OpenOpen
Organic content and IG growth

@brock11johnson

An 8-step "hidden emoji" Instagram Story recipe (reset the Stories algorithm, selfie in the corner, text hook, problem/solution copy, DM-keyword CTA, a hidden emoji plus a second "find the emoji to win" story) that is claimed to take Story views from about 7k to 100k+ and produce 100+ leads. It only works with DM automation, and the reel is a paid ManyChat partnership.

37k plays · 25 Sep 2026

What they said

Spoken script:

  • A friend's Story views went from 7,000 to over 100,000 views on a single story.
  • A member of his mastermind went from 2-3k per story to over 10,000, and "got over 180 qualified leads from that one story".
  • It is "so easy to do" but too long for a reel, so details are in the caption and a free full tutorial is sent if you comment "chat".
  • The most important part of the strategy is DM automation from ManyChat.

Caption steps (full recipe), numbered:

  1. Reset your Stories algorithm: post no Stories for 24 hours.
  2. Take a selfie, with your face in the bottom corner, not the middle.
  3. Add a text hook: "You have to see this" or "Public service announcement".
  4. Write 2 sentences on the problem your product solves and 2 sentences on how you found the solution.
  5. Write "DM me the word [keyword] to get [your product]".
  6. Before posting, hide an emoji somewhere on the screen.
  7. Post the Story.
  8. Immediately after, post a second Story: "Go back to that first Story and find the hidden emoji for a chance to win ______".
  • Caption says it only works well if you use ManyChat DM automation to reply to the DMs. "Comment CHAT to try Manychat for free and to get the full step-by-step tutorial". Hashtags: #sponsoredbymanychat @Manychat #manychatpartner.

Try this

  • Creators and brands: Try the eight-step Story. Post no Stories for 24 hours, take a selfie with your face in the bottom corner, add a text hook ("You have to see this"), write two sentences on the problem and two on how you found the fix, and ask people to DM a keyword to get the offer.
  • Creators and brands: Hide an emoji on the Story, then post a second Story asking people to go back and find it for a chance to win a small prize. This pushes people to re-open the first Story.
  • Anyone testing it: It needs DM automation to reply, and the reel is a paid partnership with the tool maker. The view and lead numbers are the speaker's claims. Compare reply counts against a normal Story to see for yourself.
  • Brands: The offer must be real value, such as an early look at a drop, a styling guide or a small discount. Use a small prize if the giveaway costs money.
  • Regulated categories: Keep health claims out of automated replies.
  • Agencies: Use the keyword to DM funnel for client lead generation.

Links

  • ManyChat (@Manychat): Instagram DM automation. Used to auto-reply to the story keyword DMs and send the product or lead magnet. Sponsor of the reel.
  • Instagram Story Insights: shown as proof screenshots.
  • Instaclub Hub ("ICH"): the creator's paid membership community, mentioned in a reply to a lifetime member.
  • A "free tutorial" link was sent via DM, not shown publicly.

Watch the original

Watch the full reel on Instagram by @brock11johnson. Follow them for more.

00:00

/

00:00

More Organic content and IG growth

Liked this one? Get the next

When I find a reel worth acting on, you get the short version: what it says and what to do. Free, rare, one click to leave.

Rather have it done for you? Work with Tanish