Why is Instagram still a popular social network?

Instagram gets a lot of criticism and there are even some suggestions for alternatives you should try. But at the end of the day, Instagram is still the favorite social media site. Here's why!

1. Instagram Direct Messages Are More Visual Than Other Platforms

Even if they don't post much on their Instagram accounts, many people will happily keep the app just for its direct messaging feature.

Direct messages on Instagram are simply more intuitive, and now that it's so much easier to respond to messages on Instagram, there's no real reason to use another social network to message someone.

2. Instagram is great for portfolios

If you are a professional photographer or do writing, having a portfolio is essential.

 

If you're an enthusiast and are thinking about taking your art to the next level and attracting clients, you should set up an Instagram account. While you should still set up a portfolio at some point, Instagram is a cost-effective and efficient way to at least get started.

3. Instagram's interface is very intuitive

Another reason why Instagram is such a popular social media platform is because it's so easy to navigate. The interface makes it clear where you'll find everything you're looking for, and it's easy to choose between sharing a regular post, a Reel, or a Story.

The Instagram interface also uses complementary colors and easy-to-read fonts, making navigation simple in both light and dark modes. You can also easily toggle your various settings for notifications and a few other aspects.

4. You have control over the content you see

While there's no denying that Instagram has become more annoying when it comes to viewing content from non-followers, it's not the only social media site that's doing so. You also have a lot of different controls when it comes to determining what content you consume.

 

One example is the option to only see posts from accounts you follow. I wish you didn't have to toggle this option every time you open the app, but at least it's there. Likewise, you can easily only see content from your close friends if you want.

You can also change your Instagram Explore page by clearing your search history, marking content as "Not Interested," and in a number of other ways.

5. This is the best social networking app to share artworks with people

The main reason people use social media in general is to share their work, and Instagram is a specific channel for photography. While there are some alternatives, none of them are on par with Instagram in terms of features. Instagram also has a wider audience.

6. It's easier to find inspiration on Instagram

While 'finding inspiration' on Instagram used to be an excuse to endlessly scroll through the app, people are now actually using the app for that reason. It's one of the ways to learn how to re-engage with social media after a long hiatus. There are plenty of places to find inspiration, like blogs, Pinterest, and real-life galleries, but Instagram is still one of the best places.

You'll also find it easier to discover accounts you wouldn't have noticed before. While Instagram should show fewer posts from people you don't follow, one advantage is that you'll at least be able to see new artists.

7. Instagram Filters Are a Great Alternative to Photo Editing

While people often use Lightroom and Photoshop for advanced photo editing, Instagram filters are great if you just want to post photos from your smartphone. You'll also find more filters these days, meaning you can get the exact look you're looking for.

 

You can also change the intensity of the slider, making Instagram filters a handy alternative to photo editing. If you decide you want to try your hand at editing later, there are a number of apps you can use to get Instagram-style filters on your smartphone.

8. You have more control over the types of visual content you post

Instagram isn't as good as X or Facebook for written content, but it's great if you want to share visual posts. You can use Threads as a text-based alternative to Facebook now anyway, so this isn't a huge deal.

Since you can share both Reels and photos, Instagram is a better choice than TikTok. Likewise, Instagram Stories are much better than Facebook Stories. Another advantage of Instagram is the option to share both carousels and single photos.

While Instagram is certainly not perfect, it is better than any other social media platform. You can post a wide variety of content and the user interface is easy to navigate. While there are many things that need to change about how Instagram shares content with you, at least you have the option to control what content you consume and as an artist, it is a good platform to look for inspiration.