If the world needed more indication that Instagram has worked its way up to being one of the strongest contenders in social media, the latest data from the social media platform surely qualifies. The Facebook-owned company has announced they’ve reached 400 million users. The news has arrived a mere nine months following their announcement of a base of 300 million users! Their 100 million follower growth in under a year now places Instagram ahead of Twitter (316 million users).
Instagram: A Global Network
Instagram celebrated and shared the news while explaining the data behind the company’s newest followers. Over half of the 100 million new users hail from Asia and Europe (75% of the total population of Instagram users live outside of the U.S.). The single nations that have added the most new Instagram users are Japan, Indonesia and Brazil. Instagram even went on to announce famous figures from around the world who were a part of the most recent 100 million to join including David Beckham.
Advertising on Instagram
Instagram’s incredible growth is proof that their newest advertising strategies are in no way scaring off or disappointing users. Instagram was slow to introduce advertising on the network for the fear of alienating its user base, however, it seems they’ve managed to establish just the right balance to keep everyday users and marketers as happy with the platform as ever. A multiplying customer base, in-depth advertising data, a revamped desktop site and a switched on API indicate this is just the beginning of marketing opportunities on Instagram.
The Facebook Effect
Many critics mocked and ridiculed Facebook’s decision to purchase Instagram for $1 billion. The two year company had about 30 million users at the time and while it was a large user base, many didn’t take its offerings seriously. Facebook has proved its expertise time and time again and Instagram has clearly not been an exception. They have made a number of updates to Instagram in the time since acquiring the platform but they’ve been wise enough to maintain what users love most and only upgrading and improving its features and designs. Today Instagram benefits from Facebook’s experience and expertise but also its resources such as a vast supply of marketing data that has been amassed by Facebook from such ventures as advertising over the years.
Marketing Opportunities
The marketing opportunities don’t end with advertising on the image-based social media platform. Some of the most exciting opportunities of a long list of possibilities include branding opportunities, contests and giveaways, hashtag marketing, cross-promotion, influencer outreach initiatives, brand sponsorships, blogger outreach programs and even product placement.
