Are reels still the best growth strategy?

Reels still seem to win when it comes to reach, no doubt about that. The numbers usually look great on the surface more views, more impressions, sometimes even a quick spike in followers. But after paying closer attention, it doesn’t always translate into the kind of engagement that actually feels meaningful.

There’s something interesting happening with other formats. Carousel posts or even simple images don’t travel as far, but the people who do engage tend to stick around longer. More saves, more thoughtful comments, less of that quick scroll by behavior. It almost feels like there’s a difference now between content that gets attention and content that builds connection.

What’s been more noticeable lately is how mixed strategies seem to perform over time. Not relying entirely on one format, but using each one with a different purpose. Reels for discovery, carousels for depth, maybe stories to keep things more personal. That balance feels more sustainable than chasing one trend until it burns out.

There was a conversation recently where someone mentioned how certain creative teams, approach content more from an audience behavior angle rather than just pushing whatever format is trending. That idea stuck because it shifts the focus away from what works right now to what actually keeps people interested over time.

It’s hard to say if reels are still the best strategy or just the easiest way to get visibility. How others are approaching it now still going all in on reels, or starting to spread things out a bit more?