For many people, social media is a critical tool. Individuals use these public platforms to communicate, in addition to updating friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers about the happenings in their lives. Businesses also employ these outreach methods as a means of promoting their entities and attracting new customers.
One of the more popular social media avenues is Instagram.
Instagram Overview
Started in 2010, Instagram is a social media platform devoted to photo and video streaming. Users can post photographs and recorded videos to their site for their followers to see and watch. Like other well-known outlets, individuals can follow others with active accounts and vice versa.
Unlike other social media outlets, however, Instagram is more of a mobile platform that people typically use while on devices, such as their cell phone or tablet. That said, you can still view and post from your laptop or desktop computer.
The Reasons Instagram Is Popular
Visibility: Arguably, the most significant reason Instagram has become so popular is that it is a strictly visual medium. Everyone has heard the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words. Those who set up an Instagram account are afforded the opportunity to view bright, vibrant photos. Granted, other avenues enable account holders to post and view images. However, these pictures are typically surrounded by blocks of text that might prove distracting or limit a viewer’s interest.
Creativity: Instagram users favor the platform for its promotion of creativity. People often use the platform to post innovative, enjoyable, inspiring visuals for their followers to enjoy. Given that Instagram is a worldwide entity, these posts can prove quite far-reaching and help heighten the user’s profile manifold.
Business-Friendly: Instagram has quickly morphed into one of the more business-friendly social media platforms. Establishments from large corporations to local mom-and-pop stores use the versatile platform to display products and services in a way that brings their products and services to life.
Setting Up An Account
Establishing an account is relatively straightforward. First, choose which device you want to use to Instagram on (most use their phones). Then download the Instagram app onto that device. Next, open the app and follow the directions for setting up and using the account. You’ll be asked to provide information like your email and phone number and then confirm via code texted to your phone (for security). You’ll then be asked to register by creating a username and password.
Note that Instagram also enables those with active Facebook accounts to register or log in utilizing their Facebook credentials.
Though mobile usage is the preferred method, Instagram accounts may be established and used on laptop and desktop computers. Those planning on employing Instagram on their computers can visit Instagram’s website and click on the sign-up icon. If you do it this way, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and then choose a username and password. As with mobile accounts, computer users can log in using their Facebook credentials.