In this episode of the Instagram Stories Podcast, I interview Anna Mangiello, a User-Generated Content (UGC) creator and coach. Anna is a former high school teacher turned full-time UGC creator and coach who has been creating UGC content since 2021. She has worked with over 800 brands, including Fiverr, Maybelline, L’Oréal, TikTok, Microsoft, Dr. Squatch, and many others.Anna has helped more than 700 creators build profitable online businesses through her programs, community, and digital resources. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a no-BS teaching style, Anna combines real industry experience with step-by-step education to help women build sustainable, scalable UGC businesses that support their families and give them true time flexibility and freedom.In this interview, Anna defines UGC as content produced by everyday people for brands to use on their own social media or for paid advertising, which allows creators to work without the pressure of posting to their personal accounts or having a large following. She emphasizes that while UGC offers creative freedom and flexibility, it is a demanding business that requires managing administrative tasks, legal contracts, and client negotiations. Anna also discusses her A+ creator community and her "Two-Hour Creator" course, which helps busy individuals—specifically those in the 30-plus demographic—break into the industry and leverage market gaps.You can find Anna online at:YouTube: A+SocialsTikTok: @aplussocialsInstagram: @aplussocials

This podcast episode features Jen Lehner, an AI strategist and consultant, and we review the accuracy of our tech and social media predictions for 2025 while looking ahead to the emerging trends of 2026.

The conversation covers the ethical dilemmas of AI video generation, viral marketing successes like the "death" of the Duolingo mascot, and the potential for AI agents to handle personal tasks like grocery shopping and app building.

• (3:00) - Reviewing 2025 Predictions: Jen Lehner reflects on her successful predictions regarding AI content, wearables, and agentic AI, while Daniel notes that while he was wrong about YouTube Shorts replacing TikTok, he correctly identified the rise of "social media burnout" as a major topic.
• (10:00) - The Sora Controversy and AI Ethics: A major discussion point is the "fail" of AI video tools like Sora allowing users to recreate deceased individuals (e.g., Martin Luther King or Elvis), raising concerns about legacy, dignity, and the lack of consent from families.
• (18:00) - "Vibe Coding" with Lovable: Daniel and Jen Lehner discuss Lovable, an app-building tool that allows users to create functional apps simply by describing them—a concept known as "vibe coding". Daniel shares how he used it to build a camera app to help him take better photos of his wife.
• (24:00) - The "Death" of Duo the Owl: The hosts break down Duolingo’s viral marketing campaign involving the staged "death" and community-led resurrection of its mascot, which successfully drove 1.5 million users back into the app to save him.
• (31:00) - Wearable Tech & Privacy Struggles: Jen Lehner describes using AI digital notetakers that record and summarize entire days of conversations. However, she notes the ethical "guilt" of not being able to inform every person she encounters, such as a pharmacist, that they are being recorded.
• (35:00) - 2026 Social Media Predictions: Jen Lehner predicts an explosion in live-selling auctions via apps like Whatnot, where young sellers are already making millions through fast-paced, high-scarcity sneaker sales.
• (37:00) - The Analog Shift: Daniel’s wife, Lauren, suggests a counter-trend for 2026: a move toward "analog" social experiences where people host "no phone parties" to prioritize raw, genuine connection over glamorized digital lifestyles.
• (38:00) - The Future of AI Agents & Robots: Jen Lehner anticipates the rise of agents that can autonomously order groceries via Instacart and home robots capable of tasks like unloading a dishwasher.
• (40:00) - OpenAI’s Move into Hardware: Daniel highlights OpenAI’s collaboration with designer Johnny Ive to create a computing experience intended to be "less socially disruptive than the iPhone".
• (44:00) - AI in Podcasting: Looking at 2026, Jen Lehner predicts the rise of AI personas or "synthetic voices" that will source, curate, and record entire podcast episodes autonomously.

