Connecting 101: Instagram
When Instagram was created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger and launched in October of 2010, the service brought a whole new meaning to online sharing. Instagram is known for its photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to capture pictures and videos, apply a vast selection of digital filters to them, and share them on a variety of social networking services, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr.
Instagram has grown exceptionally fast for a new social media platform, and part of the growth may have something to do with Facebook’s $1 billion purchase of the app. While I heard many complaints from users that the social network would ruin the new photo-sharing app, I think it is safe to say it only increased its popularity and allowed a wider stage for connections. As of September 8, 2013, the popular social media platform reached 150 million users—which is incredible! With the large audience Instagram entails, it is an excellent way to connect, and stay connected, with others all around the world.
- Connect through Photographs
You’ve heard the old saying: “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And that’s absolutely true. It is easy to connect with others by capturing the world from your viewpoint with Instagram. Images allow us to connect with one another on a different platform simply by displaying a message to one another. Whether the message be about your experience at a concert or your favorite food, Instagram allows for others to discover and understand the world through photographs.
- Connect through Exploring
One of the easiest ways to connect with others on Instagram is on the ‘Explore’ tab. This feature consists of 15 most popular ‘liked’ images from all over the world. This allows you to venture out and view images you may not see on your normal feed. While also providing different content, exploring can connect you to other users. The great thing about the explore tab is that it is constantly changing. It updates the most popular 15 pictures every few minutes, allowing us to connect to even more people.
- Connect through Hashtags
If you are looking to connect with new Instagram users, adding a hashtag to the picture you upload is a great way to do so. Displaying a specific hashtag connects you with more like-minded people. This feature allows you to share your photo to a wider audience who probably would not have seen the photo without it.
Instagram is a great social media platform that provides people from all over the world to share their personal photos with friends and family, and it is a great place for users with common interests to connect and come together to share and discuss content. How do you connect with Instagram?
