There has been A LOT of talk about Instagram lately, the app we love to hate.
I've discussed my thoughts on Instagram before in this post here, and whilst nothing has changed in terms of the way I feel towards Instagram and my feed itself, the algorithm, unfortunately has... Again!
Instagram mixed up the way in which we see the content our favourite creators and even our friends are sharing with us, for what feels like the zillionth time. It's left MANY people feeling frustrated and taking to Twitter or Instagram stories to ask politely that you turn on their notifications, that you engage with their last 10 photos and comment with at least four words... And whilst these theories are all well and good, I bloody wish they would kindly stop.
This is my job, correct.
And it's many of my favourite Instagram accounts jobs too, so don't get me wrong, I TOTALLY get it. But it's boring and as I said in my last post, it really is not the end of the world. I am yet to try any of the above algorithm beating tactics so I can't comment as to whether they actually work, but I recently read a piece by Man Repeller on "How to Get More Instagram Likes: A Theory" a piece I really enjoyed reading, as I do ALL of their articles; and whilst I read it with a smile on my face (again as I do with ALL of their articles) I have to say it did bug me a little bit.
Basically Leandra Medine's theory to receiving more Instagram likes is to ensure that you take each and every photograph on an i-Phone or other camera phone, a theory I have to say I have heard before and actually tried out late last year. A theory that quite frankly I think is a load of bull, for want of a better word.
Leandra explained how she shared the same image of her looking oh so gorgeous with a towel on her head adorned in the most gorgeous gold jewellery first on an i-Phone and secondly shot on her Canon DSLR. She found that the i-Phone snap received over 12,000 more likes than that of the "professional" camera shot, interesting. But similarly to the babes Sophie and Millie over on the "Keeping It Candid" podcast (you MUST MUST MUST give it a listen, I am suitably obsessed!) my initial thoughts were how I wish she'd have shared the camera snap before the i-Phone image. I've always found that sharing the same outfit more than once will naturally show in the number of likes. It's not as fresh as it was the first time you shared it so it makes sense that people are less engaged (not that, that stops me)
I do wonder if the results had been a little different if they had been shared in reverse order?
I tested out this theory back in Summer just before I shared my initial post about the Instagram algorithm and after reading a trend report about Instagram user habits on WGSN. I trialled snapping my daily outfits and musings solely on my i-Phone 7 Plus, and whilst granted, these posts performed well and *sometimes* better than those shot on a camera, it wasn't the huge jump in engagement I was expecting.
These photos took me half the time to shoot, which is definitely a plus side of shooting on a phone; everyone has a phone and knows how to take a photo using them, so it was easy to ask whoever I was with to snap away and to nail the shot within the first few frames. Editing, similarly was a doddle, quick and easy.
However, I did NOT feel the same joy or excitement for those photographs. I didn't feel the excitement I usually have for sharing a photo and seeing your reactions and I certainly felt no joy or creativity when creating the snap. It was too quick, too easy and I simply didn't like the rawness of the shot.
I want to look at my Instagram feed and feel proud of what I have created. I want it to showcase my style, my creativity, my personality and if that means shooting on a camera and losing out on a couple thousand likes, then so be it.
HAT- ASOS, TOP- c/o TOPSHOP, OVERALLS- c/o TOPSHOP, TRAINERS- CONVERSE c/o BAGGINS SHOES
I take my Instagram snaps on the Canon G7X Mark II, a pocket sized camera that I use for daily vlogging too. It's a nifty little camera and is extremely easy for anyone to use. It creates crisp and colourful images something I found my phone shots weren't doing enough, yet this camera showcases a "snap & go" aesthetic with a somewhat rawness to them, similarly to that of an i-Phone snap so I feel that I have found my happy medium.
Being a creator I want to be proud of each and every square on my feed, I want to know that I have put my heart and soul into taking the photograph, to editing the photograph and writing the copy to go along with it and I have to say i-Phone snaps did none of the above for me.
So with that and all the chat around Instagram, algorithms and theories I'm flicking the V's or a middle finger if you wish, to the numbers. It's taken me some time to get there but I can now honestly say that the numbers really don't affect me like they used to. Some images will out-perform others by almost double and hey, thats okay. We can't control the algorithm, so why waste time and energy freaking out about it?
As long as I am feeling my feed and I know that my key, loyal supporters, followers and readers are still digging, then that is MORE than enough for me.
The Keeping It Candid podcast that I briefly mentioned above dedicated an entire episode to this debate, something I found totally interesting indeed. Both Sophie and Millie had fantastic points and personal experiences to share but I relate more to Millie's frame of mine when it comes to Instagram and art.
