What is Instagram

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social platform available as a mobile app. It was first launched in October 2010. Every Instagram account has a profile, feed, explore, upload, and notifications page. Instagram reported over 1 billion monthly active users as of January 2022. Read on to learn more about this cool social platform.

What is Instagram – Introduction

On Instagram, you can follow people, like and comment on their posts, and tag and privately message them. You can also follow your favorite celebs to see what their everyday lives look like.

The app has a layout reminiscent of old-fashioned Polaroids. There are also tons of editing features to explore. Plus, the app is a hub of latest trends—from bizarre fashion fads to offbeat challenges making the world go gaga over, there is nothing that Instagrammers miss.

What is Instagram – Key Features and Tools

Instagram is all about visual sharing. Apart from photo and video editing, the app has some interesting features.

Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories allow you to post one or more photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. IG stories are also quite interactive. From stickers and GIFs to polls and questions, there are many ways to engage with your followers.

Instagram Live

With this feature, you can stream videos in real-time to interact with your followers.

IGTV

IGTV is basically Instagram’s answer to YouTube. Users can share long-form videos that are 1 to 15 minutes long.

Collection

This is a great tool for those who constantly screenshot everything they want to remember. Instagram lets you save posts in your collection. You can also organize and categorize these posts.

Hashtag

You can add and use hashtags across Instagram. Hashtags help categorize posts, attract followers, increase engagement, build a brand image, and reach a target audience.

Hashtags are also a powerful tool to use. In recent times, hashtags like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have helped fuel social activism online.

Instagram Direct

The app has a built-in messaging system with which you can directly interact with friends and groups. You can send text messages, photos, voice mails, GIFs, and videos. Additionally, you can also video-call your friends using Instagram Direct.

Instagram Marketing

Good news for those who have products and services to market—Instagram is geared towards businesses. Here are ways by which you can market your offerings on Instagram:

• Set up your Instagram business profile
• Create sponsored ads to promote your products
• Partner with influencers and brands for a wider reach
• Use your brand hashtag consistently to engage with the right audience
• Connect your Instagram profile to other social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter

What is Instagram – Good to Know

There is no “official” way to post your pictures and videos on Instagram from your computer. But there are some third-party tools and desktop hacks for this fix.

Unlike Facebook or Twitter, Instagram was designed especially for mobile users. This contributes to the network’s streamlined interface and portability. But at the same time, it can feel like a limitation if you’re using it for marketing purposes.

What is Instagram – Why Use It

It is a free app, so why not? It seems like everyone—including their adorable pets—is on the platform. You can use the app for what it is, that is showcasing your photos. You can also use it for advertising purposes.

Many people have also embraced their more creative side for the ‘gram. Not only are they taking aesthetic photographs to share, but they are also using the app to share their music, dance, culinary skills, poetry, artworks, and other talents.

Simply put, Instagram is fun and friendly to use. You can share the world around you—click a photo, add a filter, make it look amazing, and share!

Instagram should be considered as part of your content planning strategy.