Inside the Manychat Instagram Summit 2025
- LA Today
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
On a sun-drenched Saturday, September 19, 2025, over 400 creators, marketers, and brand owners converged on at 1 Hotel West Hollywood for the sold-out ManyChat Instagram Summit. This marked ManyChat's first-ever major in-person summit, a significant pivot from their usual virtual format. For those who missed the exclusive gathering, this recap distills the specific funnels and "invisible" tactics shared by industry leaders.
Quick Facts
What: Manychat's Instagram Summit 2025
Who: Manychat, Instagram, 400+ Creators
When: Friday, September 19, 2025
Where: 1 Hotel West Hollywood, CA
Why It Matters: Masterclass Event
Official Link: https://igsummit.manychat.com
What Happened at the ManyChat Instagram Summit
The ManyChat Instagram Summit kicked off on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, drawing over 400 creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs. Doors opened at 8:00 AM for networking amid rooftop skyline views, with sessions ramping up by 10:00 AM. featuring live demos on DM automation and IG Reels monetization.
Headliners like Zach King (23M followers) dazzled with illusion-packed growth hacks, while Colin & Samir (1.6M followers) broke down podcast-to-Instagram funnels. By noon, Brock Johnson's interactive Reel reviews had attendees submitting clips for real-time feedback. Afternoon panels with Meta experts and Natasha Willis (School of Bots co-founder) unveiled AI-powered ManyChat updates, including a redesigned Inbox.
The day wrapped at 6:00 PM. with rooftop cocktails at 1 Hotel's glamorous rooftop where marketers, influencers, and entrepreneurs, networked amid skyline views. The rooftop after party included sunset cocktails paired with passed apps like avocado toasts and charcuterie.
What Attendees Said:
"The event was amazing! I am so glad I was able to attend. The networking was top tier"
"It was a packed house, full of sharp minds and good energy."
Every attendee scored a badge and branded swag tote; the first 100 grabbed a free Hulken bag plus DIBs Beauty lipstick. Bags were filled with Manychat templates, 30-day Pro trials, and other merch like notebooks and stickers.
A virtual extension followed October 22–23, reaching 17,000+ globally. This hybrid format marked Manychat's bold push into IRL creator connections, blending Los Angeles glamour with actionable intel.
Speakers & Sessions: What They Actually Taught
Zach King (23M Followers):
The "Invisible Edit" Framework
The Tactic: Zach King's signature move is the "invisible edit"—a seamless transition that makes viewers rewatch the clip to understand how it was done. This loop effect signals to Instagram's algorithm that the content is engaging (high rewatch rate = higher ranking).
How It Works:
Film two similar angles or positions
Cut mid-motion or mid-scene
Transition creates a "magic" moment
Viewers rewatch → longer watch time → algorithm boost
His Insight: King emphasized that the edit itself isn't the point—the story is. Each invisible edit serves the narrative. Without context, it's just a trick. With a strong hook and payoff, it's viral-worthy.
Attendee Takeaway: Apply this to product reveals, transformations, or before/after content. One attendee adapted this for a fitness Reel and reported a 40% increase in saves post-event (though this was not independently verified).
Colin & Samir (1.6M Followers):
The Podcast-to-Instagram Funnel
The Framework: Colin & Samir shared their "Creator Diversification Model" - how they moved beyond viral clips to building a sustainable business:
YouTube Channel (1.6M subscribers) → Long-form entertainment
Instagram Reels (cross-posted clips) → Awareness & reach
Podcast ("The Colin and Samir Show") → Deeper audience relationship
Newsletter ("The Publish Press") → Direct access & monetization
Brand Partnerships → Revenue (with Shopify, Samsung, etc.)
The Insight: Viral moments don't equal sustainable income. The creators who win build distribution networks, not just big follower counts.
Concrete Example They Shared:
Post a 30-second clip on Instagram Reels
Tease: "Full story on the podcast"
Listeners convert to email subscribers
Email subscribers buy courses or digital products
Attendee Takeaway: Don't just chase views—design a funnel that moves followers to owned channels (email, Discord, Slack) where you control the relationship.