Personally I am more attracted to artful pieces of content, whether that be shot by phone or by camera and I find myself double tapping on more editorial style imagery for the most part. I find that personally this is achieved through camera photography, but thats not to say I don't engage with phone photography too.
As always this is just my opinion, of course you can create beautiful imagery using a phone, I just prefer my own content to be shot by camera, algorithm and all.
However, I completely understood where Sophie was coming from, i-Phone snaps work incredibly well for her and many others, so why change it!?
This brings me onto my next point beautifully and that is that Instagram isn't a one size fits all platform. You can't replicate what others do and expect the same kind of return, it simply doesn't work that way. It's about staying true to yourself, thinking outside of the box and offering something a little unique. You need to work out what works for you and for your followers and run with it. There is no Instagram-by-numbers and thats something that we should champion and celebrate; it's a beautiful thing that creating the perfect Insta-snap is different for each and every one of us, that we engage in very different ways and with very different pieces of content, theres something out there for us all, whether that be content to engage with or creating content yourself, the trick is to explore it for yourself.
So with that, and the ever changing Instagram algorithm I'm asking you to join me with sticking a middle finger up to numbers! Your account might not be growing the way it used to, heck mine isn't, but it truly doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm happy with the circle of fashionistas that I have, it's a lovely, positive and engaged community and whilst they might not always see every single thing I post, I know they'll (you'll) see it eventually. Create what you love whether that be by phone or by camera and be proud of what you're sharing. Lets go back to using Instagram as a platform for self expression and creativity rather than as a soul business opportunity.
What do you think? Do you have any Instagram-algorithm-theories yourself? Or do you just roll with the punches like me? I'd love to know whether you personally engage with camera shots or phone shots or whether it really doesn't matter to you at all? Despite there being a lot of talk about Instagram lately I'd really love to hear your thoughts on it, whether it be the constant moaning of others, the annoyance of not seeing what you want or how you engage with what you like, lets chat it out in the comments.
See you there.
x M
P.S follow me... LOL JOKE!
I love this post Megan – it’s so interesting especially as I hadn’t heard about this camera vs iPhone theory. I shoot all my blog images on a DSLR (which I share on Instagram too) and then I used to shoot any other images on my Olympus Pen, until it broke back in summer. I have been planning to repurchase the Olympus Pen but in the meantime I have had to shoot on my iPhone. I can’t say I’ve seen much of a difference in engagement between iPhone and camera images but I am like you – I much prefer creating images with a real camera rather than just an iPhone, not only because the photo are much better quality but also the process of setting up the camera etc. You’ve got me second-guessing whether or not to repurchase the Olympus Pen now ha but I think I’ll stick to my gut and go for it! Or I’ve also been considering the Canon G7X Mark II – which would you recommend? XX
Absolutely repurchase the Olympus Pen, such a gorgeous camera and I miss mine so much (it died a year or so ago now) But my sister and boyfriend have it and it’s such a fabulous bit of kit, I deffo think you should repurchase, or perhaps send it in to be fixed?
I LOVE my Canon G7X Mark II as it’s a lot smaller than the Olympus Pen, so easier to carry around and whip out when vlogging in public (the Pen I found to heavy and in you face, you can be a bit more discreet with the G7X) However, if I didn’t vlog I think I’d have gone back to the Olympus Pen tbh as you can change the lens’ and it gives you more creative freedom.
x
First of all this outfit is giving the prettiest spring vibes and I cannot wait, definitely inspired me to pick up a pair of colourful converse as just looking at them makes me feel happy! Secondly, it was so interesting to read this post! I’ve never really delved into the great depths of instagram algorithms as my blog is just a hobby for me and my instagram is just a creative space to share my life, but I can definitely understand how frustrating it must be when it’s your job! I adore your instagram shots as you always have the best style inspo!
Lucy Jane | Infinity of Fashion
Ahh I’m glad you got the spring vibes from it doll. I completely froze whilst shooting it but was desperate to inject a little bit of spring style into my look that day! ROLL ON SPRING!!!
I think thats the beauty of blogging as a hobby, something I really, truly miss. You can be a little more relaxed about things and just roll with all these changes… I think I need to find myself a hobby asap!
Thank you lovely, I’m so glad you like my Instagram, even if the algorithm may stop you from seeing my posts from time to time haha x
What a lovely read Megan! Honestly, I couldn’t care less about the Instagram algorithm. Yes, it’s nice for people to see my content, yes, it’s nice if they didn’t miss out but it’s something were just going to have to deal with. Twitter is good for promoting blog posts etc, so that’ll do for now 🙂 I blog as a hobby, rather than a career, so perhaps that’s why it doesn’t bother me that much.
