We Got 22 Million Views on a Client's Instagram Reel Without Creating Original Content: Here's How We Did It

In the dynamic world of social media, thought leaders often find themselves straddling the line between generating original content and sharing valuable insights. The pressure to consistently provide fresh content can be overwhelming, but here's a secret: not every message or insight needs to originate from their own voice. The power of repurposing third-party content, which involves utilizing materials like text, images, and videos created by individuals or brands other than the original content creator, can be a game-changer. This approach allows thought leaders to effectively share wisdom, amplify their message, and manage their time efficiently, all while diversifying their content and engaging their audience with external expertise and perspectives.

Diversifying Voices, Amplifying Messages

Thought leaders carry a unique responsibility – to inspire, educate, and influence their audience. However, there are times when their perspectives might benefit from an alternate voice. Repurposing third-party content gives thought leaders the opportunity to diversify the narratives they present. It showcases their willingness to recognize and promote other experts in the field, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Piggyback on Virality

Success is often born out of the ability to recognize opportunities and capitalize on them. When thought leaders spot an already successful piece of content, they can seize the moment by piggybacking off it. This doesn't imply riding on someone else's coattails; rather, it's about building on the existing momentum to amplify their message.

Time Crunch? Third-Party Content to the Rescue

Thought leaders are often swamped with commitments – from keynote speeches to interviews, their schedules are jam-packed. Amidst this whirlwind, creating fresh content for social media can become a challenge. This is where third-party content comes to the rescue, serving as a valuable resource to solve the time crunch.

Building a Balanced Content Ecosystem

Repurposing third-party content isn't about relinquishing one's own voice – it's about curating a balanced content ecosystem. It allows thought leaders to harness the collective wisdom of their industry peers and to tap into the vast sea of knowledge available online. In doing so, they demonstrate humility, authenticity, and a commitment to serving their audience with the best insights, regardless of the source.

Navigating Ethical Considerations

While repurposing third-party content is a powerful strategy, it's important to navigate the ethical considerations involved. Always ensure that proper attribution is given to the original creators. Thought leaders should seek permission or adhere to the content's usage guidelines to avoid any copyright or plagiarism issues.

SpeakrBrand Case Study with Dr. Santor Nishizaki: Over 22 Million Views and Thousands of Followers

Dr. Santor Nishizaki, a recognized Gen Z enthusiast and thought leader, recently incorporated a new strategy put forth by our team at SpeakrBrand to find the delicate balance between expertise and relatability. Recently, we shared a third-party video titled "Hilarious Gen Z Email Sign-Offs" on his Instagram. This seemingly lighthearted content struck a chord with his audience and quickly garnered astonishing results.

The video, a humorous take on Gen Z's unconventional email sign-offs, resonated with viewers across IG. Within just two weeks, the video gained over 22,000,000 views and received more than 1,100,000 likes. In addition to the viral success, Dr. Nishizaki's follower count skyrocketed, amassing over 7,500 new followers.


This unexpected surge in engagement raised an intriguing question: How does repurposing third-party content contribute to a thought leader's credibility? The answer lies in the fusion of expertise and relatability. Dr. Nishizaki's choice to share the comedic video did not undermine his authority in the realm of Gen Z insights; instead, it showcased his versatility and relatability. By highlighting a facet of Gen Z culture that isn't solely about academic analyses or trends, he demonstrated a holistic understanding of the generation he studies.

This act of juxtaposing his serious expertise with a humorous touch created a more approachable and humanized version of the thought leader. In essence, it served as a reminder that thought leaders are multifaceted individuals who can balance professionalism with authenticity.

4 Steps to Incorporate Third-Party Content into Your Social Media Strategy

1. Align with Your Brand

Before repurposing third-party content, ensure it aligns with your brand's values, messaging, and target audience. The content should complement your expertise and enhance your brand's credibility. Choose materials that resonate with your existing content and contribute positively to your online identity.

2. Post, Test, and Optimize

Share the selected third-party content on your social media platforms. Monitor the engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, shares, and click-through rates. Testing different types of content can help you understand what resonates most with your audience. Based on the performance data, optimize your strategy by focusing on the content formats and themes that yield the highest engagement.

3. Give Proper Attribution

Ethical considerations are paramount when repurposing third-party content. Always provide clear and accurate attribution to the original creators. This not only shows respect for their work but also establishes your commitment to ethical content sharing. Additionally, if required, seek permission or adhere to usage guidelines to avoid copyright or plagiarism issues.

4. Maintain Consistency and Originality

While incorporating third-party content is valuable, striking a balance between curated and original content is essential. Ensure that the majority of your content still reflects your unique insights and expertise. The goal is to create a cohesive content ecosystem where your audience can access a variety of perspectives while still recognizing your distinct voice and authority.