The Algorithm Isn’t Mad at You, Your Art Isn’t The Problem
If you’ve been posting your work and getting nothing but crickets, I need you to hear this: it’s not because your art isn’t good enough.
The algorithm doesn’t hate you. It’s not punishing you for not being “talented” enough. Your work is incredible, but here’s the truth: social media is a different skill set than making art. And if you haven’t mastered it yet, that’s okay.
You are not behind. You are not bad at this. You are learning.
Let’s go over what might be happening, because your art deserves to be seen, and we’re going to make sure it is.
1. Are You Shadowbanned?
Before you start spiraling and blaming the algorithm, let’s check if Instagram has flagged your account.
How to Check Your Account Status (in 30 Seconds)
Open Instagram and go to Settings & Privacy.
Scroll down to Account Status.
If you’ve had content removed or your account restricted, you’ll see a warning. If everything is fine, you’ll see a green checkmark.
What to do if you ARE shadowbanned:
Remove any flagged content (especially if it violates guidelines).
Submit a review request if Instagram made a mistake.
Avoid spammy engagement tactics (excessive hashtags, misleading captions, using the same comment over and over).
What to do if you are NOT shadowbanned:
Congratulations, the algorithm isn’t punishing you. The problem is your content strategy, which we’re about to fix.
2. The Algorithm Isn’t Against You, It Just Doesn’t Know You Exist Yet
A lot of artists assume that once they post, the algorithm should push their work to the right people. But social media doesn’t work like an art gallery, your art isn’t being put on display just because you uploaded it.
The algorithm doesn’t care how talented you are. It cares about patterns.
Example: How a Sculptor Gets More Views
Let’s say you’re a sculptor making clay jewelry. You post once a month, and when you do, it’s just a photo with a caption like: “New earrings! Available on my site.”
You might get a few likes, maybe a comment. Then nothing.
But if you started posting three times a week, showing:
A time-lapse of your sculpting process
A behind-the-scenes video of your workspace
A short, satisfying clip of glazing a finished piece
…suddenly, Instagram starts recognizing: “Oh, this is a sculptor. Let’s push this to people who like handmade jewelry.”
Not because you made better art, but because you gave the algorithm more chances to work with. Even better if you consistently use keywords like “clay jewelry artist” in your captions, hashtags, and video descriptions, this helps the algorithm understand what your content is about and push it to the right audience. The more you reinforce your niche with clear, searchable terms, the easier it is for your ideal customers to find you.
Tip: If you’re only posting once a month, Instagram thinks you’re not serious. Posting at least once a week gives it something to recognize and push.
3. Carousels Are Performing INSANELY Well Right Now (Here’s How to Use Them)
Let’s clear something up: a carousel is NOT a video slideshow with cheesy transitions. It’s a post with multiple images or videos that users can swipe through. Instagram LOVES them because they keep people engaged longer, which means better reach for you.
Why Carousels Work:
If someone doesn’t engage on the first image, Instagram shows them the second one later in their feed.
You get two chances (or more!) to capture attention.
They create narrative & anticipation, making people WANT to swipe.
ALWAYS include a call to action on the last slide—whether it’s to sign up for your newsletter, check out your shop, or leave a comment.
How a Digital Artist Uses Carousels for Better Engagement
Instead of posting a single image of their final piece, they post:
First slide: The finished artwork (with text on top like "Would You Hang This in Your Room?")
Second slide: A close-up detail shot.Third slide: A work-in-progress sketch.
Fourth slide: A personal note about their process ("This took me 10 hours and 5 existential crises")
Last slide: A call to action ("Follow for more art!" or "Check out my shop!")
By the time someone swipes through all those slides, Instagram is like, “Wow, people are spending time on this post! Let’s push it to more people.”
Tip: Always add text on your first slide (either as a title or meme-style text). If you don’t hook people, they won’t swipe. If you don’t hook people immediately, they won’t swipe, and if they don’t swipe, you lose engagement.
4. Stop Posting Without a Hook (Here’s How to Grab Attention in 3 Seconds)
The first three seconds of your video or first image of your carousel determines if people keep watching.
Fine Artists:
❌ Weak Hook: “New painting! Hope you like it.”
✅ Strong Hook: “This piece took me 15 hours and three breakdowns—was it worth it?”
❌ Weak Hook: “This is my latest watercolor.”
✅ Strong Hook: “I tried a completely new technique for this piece—let me know if it worked!”
Digital Artists:
❌ Weak Hook: “Here’s my character design.”
✅ Strong Hook: “This was supposed to be a quick sketch. Then I blacked out and made a masterpiece.”
❌ Weak Hook: “Finished this illustration today!”
✅ Strong Hook: “This color palette almost ruined this piece. Let me explain…”
Jewelry Makers:
❌ Weak Hook: “Here’s a new necklace I made!”
✅ Strong Hook: “I turned scrap metal into this necklace—watch the transformation.”
❌ Weak Hook: “Handmade earrings, now available in my shop.”
✅ Strong Hook: “I designed these earrings based on [insert inspiration]—can you see the influence?”
Printmakers & Sculptors:
❌ Weak Hook: “Just finished this print!”
✅ Strong Hook: “The first version of this print was a disaster. Swipe to see how I fixed it.”
❌ Weak Hook: “New clay sculpture—what do you think?”
✅ Strong Hook: “I sculpted this entirely by hand—no molds, no shortcuts. Worth the effort?”
Photographers & Mixed Media Artists:
❌ Weak Hook: “Took this photo today.”
✅ Strong Hook: “This was an accidental shot… but it might be my best one yet.”
❌ Weak Hook: “Here’s my latest mixed media piece.”
✅ Strong Hook: “I combined three different materials for this artwork—guess what they are?”
What Makes a Hook Strong?
✔ Creates curiosity ("I almost gave up on this piece—let me tell you why.")
✔ Tells a story ("This color palette almost ruined this piece. Let me explain...")
✔ Makes the viewer feel involved ("I designed these earrings based on __. Can you guess the inspiration?")
If your hook doesn’t make someone pause and engage, they’re just going to keep scrolling. Which one of these would work best for your next post? Feel free to steal them!
5. Engagement Matters More Than Posting Every Day
The algorithm doesn’t just track how much you post. It also tracks how much you interact. If you’re not getting engagement, here’s how to boost it—without posting more.
Get More Sales by Engaging
Reply to every comment within the first hour of posting (this boosts visibility).
Comment on 5-10 similar accounts daily (this gets them seen by new people).
Use interactive Instagram Stories (polls, Q&As, and stickers make their audience feel involved).
DM people who engage with you (not to sell—just to connect).
You could post twice a day, but if you’re not engaging, your reach will still be low. The more you talk to people, the more Instagram assumes you’re worth pushing to new audiences.
Tip: Set a 10-minute timer every day to interact with your audience. It makes a huge difference.
Want a Content Plan That Gets Your Art SEEN?
Your art isn’t the problem. The algorithm isn’t out to get you.
But if you’re posting inconsistently, not repurposing your work, and not giving people a reason to engage, Instagram has no reason to push your content.
This isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy. And if you’re tired of guessing what to post and hoping for the best, I can help.
I have only three spots open this month to map out your entire social media plan so you can stop spinning your wheels and start growing.
Here’s what you’ll get:
✔ A customized posting plan based on your art style and goals
✔ Scroll-stopping hooks & captions that get people to engage
✔ Video ideas, repurposing strategies, and post outlines so you always know what to post
