradox: Bust?
What Happened: Live shopping is booming; Gary Vee even hyped it up recently as the next big wave for creators and brands, however, TikTok Shop is reportedly struggling. Despite TikTok aggressively pushing its commerce features, some reports claim US sales have underperformed.
What To Do Now:
Live Shopping is a Major Opportunity – If TikTok Shop isn’t thriving, other platforms will step in. Test live selling on Instagram, Amazon Live, or even your own site. But jump in there and get you a piece, especially if you sell physical items.
Not Ready to Sell? Partner With a Brand That Is – Brands are actively looking for hosts and creators who can make live shopping engaging or even those who can make “branded” looking content (which often times may not need to feature you).
Lean Into “Edu-Selling” – The most successful live sellers aren’t just pushing products, they’re teaching, storytelling, and making it feel organic. We all have that unique thing we can talk / teach about - test it out!
5. Black History Month & The DEI Reckoning
What Happened: Black History Month felt quieter than usual across brand campaigns and we know why. Some bigggg companies backtracked on diversity initiatives in these past few months, while others opted for safe, performative social messaging instead of real investment.
Meanwhile… Creators and small brands stepped up where corporations didn’t, showing that community-led storytelling is more powerful than corporate lip service.
What To Do Now:
Don’t Wait for Brands, Create Your Own Campaigns – If big brands aren’t investing in community storytelling, that’s an opening for creators and small businesses to own the conversation.
Use This Data to Vet Partnerships – If a brand went all out for Black History Month in 2020 but ghosted in 2024, that’s a red flag. Be wise on how you move forward and always do so making sure you’re values and interests are aligned.
Monetize Your Niche – DEI-focused content still has a huge, engaged audience. The right brands will pay for authentic partnerships, so if it’s truly authentic put it out there.
FINAL TAKEAWAYS: HOW TO USE THIS INFO
Instagram’s algorithm reset is a chance to refresh your reach; use it wisely.
Brands value cultural credibility more than ever. Define your niche and influence beyond just numbers.
Podcasts and long-form content are dominating - if you’re not podcasting, repurpose long-form content in other ways.
Live shopping is growing; test out new revenue streams before it becomes oversaturated.
Black History Month showed us who’s still invested in DEI and who’s quietly stepping back.
If you’re paying attention, February handed creators, coaches, and small biz owners a playbook. Not sure how to use it?
Let’s talk. Drop a comment below if you learned anything new or reach out and let’s strategize your next move.
I feel like I got wiser about social!! By just reading this!!! Great work King Jey!!
So good! The tweet from karen captures EXACTLY what IG feels like now!