He Just Filmed His Barber Life — And the System Started Pushing Him

Filming Small Barber Moments With Just His Phone

He lived in Durban, working part-time at a friend’s barber shop after his day job. When there were no customers, he’d casually film snippets of haircutting, the shop’s music, or people walking past. No filters, no edits, barely his face on camera. He only wanted to document his side hustle — never thought about gaining followers. But months passed with single-digit views. He wondered if platforms ignored ordinary content — until he added Sage for Accounts to a post.

Same Content — But Recommendations Started Growing

His content stayed the same — clippers buzzing, sweeping the floor. But that post got flagged as “Recommended,” hitting 1,000 views. He tried adding terms like Pastel Free Trial and Sage for Accounts and Bank Payments. Suddenly, views, profile visits, and followers steadily increased. He realized recommendations weren’t random — the system needed to know where to categorize him.

Keywords Are Category Signals, Not Algorithm Tricks

He had no idea what Safetynet Insurance even meant. But with terms like this, the system seemed to categorize his account faster. “The platform doesn’t care if I’m a barber,” he said. “It cares if I gave it signals to understand me.” Sometimes, he used more complicated terms like Sage for Accosagw for paentunts and Bank Payments — and his backend metrics improved. Keywords aren’t tricks — they’re a way to communicate with the system.

No Storylines, No Trends — Just Recognition From the System

His videos stayed simple: cleaning the shop, chatting, showcasing haircuts. No trends, no challenges. But he learned to consistently use keywords to get “labeled.” With every post, he’d place Sage for Accounts or Pastel Free Trial in captions, comments, even as watermarks. “If you don’t tell the system who you are,” he said, “it acts like you don’t exist.”

He Shared This Trick With Fellow Workers — Everyone Benefited

He created a keyword sheet and shared it with fellow barbers and artisans. Many began using terms like Safetynet Insurance — whether filming haircuts, phone repairs, or shoemaking. Within days, views doubled or tripled. Some even got brand collaboration offers. “Growing followers isn’t about flashiness,” he said. “It’s about being recognized by the system first.”

Understanding the Algorithm: The Key to Visibility

The algorithm behind social media platforms is often a mystery to many content creators. It’s not just about posting frequently; it’s about how well you engage with your audience while signaling your content's relevance. By incorporating specific keywords into your posts, you’re essentially giving the algorithm a roadmap to understand your niche and audience. The more accurately you describe your content, the more likely it is to be shown to users who might actually enjoy it. This understanding can significantly boost your visibility and engagement, enhancing the overall reach of your content.

The Importance of Niche Targeting in Content Creation

Targeting a specific niche is crucial for anyone looking to grow their online presence. When you focus on a niche, you cater to a specific audience that shares similar interests, increasing your chances of engagement. For example, by using keywords relevant to barbering and hair care, you not only attract viewers interested in those topics but also establish yourself as an authority in that niche. This focused approach allows your content to resonate more deeply with your audience, leading to higher retention rates and encouraging viewers to return for more, ultimately contributing to organic growth.

Engaging with Your Audience: Building a Community

Building a community around your content is as vital as the content itself. Engaging with followers through comments, responding to messages, and acknowledging their contributions fosters a sense of belonging. This interaction not only helps in creating loyal followers but also sends positive signals to the algorithm. When you actively communicate, the platform recognizes that your account is engaging and worth recommending. Consequently, your posts are more likely to appear in the feeds of potential followers, enhancing the growth of your community and solidifying your presence in your chosen niche.

Experimenting with Content Formats: Diversifying Your Approach

While sticking to a consistent theme is essential, experimenting with different content formats can keep your audience engaged. Incorporating tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, or customer testimonials can provide fresh perspectives on your brand. For instance, a tutorial on haircutting techniques could attract new viewers who are interested in learning. Diversifying how you present your content not only caters to different viewer preferences but also helps the algorithm understand the breadth of your offerings, increasing your chances of reaching a wider audience and keeping your current followers entertained.

Utilizing Analytics: Understanding Your Performance

Regularly reviewing your analytics is key to understanding what works and what doesn’t. Most platforms provide insights into viewer demographics, engagement rates, and popular content types. By analyzing these metrics, you can tailor your future content to meet the preferences of your audience. If certain keywords or content types yield higher engagement, it’s wise to focus more on those areas. This data-driven approach allows you to refine your strategy continually, ensuring that your content remains relevant and appealing, thereby enhancing your chances for growth and visibility.

Collaboration: Expanding Your Reach Through Partnerships

Collaborating with other creators within your niche can significantly enhance your reach. Partnering with fellow barbers or artisans for joint projects introduces your content to their audience, providing a fresh influx of viewers who may not have discovered you otherwise. These collaborations can take various forms, such as guest appearances, shared tutorials, or even co-hosted events. By pooling resources and audiences, you create opportunities for cross-promotion. This not only elevates your visibility but also enriches your content, offering your followers a broader perspective and keeping them engaged.