Instagram Explained in 14 Points: the Fun Place to Share Photos, Videos & Messages With Friends & Family

Instagram is a popular social media app that allows people to share photos and videos with their friends, family, and followers. The app was launched in 2010, and it quickly gained a large user base due to its user-friendly interface and innovative features.

In this article, we will talk about the history of Instagram, its usage statistics, and how it generates income and profit.

History of Instagram

Instagram was launched in San Francisco, California in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially, the app was exclusive to iOS devices, but it was later released for Android devices in 2012. The app was an instant success and had more than one million registered users within the first two months of its launch. In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion, which was an unprecedented move in the technology industry at that time.

Instagram was initially designed as a photo-sharing app, but it has evolved over time to incorporate features such as stories, IGTV, and Reels. Instagram Stories, launched in 2016, allowed users to share short-form videos and photos that disappear after 24 hours. The feature quickly became popular among Instagram users and even prompted Snapchat to release a similar feature. IGTV was launched in 2018, which allowed users to share longer videos of up to one hour. In 2020, Instagram launched Reels, which is a feature similar to TikTok that allows users to create and share short-form videos set to music.

Usage Statistics

As of 2023, Instagram has over two billion monthly active users, making it the fourth most popular social app worldwide. 500 million people use the app on a daily basis. 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business account, and 200 million users visit at least one business profile every day. Instagram is particularly popular among young people, with 71% of users being under the age of 35. Furthermore, women make up a larger percentage of Instagram users, with 57% of the user base being female.

Instagram is particularly popular in the United States, India and Brazil. More then 300 million active users are visiting Instagram from India.

Usage statistics also reveal that Instagram is heavily used for e-commerce and online shopping. Over 60% of Instagram users say that they have discovered new products on the app, and 30% of users have bought a product that they saw on Instagram.

Instagram features

Instagram has many features that make it a popular social media platform. Some of the most popular features include:

1. Stories: Instagram Stories are short videos or photos that disappear after 24 hours. They are a great way to share moments from your day with your followers.
2. Reels: Instagram Reels are short videos that can be up to 60 seconds long. They are a great way to share creative content with your followers.
3. IGTV: IGTV is a long-form video platform that allows users to upload videos up to 60 minutes long.
4. Shopping: Instagram Shopping allows businesses to sell products directly on the platform.
5. Direct Messaging: Instagram Direct Messaging allows users to send private messages to each other.
6. Hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to discover new content on Instagram. Users can search for hashtags or click on them to see related content.
7. Filters: Instagram filters allow users to add fun effects to their photos and videos.

Most popular Instagram trends

1. Authentic content: There is an increasing need for authentic content from both influencers and businesses.
2. Social justice movements: Instagram users are becoming more involved in social justice movements.
3. Microinfluencers over macroinfluencers: Brands are starting to work with microinfluencers instead of macroinfluencers.
4. Insta-Shopping: Instagram Shopping is becoming more popular.
5. User-generated content: User-generated content is becoming more popular.
6. Bite-sized content: There is a preference for bite-sized content.
7. Brand memes: Brands are using memes to connect with their audience.

Most popular Instagram challenges

1. Dance Instagram challenge: The beginning of four English alphabets ABCD itself says ‘Any Body Can Dance’.
2. WHP Instagram challenge: #WHP aka “Weekend Hashtag Project” is an official Instagram challenge.
3. Hand Gesture Instagram Challenge.
4. TBT or #throwbackthursday.
5. Workout Challenge on Instagram.
6. Pillow Challenge.
7. Mugshot Challenge.
8. Dalgona Coffee Challenge.

Most liked Instagram photos ever

1. An egg – 54.9 million likes.
2. XXXTentacion’s final image posted before his death – 23.8 million likes.
3. Billie Eilish’s photo of her new blonde hair – 20.8 million likes.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s post in remembrance of Diego Maradona – 19.8 million likes.
5. Chadwick Boseman’s family announcing his passing – 19.1 million likes.

Most liked Instagram videos ever

1. Cristiano Ronaldo’s video posted on his Instagram account @cristiano: “Stay home and keep stylish” – 19.7 million likes.
2. Lady Gaga’s video of her getting a tattoo – 14.9 million likes.

Income and Profit

Instagram generates most of its revenue through advertising. Advertisers pay Instagram to display sponsored content to users, and the app uses a variety of ad formats to accomplish this goal. In-feed ads are the most popular ad format on Instagram, and they appear in a user’s feed alongside other posts from accounts that they follow. Other ad formats include story ads, IGTV ads, and sponsored posts from influencers.

Instagram’s parent company, Facebook, does not disclose the exact revenue generated by Instagram, but it is estimated that the app generated $20 billion in advertising revenue in 2019.

Instagram generated an estimated $51.4 billion revenue in 2022, accounting for almost 45% of Facebook’s total revenue which is a testament to the app’s popularity and effectiveness as an advertising platform.

Are Instagram and Facebook the same

Facebook and Instagram are both social media platforms that are owned by the same company. However, there are some differences between the two platforms.

Facebook allows users to post various types of media, like articles, quizzes, website links, and long videos. Instagram only enables posting photos and short videos. Facebook also has a Games feature and allows users to create photo albums, while Instagram does not. Instagram is more photo-centric and mobile-friendly, while Facebook is both desktop and mobile-friendly. Facebook is a closed-knit community of people who know each other, while Instagram lets users build and join communities of people who share common interests. Facebook has more users than Instagram and a broader range of age demographics, while Instagram is more preferred by younger people.

How to create an Instagram account

To create an Instagram account, you can go to instagram.com and click Sign up. Enter your email address, and create a username and password to set up your account. You also have the option to sign in to Instagram using your Facebook account.

Some tips to get more followers on Instagram

1. Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to increase your reach and get more followers. Use relevant hashtags that are related to your niche.
2. Post regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Post regularly and at the right time to increase engagement.
3. Engage with your followers: Respond to comments and messages from your followers. This will help you build a relationship with them.
4. Collaborate with other accounts: Collaborating with other accounts in your niche can help you reach a wider audience.
5. Use Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories are a great way to engage with your followers and keep them interested in your content.
6. Run contests and giveaways: Contests and giveaways are a great way to increase engagement and get more followers.
7. Use Instagram Ads: Instagram Ads can help you reach a wider audience and get more followers.

Link your Facebook account to your Instagram account

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Account.
5. Tap Linked Accounts.
6. Tap Facebook and enter your Facebook login info.
7. Once you’ve linked your accounts, you can choose to share your Instagram posts on Facebook.

Use Instagram for business

To use Instagram for business, you need to set up an Instagram business account. You can create an account by connecting an existing Facebook page or a new login specific to Instagram. A business account gives you access to features like an expanded bio section, advertising options, tracking insights, and sales function. You can switch to a professional account from the settings menu. Choose a username that clearly represents your business, add a profile photo, a biography and a link to your website. Use photos, live videos, and hashtags to market your business and connect with your target audience.

Conclusion

Instagram is a popular social media app that has evolved significantly since its launch in 2010. The app has over two billion monthly active users, and it generates most of its revenue through advertising. Instagram’s popularity is due in large part to its user-friendly interface and innovative features such as stories, IGTV, and Reels. As Instagram continues to evolve and grow, it will undoubtedly remain a popular platform for social media users and advertisers alike.

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