How I’m Changing My Instagram
In Instagram’s short lifetime it has seen probably some of the most changes of any social platform. From users, to the app’s entire concept, to creating a marketing platform for retailers and individuals alike. Along with the physical changes of the app there are also the creatives within the space who have grown and changed along side it. There was a time where Instagram was all about sharing beautiful imagery as an artistic platform. Whether it was sharing style, photography, nature, food, etc. Everyone was just in it for the sharing aspect. After awhile aesthetics creeped in and everything was about how “the grid” looked. Were things matching up, did you have a good flow, was one section too compacted with imagery, do you need more “filler” content?
It’s crazy that from that time we moved into an era where it was about being relatable and personal connection with the inception of IG stories and the famous “coffee shop” photos. I think it’s only natural that these progressions happen and honestly I’ve been a part of most of them. It’s only now where we sit in an era of in-between. What was working previously as being “relatable” isn’t necessarily drawing in the right kind of people. Frustrations with who is seeing your content on the app and the “updates” Instagram is putting out has made the last 2 years a pretty intense whirlwind for those who are part of this community.
The past few months I’ve been worrying less and less about what I should be “creating” for others and going back to creating for myself. Making myself happy with what I”m sharing and being exactly who I want to be. The app grew because so many different perceptions, creativity, and artistic eyes were being shared and I think it’s time to be OK with that again. Likes and followers really don’t mean anything anymore considering how many apps and “help” there is out there to get you to that highly coveted 100k and above spotlight.
It’s been incredibly refreshing to look at my feed and be happy with what I see. Showing off a part of my creativity that I want to share with the world. Showcasing my outfits, life, and just overall how I see the world through my images. If you’ve seen a recent shift in what is so lovingly called “filler” content it’s because while people enjoy looking at my outfits theres a lot more I enjoy seeing myself. I’m not sure entirely where this article is going but I think it’s more that I’m just happy to not worry so much. To be myself again on this app and do it for the art form versus anything else. To record and post a video of waves coming in, to photograph a patch of sunlight that looks beautiful, or to post a blurry selfie of my new hat I just got.