Brock Johnson (784K Followers):
Live Reel Critiques & Algorithm Hacks
The Session: Johnson invited attendees to submit Reels for real-time feedback. He reviewed 8 clips live and provided specific, actionable edits.
What He Critiqued:
Hook timing (first 3 seconds determine if viewers stay)
Sound design (trending audio + original voiceover = better reach)
Pacing (cuts every 1–2 seconds = higher engagement)
Call-to-action placement (end card or caption, not voiceover)
The Standout Result: One attendee's fitness Reel scored 10,000 additional views after Johnson's tweaks (removing a slow intro, adding trending audio, tightening cuts). Johnson's feedback: "You had good intent, but viewers bounced in the first second. Make them feel the energy immediately."
Attendee Takeaway: Watch time is the new currency. Every second of dead air costs you reach.
Natasha Willis (School of Bots Co-Founder):
AI-Powered DM Funnels
The Opportunity: Willis revealed that brands working with her agency have generated $87M in attributed revenue using automated DM sequences (though timeframe and methodology were not detailed). ManyChat powers their automation.
Her Framework: "The DM-to-Customer Funnel"
"Say Hi" Automation → New follower gets instant welcome message with personality
Lead Qualifier → Bot asks: "Are you a creator or brand owner?" (segments audience)
Value Drop → Free template or guide based on answer
Engagement Loop → Bot asks open-ended question (builds rapport)
Soft Sell → After 3–5 interactions, offer a paid product or service
Attendee Takeaway: Automation isn't impersonal, it's efficient personalization. Respond faster, segment better, convert more.
Vivian Tu ("Your Rich BFF," 3.7M Followers):
Financial Content & Creator Monetization
Her Angle: Tu, a former Wall Street trader and NYT bestselling author, taught finance creators how to build audiences AND revenue simultaneously.
Three Revenue Models for Finance Creators:
Ad Revenue (YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels) → ~$0.25–$4 per 1,000 views
Affiliate Marketing (recommend products, earn commission) → 5–20% per sale
Digital Products (courses, templates, newsletters) → Highest margin, lowest scale
Her Framework: "The Value Stack"
Tier 1: Free (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts)
Tier 2: Engaged (Newsletter, email list)
Tier 3: Paying (Courses, masterclasses, 1-on-1 coaching)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a recording or replay available of the summit sessions?
What were the key takeaways or announcements from the event?
The ManyChat Instagram Summit 2025 delivered insights on Instagram growth, automation, and monetization, themed around "growing the right audience," "selling smarter," and "thinking like a business."
Will ManyChat host another Instagram Summit in the future?
While ManyChat hasn't officially announced a 2026 edition yet, strong indicators suggest they will host another Instagram Summit in the future. A September 2025 ManyChat blog post teases "maybe when we do it again next year." Also, they're offering 2026 discounts on the official Manychat Instagram Summit website.
What is ManyChat and how does it work with Instagram?
ManyChat is an Instagram-approved chatbot and automation platform (used by businesses and creators worldwide). It lets Instagram users connect to Manychat to automate conversations, sales, and audience growth directly inside Instagram DMs, Comments, Stories, and Broadcast Channels, without ever leaving the app.
Is ManyChat officially approved by Instagram (Meta)?
Yes, ManyChat is officially approved by Instagram (owned by Meta). As an official Meta Business Partner for Messaging, it's 100% compliant with Instagram's terms and policies, allowing safe automation for DMs, Comments, Stories, and Broadcast Channels without risk of bans.
Is ManyChat free, or what does it cost?
Free plans are available, but users can also upgrade to pro for $15 per month, or premium starting at $150 per month.
What new ManyChat features for Instagram were announced at the summit?
At the ManyChat Instagram Summit 2025, CEO Mike Yan unveiled several Instagram-specific updates during his keynote: A redesigned inbox, enhanced AI automations, and a "Say Hi to New Followers" feature.
The ManyChat Instagram Summit confirmed what works in 2025: creators who automate early engagement, diversify distribution, and segment audiences will outpace those chasing viral moments. The tactics shared, from Zach King's invisible edits to Colin & Samir's funnel model, are immediately actionable.
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