Links:

Jen Lehner: https://jenlehner.com/

Front Row Daily Briefing: https://jenlehner.com/flash/

Bella Rose Mortel is a social media strategist and creative copywriter known for building authentic, high-impact digital brands. Currently at beehiiv, she leads content + strategy across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram and other platforms, blending strategy with storytelling to drive growth and engagement. With a background at Workweek and Morning Brew, plus her own Gen Z–focused newsletter The Personality Hire, she’s passionate about making B2B content feel human, relevant, and genuinely fun. Host Daniel Hill and Bella Rose discuss the critical importance for creators to "own their audience" through an email newsletter, as social media platforms can be unreliable due to algorithm changes or potential bans. Bella Rose highlights beehive's key differentiators from competitors like Substack, including its 0% cut on paid subscription revenue (only Stripe fees apply), a built-in ad network that offers sponsorship opportunities with no minimum subscriber count (even for those with as few as 100 subscribers), and a new fully integrated website builder. The discussion also covers beehiiv's tools designed to make content creation easier, such as AI writing assistance and various newsletter and website templates, emphasizing its role as an all-in-one platform to simplify growing and monetizing a content business. Bella Rose also shares insights from her dual perspective as a newsletter creator and social media strategist, explaining how newsletters foster a deeper connection with an intentional audience compared to the passive scrolling on social media, and offering practical advice on managing multiple social platforms.(2:30) beehiiv's All-in-One Platform & Website Builder: Bella Rose introduces beehiiv's new website builder, allowing for a fully integrated website with a newsletter, and highlights its growth and monetization tools as an all-in-one solution(3:30) Why Owning Your Audience with a Newsletter is Critical: Bella Rose emphasizes that creators cannot always trust social media algorithms (like TikTok bans or LinkedIn changes) to reach their audience, making owning an email list "super critical"(5:30) beehiiv's 0% Cut on Paid Subscriptions: Bella Rose states that beehiiv takes "0%" of subscription revenue, allowing creators to keep all their earnings except for Stripe fees, unlike Substack which takes a big cut(6:00) beehiiv's Built-in Ad Network for Sponsorships: She explains that beehiiv has an "ad network built in within the platform" that serves users sponsorship opportunities from premium sponsors like Roku and HubSpot(7:00) No Minimum Subscribers for beehiiv's Ad Network: Bella Rose clarifies that there is "not a minimum size" for newsletters to receive ads, noting that even those with "maybe 100 subscribers get offered ads"(10:00) beehiiv's AI Writing Tools: Bella Rose mentions that beehiiv offers AI tools within its editor to help writers tighten content, change language, or edit images, making the writing process easier(11:30) Full Website Hosting on beehive: Bella Rose confirms that users can host their entire custom website on beehiiv, fully integrated with their newsletter, eliminating the need for separate hosting platforms(17:30) Bella Rose's Social Media Strategy and Tips: She shares insights into her role as social media strategist at beehiiv, managing content for platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads, focusing on making product content fun and engagingFind Bella Rose:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellarosemortel/⁠Newsletter: The Personality Hire - ⁠https://bella-roses-newsletter.beehiiv.com/t/lifestyle⁠Find beehiiv: Web: ⁠https://www.beehiiv.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/beehiiv/⁠Find Daniel:Social Media News Podcast: ⁠https://pod.link/1467688778⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/danielhillmedia/⁠Email Newsletter: ⁠https://subscribepage.io/danielhillmedia⁠

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Mathew Passy, co-founder of Custom Podcast Solutions, creator of Conntap, and enterprise support and sales for Libsyn Pro.

Daniel and Mathew dive deep into the world of content creation, specifically why podcasting is crucial for creators, in addition to visual platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Mathew emphasizes the importance of audio-only content for situations where screens aren't viable (e.g., driving, working out, doing dishes) and discusses tools like Repurpose.io that automate the process of converting video content to audio for podcast platforms. They also highlight the necessity of clear intros and outros for audio versions of video content, treating the podcast audience with respect and guiding them.

Show Notes:

(0:00) - Welcome to The Instagram Stories podcast with host Daniel Hill.

(0:45) - Adam Mosseri (Head of Instagram) introduces "Restyle," an AI tool for video editing, enabling changes to context (beach, snow), person's style (marble, porcelain), and color.

(2:20) - Mathew Passy introduces himself as the co-founder of Custom Podcast Solutions (recording, mobile recording, live streaming, studio design/installation), creator of Conntap, and enterprise support/sales for Libsyn Pro.

(3:45) - Discussion on the intimidation of podcasting for content creators focused on other platforms and the importance of "putting yourself where people are".

(4:55) - Tools for automating content repurposing from video to audio, including Repurpose.io.

