Viral Carousel Content Strategist (Instagram / TikTok)

Research-Driven Carousel Strategist Cold Audience / Viral + Value We are building a bold productivity DTC brand in the coffee alternative / functional mushroom space. This role focuses on attention engineering and content psychology, not traditional graphic design. We are looking for a content strategist and viral researcher who understands how carousel content grows on social platforms. This role is closer to a content strategist or creator mindset than a traditional designer role. We are not looking for someone who only creates social media graphics or templates. Thinking, hooks, storytelling, and market awareness matter far more than aesthetics. This role is not focused on producing branded social media graphics, templates, or visual asset packages. We are specifically looking for someone who understands viral content mechanics — hooks, tension, narrative flow, and audience psychology. The priority is content thinking and attention engineering, not designing promotional graphics. About the Brand We are an early-stage productivity brand focused on helping professionals improve focus and energy through smarter alternatives to traditional coffee. Our social accounts are currently in a cold-start phase, so we’re specifically looking for someone who understands how to design content that performs from zero — strong hooks, retention mechanics, and viral carousel structure that can help a new account gain initial traction. This role is less about posting volume and more about engineering high-performing ideas that can break through with a small or new audience. Experience helping new or low-follower accounts grow on Instagram or TikTok is strongly preferred. Performance Experience (Preferred) If possible, please share examples of carousel content you’ve created that achieved 5,000+ likes, saves, or shares, or contributed to meaningful audience growth on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. This is not a strict requirement, but examples of strong engagement help us understand your experience creating content that performs. If available, please include: • the carousel example • the platform it was posted on • engagement metrics (likes, saves, shares, reach, or follower growth) We are particularly interested in content that performed well with cold audiences, not just existing followers. The Goal Create carousels that: • stop the scroll on Slide 1 • trigger emotional tension immediately • work on accounts with low or zero followers • generate comments and saves • blend viral tension with real insight Carousels do not need to be static slides. Slides can incorporate elements such as: • short video clips • memes • screenshots • trending educational formats These elements can be used when they strengthen engagement or spark conversation. The goal is to create resonance and discussion, not simply polished visuals. Carousel Structures We Explore While we prioritize original ideas, some common formats we explore include: • Problem → Solution • Do vs Don't • Story-based carousels These are starting points, not templates. Strong hooks and audience psychology matter more than format. Strategy-First Role This role focuses primarily on ideas, hooks, and narrative structure, rather than visual design alone. We already have brand guidelines, fonts, and visual systems in place. The strategist may create the carousel slides directly or collaborate with a designer using our brand guidelines. Design execution matters, but strong ideas and audience insight are the priority. Research Is Required Before creating anything, you should actively research: • TikTok (For You Page) • Instagram (Explore) • viral carousel patterns • Slide-1 hook mechanics • emotional engagement triggers Expected workflow: Research → Insight → Concept → Hook → Structure We are looking for someone who thinks first and designs second. AI Tools & Production Workflow AI carousel tools and content generators can be used to speed up production and formatting. Tools that convert ideas, videos, or text into carousel drafts can help accelerate workflow and allow us to test more concepts quickly. However, the core value of this role is research, hook creation, audience insight, and narrative structure. AI tools may assist with formatting or layout, but the thinking, tension, and storytelling must come first. Market Understanding Required We operate in the productivity / coffee alternative / mushroom space. Product-heavy carousels rarely work with cold audiences. These approaches typically fail: • ingredient breakdown slides • “here’s what’s inside” content • product-first storytelling Instead we want ideas that: • tap into real pain points • challenge assumptions • create tension before value Themes often include: • coffee crashes • overstimulation • burnout culture • productivity pressure The goal is conversation and insight, not product promotion. Hook Thinking High-performing carousel hooks often follow patterns such as: • contrarian statements that challenge assumptions • problem identification that makes people feel seen • insight reveals that teach something surprising • identity-based hooks that speak directly to a specific audience Strong hooks create curiosity and tension that make people want to swipe. Test Phase We will begin with 1–2 test carousels. Budget for the initial project: $250–$500 depending on experience and quality of work. If the collaboration is successful and content performs well, we are open to larger ongoing projects and higher fees. Collaboration & Support We will provide research support, creative direction, and collaboration to help you succeed in this role. The goal is to partner with someone long-term and continuously improve ideas and formats through testing and iteration. Additional Context If storytelling formats are your strength, we also have founder video content that can be repurposed into storytelling carousels. You are welcome to: • restructure the narrative • strengthen the tension • build a stronger story arc Original thinking is valued more than templates. Optional (Helpful for Understanding Your Thinking) If you'd like, feel free to answer this quick question: What would your Slide 1 hook be for a carousel about coffee crashes and productivity?