Fatima x http://www.fatimawrites.co.uk
I’m SO glad you couldn’t care less about the algorithm babe! We SO just need to deal with it rather than moaning about it! xo
I actually prefer looking at shot-on-iphone photos on instagram vs. the perfectly styled editorial-like snaps. It feels more… real, especially when coming from an “influencer.” Almost everything you guys show us is so heavily curated, so it’s nice to see a *bit* of authenticity in the form of a straight-from-the-phone photo, even if it is staged. I know you said you take great pride in the images you share, and it’s your job and all, but that’s why I go to a content creator’s blog: to see the work in which they pride themselves.
INSTAgram has lost the “instant” quality I loved so much when it first began. The joy and excitement came from the actual moment being captured, not from the quality of the photo; the magic happens when you obtain both, and it’s more of a challenge with an iphone, which makes me appreciate those photos even more.
Either way, I don’t think it should be all about the numbers, but I understand that’s how many people make a living these days, and when you’re talking dollars and sense/pounds and pence, it definitely matters.
Great post, Megan! Thanks for sharing. <3
http://www.theactivespirit.com
Interesting babe and fabulous point about being more authentic and I guess theres the whole argument about how everyone has a phone so can recreate the same/similar shot. It really has lost the instant quality to some extent, however I personally wouldn’t look at it like that, it’s still very much instant (in my case anyway) as I tend to snap and share pretty quickly, however just with more thought as to composition and colours. Thanks so much for sharing your point of you Chantel, really truly appreciate it xo
Loved your musings on this! If I think about my all time favourite Instagram accounts, they actually all use DSLR photos instead of phone snaps, which is interesting as personally I probably do about half and half. For me it tends to be about convenience, though – I post a lot of photos of pretty buildings and facades, and sometimes it’s easier to snap one on the phone if I’m “on the go”! xx
Laura // Middle of Adventure
Agreed re convenience, I’m mix it up depending on the image and what I have to hand at the time. I think it’s nice to switch it up from time to time, but I’m with you on my fave accounts using cameras rather than phones, it’s purely personal preference and it should be championed for sure! xo
I love both camera and iphone shots, depending on who I’m following- example I love Sophie’s content but I also love yours and say Victoria’s from In the Frow. I think that everyone will have a different theory on what works because like you said instagram isn’t a one size fits all platform and everybody’s audience will have different preferences and therefore find that different things are more sucessful for them. I think you just have to post what you enjoy and the right people will find you 🙂
xx
Frances Kayleigh | Fashion & Lifestyle
I’m with you Frances, it’s all different strokes for different blokes, or so to speak aha! It’s all personal preference and it’s the beauty of instagram I guess, we can find a little bit of what we fancy from various accounts! xo
Great post, Megan! I’m an avid reader of Man Repeller too, and found myself with similar thoughts after that article. While it was good food for thought, I also found myself considering that even if there are different tips and tricks to try on Instagram, I would never post a photo for the SOLE reason that I think it would get likes. I want to post photos that I like and if people respond, great. If not, there’s always the next one. I totally subscribe to the philosophy of making content you love over looking at the numbers. Thanks again for your opinions on this!
I’m SO with you Ivy! on every single point you just made, yes gurrrl! xo
It’s nice to find a different opinion like yours around here! I’ve stumbled upon tons of articles on how to improve Instagram and other social media visibility that gave me only a headache… Personally I don’t believe that the type of the photography device has much to do with an algorithm, but then again would we really know for certain? I’ve left all theories behind and decided to roll along as it feels. At the end of the day, we have to stay true to ourselves and what we think feels right! For those who enjoy experimenting and trying out new algorithm tricks – that’s great, but for some it might feel more rigid I guess.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post babe, I too don’t really believe that the device can improve visability, but you’re right, we don’t know for certain. Couldn’t agree more about staying true to yourself xo
I understand it’s people’s job, but personally I’d scrap the like button altogether. The fact that popularity is so measurable now is quite scary to me and I’m really glad I didn’t grow up with it. I think it can also be detrimental to the content i.e. in the case of music for example (if labels pick artists based on likes). I don’t know if I’m old fashioned, but I find the talk of chasing likes a bit icky. On a professional level it’s understandable, but on a personal it’s really sad that this kind of feeding of ego is the norm now.