(6:50) - The importance of including intros and outros when repurposing video content for audio podcasts, to guide the listener.

(7:50) - How podcasting works: Explained through the RSS feed (Real Simple Syndication) and how it enables a direct, unremovable relationship with the audience, contrasting it with social media platform dependency.

(10:00) - Mathew's origin story in podcasting, starting with a New Jersey radio station in 2008, followed by Wall Street Journal Radio, and founding The Podcast Consultant business.

(15:00) - Custom Podcast Solutions' services for designing and installing custom audio/video studios for home and corporate clients, including unique solutions like a "rolling studio" and setups for "social selling" or a "home shopping network".

(18:50) - Introduction to Contap (formerly Podcast Beacons): NFC-enabled devices (wristbands, key fobs, QR codes) for "dynamic microcasting." These allow owners to program a link page or use a "redirect" feature to send people directly to specific content, and the links can be changed dynamically.

(21:00) - The concept of using Conntapfor super fan engagement and tracking, with ideas like NFC-enabled guitar picks for musicians.

(22:50) - Where to find Mathew Passy online, plus Custom Podcast Solutions, and Conntap

(23:10) - Daniel's outro, encouraging listeners to check out the show notes for links and to follow his other show, The Instagram Stories, and his new email newsletter.

Find Mathew Passy online:

Instagram: @mathewpassy

Custom Podcast Solutions: https://custompodcastsolutions.com/

Conntap - https://conntap.com/

Find Daniel:

Instagram: ⁠@danielhillmedia⁠

Podcast: The Instagram Stories - Social Media News

Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/danielhillmedia

Heston Roberts is a 20-year I.T. professional in Web Development who credits MySpace for his introduction and passion for social media. Today, as co-host of The Social Roundtable live YouTube series, as well as Founder and President of social media marketing agency Social Varsity, he stands as a prominent figure in the chat marketing and chatbot industry, growing his presence as a social media innovator. Heston is known to create customized automated solutions for Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and others to provide small businesses and personal brands new ways to "work smarter, not harder".

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The interview features Heston Roberts from Social Varsity. The main focus is on DM (Direct Message) automation, particularly using the tool ManyChat, primarily on Instagram but also touching on its applications for Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Threads, and TikTok. Heston explains how DM automation works, often triggered by users commenting specific keywords on posts or stories, allowing creators and businesses to deliver links or information directly to the user's inbox.

This method is presented as more effective than directing users to a link in bio, as it meets users where they are and keeps engagement within the platform. He discusses the benefits, such as increased engagement which signals a relationship to the platform's algorithm, potentially increasing content reach.We also cover the rules and best practices associated with DM automation to avoid being flagged for spam by platforms like Instagram.

Key points include not sending DMs immediately upon someone following, and prompting users with a question first before sending a link when the automation is triggered by a post comment (to confirm intent).

Heston warns against setting up automations that trigger for any comment on a post, as this is often perceived negatively by users. He also notes potential issues with automated comment replies, especially for accounts with large followings, as a high volume can look suspicious to the algorithm.

(00:00) Overview of Interview

(01:03) Welcome to the Instagram Stories Podcast

(03:08) Deep Dive into ManyChat

(05:48) Exploring Automation on Different Platforms

(07:44) Engagement Strategies and Best Practices

(19:48) Morning Routine and Thread Scheduling

(20:35) Exploring Threads and Desktop Version

(23:29) The Social Roundtable Show

(25:35) Transition to YouTube and Challenges

Find Heston online at:

Web: Social-Varsity.com

YouTube: ⁨@SocialVarsity⁩

Instagram: @social.varsity

Threads: @social.varsity

Find Daniel on:

Instagram: @danielhillmedia

TikTok: @danielhillmedia

Threads: @danielhillmedia

Thanks for watching!

Kirsti Lang is a marketer and creator based in Cape Town. By day, she's a senior content writer at Buffer. By night, she's a podcaster and creator, cultivating an audience of ambitious marketers looking to level up their productivity, tech stacks, and careers.

In this episode, host Daniel and Kirsti Lang, content marketer at Buffer, explore data-driven Instagram strategies, focusing on content types, reach, engagement, and optimal posting times.

**Show Highlights:**

Introduction to Kirsti Lang (0:00-1:30): Kirsti introduces herself as a content marketer at Buffer, specializing in social media, productivity, and career growth.

