AI-Mediated Strategic Communication for Social Media Growth: A Case Study of Men Odyssey with a Focus on U.S. Male Audiences on Instagram

In an era of data-driven marketing, targeting the right audience on social media platforms is crucial. This study explores how AI-driven strategic communication can optimize Instagram engagement with a male audience in the United States. Using a single-case study approach, we collected baseline (pre-test) engagement metrics—views, likes, shares, saves, and follower growth—for a series of content posts on a commercial Instagram account. We then employed machine learning tools to analyze audience preferences and refine our content strategy, focusing on male-centric themes (e.g., adventurous or “fearless” activities) and optimizing captions, hashtags, and posting schedules. A post-test assessment compared the original metrics to those achieved after deploying the AI-driven strategy. Results indicate marked improvements: average post views and likes more than tripled (e.g., from ~2–3k to ~8–12k per post), shares increased over ninefold, and follower growth per post similarly surged. Top-performing posts—identified via AI-based trend analysis—achieved over 180k views and 35k likes, far exceeding pre-test levels. These gains demonstrate the efficacy of AI-driven content optimization, with male-targeted messaging significantly boosting engagement among the target demographic. This case study highlights the potential of integrating AI tools into social media marketing, offering actionable insights for strategic communication professionals aiming to enhance targeted audience reach on Instagram.