HAHA ooooo cut throat, I like your style! But I too thank the lord that I didn’t grow up with Instagram, it must be so hard for the younger generation. I also find the whole chasing likes majorly icky… It doesn’t sit right with me one bit. Thanks so much for sharing your point babe, I really appreciate it x
Personally I had no idea that this iPhone vs camera discussion was going on but I loved reading your opinion on this. I am neither a blogger or influencer, I’m simply a fashion lover for as long as I can remember. Fashion has been my favourite “thing” since before Instagram was a really big thing (or maybe it was but I was super young back then and being on the internet with your phone was hella expensive) and my never ending search for inspiration started when i first got my hands on an InStyle magazine when I was 12 years old (and read it every month since, if that ain’t customer loyalty LOL). And that’s what I and probably a lot of other followers, that don’t engage with instagram in any professional way are looking for: inspiration. I really do not care whether a picture is shot on a camera or an iPhone. Sometimes I probably don’t even notice because some people can make iPhone pictures look soooo professional (and that’s probably lots of work as well).
What I love about my favourite Instagram accounts (yours being on the top of my list) is the kind of content, consistency as in not using loads of different filters but making your grid looks somewhat alike, and authenticity. I often find Instagram accounts that put a zillion different hashtags under each and every picture that sometimes don’t even have anything to do with what is pictured. To me that seems as if the creator cares solely about the number of likes and followers.
Your blog and Instagram grid is beautiful and inspiring and I am sure that the quality of your work speaks for itself and the numbers will come naturally. In times where Instagram can be used to generate money by so many influencers, authenticity is what really stands out.
xx
Marlena!!! As always thanks for the gorgeous comment, it truly means the world chatting with you!
You’re story about buying InStyle magazine from the age of 12 really made me smile, that truly is customer loyalty haha! Do you still buy it now?
I’m SO glad that you enjoy the content I put out there, that really is amazing to hear! And you’re so right on the whole authenticity train, that is the most important thing! Thank you darling, as always xo
Hi Megan ! First of all, it’s my first time crossing from Insta to your blog and I’m glad I did ! Always loved your style and rock’n’roll vibe.
Now to the point: I listened to that same podcast the other day and really appreciate your point. I completely understand the argument that instagram has lost its reactiveness and closeness and that shooting with phones is a way of looking more ‘real’ and relatable. But at the same time…
Instagram has become such an amazing platform to showcase one’s work and creativity and for me, being able to access so many people with gorgeous photos is the main point of it. If we’re being real, most of what we see on insta is very staged anyway so in my opinion, might as well capture it with the best tools possible ! Though I enjoy bloggers with a good style and phone pictures, I find that it’s the ones who push through to create different and striking images and tell a story that really capture my attention.
Also in that podcast the girls mention a blogger who has been copying them for a year (!!!) and even though I’ve seen the images side by side and it was shocking, I also feel like we are in this age of mass image consumption where everything is calibrated to more or less look the same to get the most likes and money, sometimes at the detriment of just creating something new and different and that is why I will still prefer a camera shot where all angles, composition, color, editing etc has been taken into consideration. For instance that’s also why I like your style, because it’s yours and quirky at times.
All of this being said, I’m a photographer so it would make sense ! If ever you want to try a new one in London 😉
xx M
Ohhh thanks SO much for coming across babe! You have no idea how much that means to me!
YESSSS! I love that, Instagram IS such a fabulous tool for showcasing your work!
Thanks SO much for sharing your point of view on this topic, it truly means a lot xo
Megan, I loved this post. Instagram personally is my favourite platform (twitter a close second) because it gives me an opportunity to be truly creative. Although I have noticed a drop in my following, I found that the analytics in terms of reach, engagements and impressions has been SO useful to me in gaging which content people enjoy and which they don’t. For a while I was publishing content for contents sake and now I take a minute to really think about what I want to say with each post or the story I’m trying to tell. Anyway, I’m rambling, but this is a great post and hits the nail on the head completely. Also, how gorgeous is your outfit.
I agree, second to my blog, it’s my favourite platform! Yeah, the analytics are indeed helpful, however I don’t take them as solid as I’ve had my best engagement when I’ve gone rouge from what my analytics are telling me which is funny.
Really glad you enjoyed this post and liked the outfit too 😀 means a lot babe x
I think Instagram theories are a lid of bull too – I think it’s a case of just post it and see what happens! Numbers don’t define the quality of our work – as disheartening as it can be when you feel like a photo is a total ‘flop’.
