Real Life Content Is the Secret to Building Longevity on Instagram
Embrace the Chaos
We’ve all been there: the living room is a mess, your toddler is on their second breakfast (a handful of cereal from the couch, perhaps?), and the dog won’t stop barking at the mail carrier. Meanwhile, you’re trying to find a quiet corner to film or snap a photo for the ‘gram. Here’s the thing: that’s real life. And real life resonates so much more than an artificially perfect setting that’s only achieved after three hours of tidying up and rearranging throw pillows.
If you waited around for the stars to align—your makeup to be flawless, the house spotless, natural lighting at the perfect golden-hour angle—you’d end up posting once a month, maybe. And the end result would likely feel stiff and inauthentic, because you’d be so focused on looking perfect that you’d lose sight of why you’re posting in the first place: to connect with people.
The Instagram Reality Check
It’s time we dispel the notion that people are scrolling Instagram thinking, “Wow, I wish I could be more like that perfectly polished person who has it all together.” Sure, there’s some aspirational envy when we see a picture-perfect feed. But deep down, we crave realness. When we see someone share a moment where they spill coffee on their shirt seconds before hitting record—or fumble with a tripod in public—we perk up. We see ourselves in that moment. We think, “If they can show up like that, maybe I can, too.”
It’s relatable, and relatability builds trust. Over time, trust turns into loyalty. That’s how you build longevity: you become a fixture in your followers’ lives because they know you’re always going to show up—no matter what state your living room is in.
The Problem with “Perfect”
If “perfect” were the name of the game, every influencer’s feed would look identical: bright white kitchens, matching outfits, and not a hair out of place. And let’s be real, we see a lot of that already. Yet, if you stick around these so-called perfect influencers for long enough, you’ll notice a pattern. Eventually, they realize that maintaining an endlessly curated life is exhausting. They come on their Stories or make a heartfelt post admitting how tired they are of always trying to look flawless. They talk about wanting to show their true selves, and how they wish they could connect more genuinely with their audience.
Why does this happen? Because authenticity sells more than perfection ever can. The “perfect” image might attract likes at first, but true engagement—and the kind of community that supports you—comes when you let your guard down. People can smell forced, overly polished content a mile away. They might like it for the aesthetic, but they won’t form a meaningful bond with you. When life gets chaotic—and it always does—having that bond is what keeps you going.
Creating Content in the Moment
Weave content creation into your daily routine. Film short clips while you’re cooking, running errands, or picking up your kids from school. Talk about the chaos in your life and how you’re navigating it. If you’re an entrepreneur, maybe you’re packing orders while wearing sweatpants and an old hoodie you slept in. Show that. Discuss your process, your struggles, and your small wins. This is the type of content that sparks genuine conversation.
Authenticity Over Aesthetics: Instead of filming a slick, heavily edited video of you unloading the dishwasher in a rom-com-worthy scene, grab your phone and record a real-time snippet of your cat winding around your feet as you pull out groceries.
Human First, Influencer Second: Remind yourself that being human first is always more powerful than trying to be an influencer or brand owner who is above everyday realities.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: People love seeing what’s behind the curtain. Show them your messy desk, your to-do list scribbled on the back of a napkin—whatever’s real for you.
Why Your Audience Craves Real
Your audience isn’t watching your every move, hoping to see perfection. They’re scrolling through Instagram in between errands, while waiting at the doctor’s office, or during a quick coffee break. In those moments, the content that makes them pause isn’t necessarily a magazine-worthy snapshot. It’s the real, messy, “I can’t believe that just happened” kind of moment.
Furthermore, realness invites engagement. People will comment, “Oh my gosh, my living room looks like that too!” or “I thought I was the only one who spilled coffee daily.” This is how relationships form. Now they know you’re not just a filtered face behind a brand or account—you’re a person, dealing with life just like they are.
Showing Up Is the Secret Sauce
Ultimately, the best-kept secret on social media is that showing up consistently—even (and especially) when things aren’t perfect—wins every time. Every day you share a post, a Story, or a Reel, you’re reminding your audience that you’re still here, still doing your thing, and still ready to connect. The cumulative effect is powerful. Over time, your authenticity becomes a beacon. People begin to think of you as a trusted friend or adviser, not just a name on their feed.
Stop Overthinking: Nobody needs a perfect shot or a perfect outfit. They just need the real you.
Messy House? Film Anyway: If anything, it’ll spark comments and genuine conversations.
Cold Leftover Pizza: If that’s what’s in your hand when inspiration strikes, embrace it.
Conclusion: Prioritize Presence Over Perfection
At the end of the day, you don’t need a picture-perfect setting or a face full of professionally done makeup to share your thoughts, your expertise, or your life on Instagram. You just need to be present—in all your messy, wonderful glory. Whether that’s recording videos from your minivan with sauce-stained seats or hopping on a live stream while the dog is barking in the background, it all contributes to a sense of authenticity that resonates more than any perfectly curated post ever could.
So, next time you’re hesitating because your shirt has a coffee stain or the kids are fighting in the next room, remember: that’s the stuff people connect with. That’s the real you. And real is what keeps them coming back, day after day, post after post. If you want to build longevity on Instagram—or any social media platform—stop waiting for perfection and start showing up as you are. Embrace the chaos. Invite people into your world. Because once they see the real you, they’ll know exactly why they want to stick around.
