Using Instagram's Pinned Posts Feature (2026): Instagram & Social Media Strategy Guide
- max08210
- 34 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Instagram's discovery has improved massively - Explore, Search, off-grid Reels are all working to surface content to new audiences.
But most creators still miss the second step: converting new profile visits to followers.
Why?
Because they assume pinned posts should show what performed best. And it's costing talent long-term growth.
Let me explain.
About The Author: William Shoe
Founder @ IconDesk.co & Talent Village
Over the past decade, I’ve helped talent managers and agencies across the UK, Europe, and the US build successful talent brands and secure high-value partnerships. Having worked at LVMH, and run my own talent agency (Talent Village), I know first-hand the daily challenges that talent managers face today – and what it takes to succeed.
What People Get Wrong & Why
The common mistake? Creators only pin their highest-performing posts.
Most likes. Most views. Biggest brand deal.
But high performance doesn't mean:
Memorability
Trust
Relationship building
Follow intent
It often just proves reach to brands, not a reason to follow.
For us as talent managers, this creates a dangerous outcome: our talent looks popular - but the same as everyone else.
Influencers Without a "Why" Become Walking Ads
An influencer without a clear why becomes interchangeable, forgettable and transactional. They feel like advertising space, not a person worth following.
Pinned posts are where this problem shows up most clearly.
If the first three posts say nothing about what the talent stands for, what they believe, or what is unique about them - audiences don't follow. They scroll. Because they don't connect or resonate.
People follow creators they relate to, believe, trust, feel inspired by. Relationships start when someone is specific, vulnerable, unmistakably themselves.
If our talent plays it safe in those pinned slots, they just disappear into the feed.
What You Should Use Pinned Posts For & Why
Pinned posts should serve one core job: show what makes this talent one of one.
Regardless of where someone came from - Explore, Search, profile tap - they're asking the same question: "Is this person for me?"
Pinned posts exist to answer this.
We get three posts to:
Create belief
Create resonance
Create connection
If we don't use them to do that, our talent is just another influencer in a sea of similar creators.
This brings us to the real purpose of pinned posts: convert incoming potential followers, to intruiged, aligned, high intent followers.
They're not about showcasing what went viral or what brands paid for. They're about showing why someone should care enough to hit follow.
This is the difference between looking popular and actually building an audience that converts.
The "One of One" Framework
If a creator isn't sure what to pin, that's a sign that their positioning isn't clear yet.
Here's a simple grounding exercise: Identify 3 defining characteristics that combine to make this creator unique.
Examples:
A specific talent or area of interest they have
A personality type, style, or sub-culture
A unique perspective compared to others
Whilst none of the above are 100% unique on their own, when they come together this intersection is what defines your uniqueness.
Pinned posts should showcase these traits loudly.
How to Apply This
Look at the current pinned posts. Ask:
Do these posts show what makes this creator different?
Would a stranger understand what they stand for?
Do these posts create belief, resonance, or connection?
If not, we need to change them.
Find posts (or create new ones) that:
Showcase their unique perspective
Demonstrate their credibility in their niche
Make it impossible to confuse them with anyone else
A Practical Example
Let's say we're managing a fitness creator.
Their three defining characteristics might be:
Former college athlete (credibility)
Minimalist training philosophy (perspective)
Dry, sarcastic humour (personality)
Their pinned posts shouldn't be:
Their most viral workout video
A brand deal with a supplement company
A transformation post with high engagement
Instead, they should be:
A post explaining their minimalist training philosophy
Behind-the-scenes content showing their personality
A post that demonstrates their athletic background and approach
This combination is what makes them one of one. Not the reach. Not the performance metrics. The identity.
Final Thoughts for Talent Managers
In reality, our talent is not 1 in 1 hundred. They are one of one.
Pinned posts are where that truth should be impossible to miss.
Use those three slots wisely - because they're the first chance to lead a relationship. And relationships convert.
When someone lands on a profile, they're not asking "is this person popular?" They're asking "is this person for me?"
Answer that question clearly, and the follow happens naturally.
Show Brands What Makes Your Talent Unique - With IconDesk
IconDesk helps you showcase your talent's unique positioning and credibility with verified insights and white-labeled media kits that build trust with brands.
When you can clearly show what makes your talent one of one, you don't just close deals - you command higher rates.
If you’re curious, check it out at www.icondesk.co
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