I couldn’t agree more with: “As long as I am feeling my feed and I know that my key, loyal supporters, followers and readers are still digging, then that is MORE than enough for me.” – I’m trying to remember why I started blogging/using Instagram in the first place, and it’s because I enjoyed it, not because of likes! I loved creating my feed and seeing regular names liking my content. I think that’s what this all comes back to in the end xxxx
HAHA YES HOLLY! I’m SO glad you’re with me on this! I think thats a really great way of looking at things, remembering why you started out in the first place.xo
I’m completely with you Megan! I like to have a good mix between phone and camera images on my Instagram, ’cause sometimes it’s just easier to use your phone for snapshots. But I like how you explained why you prefer camera images and I think we should all calm down with the Insta algorithm. It sucks for most of us, obviously but we shouldn’t waste our precious time on negative thoughts but rather put more time into creativity, content we can be proud of and whatever makes us happy. Thanks for the reminder! Happy weekend XX Btw I love your colourful styles!
Yeah, it’s SO much easier to use a phone, and I agree that often I will use my phone for images but I do LOVE how a taking a photograph on a camera feels! I LOVE what you’ve said about wasting time on negativity and instead put it into creativity! BEAUTIFUL! x
I loved reading this and hearing your opinion on the whole Instagram deal. I much prefer camera shots. Personally I mainly use my DSLR for Instagram but mix in a couple of iPhone photos here and there if i don’t have chance to go out and shoot. I do get what you mean though, it’s difficult because when you rely on social media to promote your blog it’s hard not to get caught up in all of the instagram updates etc. But, I do think I need to not care as much like you said. Screw the numbers… xx Imogen
imogenrose.co.uk
Here’s to not caring and just doing us girlie! x
Hey Megan,
I really enjoyed reading this – I love that you are addressing this so honestly and sharing your opinion. It’s exactly the authenticity I value in you and some other influences I follow.
Personally I think that the new Instagram algorithm is frustrating for people who are still trying to get noticed or grow their following. Not neccessarily new bloggers and influencers – although them too – but new brands or artists, whose success relies on social media so much these days. I would also rather see more posts from my friends on my feed than ads and sponsored content, which is all I see now.
On the other hand, I admit I got carried away myself, aspiring to become a blogger/influencer – I found myself thinking way too much about what content would get me noticed most, which hashtags would get me most likes, forgetting about the whole point of Instagram. Which in my opinion is creatively expressing who we are, what we do and what inspires us – without any hidden agenda. I wish everyone would go back to posting what they like instead of what they think the others want to see. Instagram would be a much more interesting platform again.
Thanks for keeping it real! x
Anita, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this post! You’re absolutely right, it must be so hard for new brands and artists to get noticed, it’s such an annoying thing, this whole algorithm thing, but I guess we just need to roll with it as it’s never gonna go back to how it was.
I think it is SO easy to get bogged down in it and post what you think people want to see, rather than following your heart and posting what you LOVE! Good luck with everything gorge and thank you so much for reading and for taking the time out to comment xo
Such a throwback for me with the converse – I had a pair of those mustard bad boys almost ten years ago and seeing them again is making me want to go out and nab myself a pair ASAP!!
If I had to choose, I’d definitely say camera shots are the winners for me. That being said, to be completely honest with you, anyone that is just doing their own thing and producing content that shows their own personal style are the most impressive to me! I think there are a lot of people that get caught up in wanting to get likes etc. to the point where they aren’t being themselves across their social media channels which is such a shame. Showing your individuality will always be more interesting and beautiful to see!
Faye xx
http://www.femaleoriginal.com
WOW 10 years ago, thats absolutely mental and soso cool!
Couldn’t agree with you more about everyone doing their own thing, it’s SO important to just do you! x
These photos are gorgeous Megan and as a pretty smaller creator, I found it reassuring to read this! You made me feel as though, even though I might not get thousands of likes on a photo I worked really hard on, it still means a lot to me and that’s what really counts. The content I’m creating is fulfilling my creative needs. Looking absolutely stunning as always and I love the color scheme of this post!
Georgie x
YES Georgie, this is what it’s all about! Satisfying those creative needs! It’s sad that it’s all a big popularity contest, but first and foremost, for me at least it’s about sharing what I am proud of! Thank you gorgeous x
Beautiful look , love the shoes and the colours 🙂 Great Megan
http://www.ivanasworld.com
Thanks babe
ahh ye ol’ instagram theories! not sure what to make of them…! will definitely be watching that podcast and reading the blog post you mentioned above though. this is definitely one of my favourite outfits of yours – the shape of the dungarees and the pink and yellow tee… it’s love!
Laura | roseandweston.blogspot.co.uk
YES deffo give the podcast a listen, it’s awesome I absolutely love tuning in every week and that particular episode was so interesting! Those girls rock!
Ahhh thanks babe, it’s deffo one of my faves too, it makes such a difference to not be waring a mass of layers! xo