(According to the 27 million Instagram Users)
We are in the digital era of instant gratification and this could not be truer for the vast array of sites and apps currently available for photo sharing. Online photo sharing has long-been popular: Picasa launched in 2002; Flickr was founded in 2004, Instagram emerged in 2010 and in 2012, Facebook records show
they are home to 250million daily photo uploads.
This week, Instagram reached 27 million users, showing it is taking the definitive lead in the current mobile photo sharing boom.
What makes it so popular?
Smartphones have paved the way in allowing anyone to be in possession of a great camera. As a result, more people are using their mobiles to capture that perfect, in the moment shot; a capability that the photo sharing app Instagram has capitalised on.
The unique focus of the app is its instantaneous point-and-share functionality, whilst providing users with filters and design elements to enhance images. The app allows you to share photos on a variety of social platforms in one seamless process; instant gratification at its best
Where next?
As if reaching the milestone of 27 million users wasn’t enough for them to be shouting about, Instagram co-founder, Kevin Systrom, teased audiences at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas this weekend. Holding an Android phone as he spoke, he displayed a working Instagram app, but refused to
give a full walk through of it just yet (what a tease!).
Brands love Instagram
“Build it, and they shall come,” a mantra many big brands such as Levi’s, Starbucks, Red Bull, Gucci, our own Jamie Oliver and even the Presidential Obama campaign in the States have listened to. The marketing strategy that seems to work for the following case studies is simple; be social, offer value and
engage.
Starbucks
Starbucks, one of the first brands to set up an account on Instagram, is using this tool to fantastic effect and really causing a stir (apologies for the pun!) With over 300,000 followers, Starbucks are creating an online social community. With fun and exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ photos of the brand, ranging from coffee tasting sessions in the boardroom, new logos and new product ideas; followers are rewarded with an insight into the goings on of the company. They are enjoying the rich range of UGC
(user generated content) emerging, using the #Starbucks hashtag, using the images for future social and marketing campaigns.
Jamie Oliver
Flying the flag for us on Instagram, Jamie Oliver has created a very personal and engaging profile for his fans to follow. One of the charms of Jamie Oliver is his ‘your mate’approach and his profile is just the same. He has been very clever to incorporate not just images of food but also daily photos
of his restaurants, fresh produce, family life and fun moments.
He also used his profile for a great PR opportunity, posting an image with the comment; “Free chilli freak Artisan pizza today show this picture as proof it’s on me only for Instagram posse!!” This is
customer engagement at its best, giving value to his followers and still being accessible to the people who want to hear all about him.
Levi’s
Levi’s are looking for a star and using Instagram to do it! Acknowledging the huge amount of user engagement, Levi’s are using the network to cast for their next ad campaign in September. Using the #iamlevis hashtag, they are looking for fresh new faces, of both men and women to upload their photos via
Instagram to have a chance at appearing in the shoot.
It’s like America’s Next Top Model gone global, a fantastic way for anyone to get a shot at stardom in the modern era. We can see this type of campaign going from strength to strength with such an engaging and
growing audience.
Prodo loves Instagram
Last year we looked into Facebook improving customer engagement and Instagram has certainly encapsulated this within their app. Here at Prodo HQ, with our array dogs, chickens and cakes a plenty, we have lots to be snap happy about and love that all our staff can tag their #prododigital photos.
Take a look at our list of favourite Instagram images so far…but watch this space, there is always something exciting going on down here.