Buffer's Data-Driven Approach (1:30-4:00): Kirsti explains Buffer's data-driven approach to understanding social media algorithms and helping users make informed content decisions.

Best Time to Post - Debunking the Myths (4:00-7:00): Daniel and Kirsti discuss common misconceptions about the "best time to post" and how Buffer's research offers a new perspective.

Reels vs. Carousels: The Reach vs. Engagement Dilemma (7:00-16:00): Kirsti reveals Buffer's findings that Reels offer the highest reach, while Carousels drive the most engagement (12% more than Reels, 114% more than single image posts).

Best Time to Post - The Data Revealed (16:00-24:00): Kirsti shares the best Instagram posting times (generally 3 PM-6 PM in the audience's time zone, specific times provided for each day), emphasizing their universal applicability.

Weekends vs. Weekdays - Is it Worth Posting? (24:00-28:00): Kirsti advises prioritizing weekdays (especially Monday and Friday) for posting over weekends due to higher reach.

The Importance of Content Quality (28:00-31:00): Kirsti stresses that high-quality content, including engaging hooks and authentic visuals, is crucial for success, even with optimal posting times.

Following Kirsti and Buffer (31:00-33:00): Kirsti shares her social media handles and encourages listeners to explore the Buffer blog.

Kirsti's Content Creation Setup (33:00-44:00): Kirsti describes her workspace and the simple tech she uses for video creation (Shure MV7 microphone, phone, budget tripod).

Video Editing Tools and Process (44:00-47:00): Kirsti discusses her end-to-end video editing process using CapCut and her plans to explore more advanced tools.

Find Kirsti online at:

Instagram: ⁠@itsmekirsti⁠

Buffer: ⁠Blog⁠

Read all the articles discussed in the episode:

⁠Data Shows Instagram Reels are Best For Reach — But Not Engagement⁠⁠

The Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2025: We Analyzed 2 Million+ Posts to Find Out⁠

Find me on ⁠Instagram⁠: ⁠@danielhillmedia⁠

Find me on ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠@danielhillmedia⁠

Thanks for watching!

Jen Lehner is a digital marketing strategist, online course creator, and adjunct professor of digital marketing at Notre Dame College and Cleveland State University, founder of Jen Lehner Media, LLC, The Front Row and The Front Row Entrepreneur podcast. She is completely obsessed with sharing the wonders of digital marketing and online entrepreneurship with others.

You can find Jen online at:

The Front Row Flash Briefing: Amazon Alexa

Web: https://jenlehner.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejenlehner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_lehner

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jenlehnermedia

(0:00) Intro: Host Daniel Hill welcomes listeners.

(1:00) Reels Trial Feature: Instagram's new feature lets users test reels for 24 hours before posting.

(4:00) Slow Time For Social Media News: The episode will recap 2024's social media highlights and predictions for 2025.

(5:00) Guest Jen Lenher: Digital marketing and systems strategist, host of The Front Row Entrepreneur.

(7:00) Favorite Moment of 2024: Jen: Australia's age limits on social media platforms. Daniel: The Timothy Chalamet look-alike contest promoted via flyers.

(15:00) Favorite New Instagram Feature: Jen: Collaborative posts. Daniel: Reels Trial and Broadcast Channels.

(18:00) Favorite New Tech: Jen: Ray-Ban smart glasses. Daniel: Orion glasses.

(26:00) Best TikTok Trend: Both: "Very mindful, very demure." Daniel: The "I’m looking for a man in finance" audio clip.

(30:00) Biggest Social Media Fail of 2024: Jen: X (formerly Twitter). Daniel: Lack of data security and managing multiple platforms.

(39:00) Favorite Social Media Account: Jen: Alli K Miller on Instagram and @shop.aif on TikTok. Daniel: Subway Takes and Beyond Meat on Threads. Both: Nutter Butter's viral TikTok campaign.

(48:00) Predictions for Social Media in 2025: Jen: Rise of organic content and community platforms, AI integration. Daniel: Creator burnout, YouTube Shorts growth, AI streamlining content.

(54:00) Predictions for Tech in 2025: Jen: Agentic AI, wearables, health monitoring devices. Daniel: AI integration for task management (booking, purchasing).

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