What the 2025 Instagram Summit Taught Me About Showing Up with Purpose

Image from Midjourney

The 2026 IG Summit wasn’t just another digital marketing event—it was a mirror for creators and community builders who want to share something real. Between panels on hooks, storytelling, and AI, one theme pulsed through every session: purpose over performance.

We’re all swimming in advice about algorithms and viral content. But as Gabby Windey said, “You don’t need to cater to everyone.” Authenticity isn’t a tactic—it’s endurance. Jun Yuh reminded us that our phones are enough; our stories are enough. The challenge isn’t creating more; it’s creating meaningfully.

Meagan Hall’s talk on hooks hit a nerve: a post shouldn’t just grab attention—it should hit a truth so deep your audience feels seen. Not tricked into engagement, but compelled by recognition. When genealogists or historians share stories, the “hook” isn’t clickbait—it’s the shared ache of searching for connection.

I left the Summit determined to simplify, streamline, and connect. Here’s what I’m doing next:

• Posting daily moments that reflect The Simple Livin Genealogist brand: simplicity, curiosity, connection.

• Reworking my offers to create faster wins for the genealogy community.

• Building conversations that feel human again—both in DMs and on timelines.

• Using AI as a creative companion, not a replacement for human storytelling.

• Helping others find peace in purposeful posting instead of the algorithmic chase.

The 2026 IG Summit reminded me that the future of content isn’t louder—it’s truer. Every post we share is a small act of connection in a noisy world.

What story are you sitting on that deserves to be shared—imperfect, but honest? Write it, post it, and let your community see the real you.