Dear Instagram, I feel like we need to have a chat. It’s no secret that there is an “Instagram struggle” for those of us who use Instagram as a business platform. The new algorithm has changed the way users see content which has benefited a select few accounts and made it a struggle for the rest. When I started blogging, Instagram was chronological and it made sharing images with followers easier. I didn’t have to worry about “reach” or “engagement” in the ways that I do today. Growing a following was easier and happened organically.
Flash forward to today and Instagram is a totally different game. I understand that the focus on engagement makes sense for a social media platform. But unfortunately, it feels like a level of extra pressure has been added. Whether you are a blogger or not, or maybe you run an online business, Instagram is a way that most of us connect with other people. I love the relationships that I have created through Instagram. It has allowed me to “meet” people with similar interests to my own. But my favorite thing about Instagram has always been the inspiration it provides me.
With blogging and social media so focused on monetization, I feel like the original purpose of Instagram is slowly going away. Now don’t misunderstand me, I am a RewardStyle affiliate and will link with the best of them, but that’s not what it’s all about for me. When Instagram started it was about sharing an “instant gram” of your life. A quick snapshot of something you wanted to share, or a beautiful photo that you found inspiring.
I love seeing a glimpse into someone’s life through a curated feed. My favorite accounts to follow are people who tell a story through their images. When I’m sitting at my desk and need a break I love to scroll through my feed and see someone’s beautiful travel pictures or a fresh bouquet of flowers. Of course I love great outfit inspiration, too. But I miss the days when it wasn’t all about where to shop.
I won’t pretend that I don’t deal with feeling pressured to keep up on Instagram. But for me, it’s so much more important to keep it fun! There is nothing I can do about the algorithm. Are there ways I could grow by making my account more like someone else’s? Maybe. But like I said, that’s not what it’s all about for me. So if you can relate to any part of what I’ve said, my suggestion is to take the pressure off of yourself. If there is a photo you want to share but you don’t think it will get a lot of likes, share it anyway! It’s YOUR Instagram and that means nothing you are doing is “wrong”.
At the end of the day it’s just Instagram. It’s a creative outlet for everyone. It’s important to keep in mind that the pressure is self-induced. Also, know that there are people out there who love following along. Whether you have 6 followers or 6 million. When you share what inspires you, you never know who else it might touch! xo Bryn
Shop the Look:
Lou & Grey: Sweater and Leggings (similar), Boots: Nine West, Bag: Cuyana
LOVE this post, Bryn! You hit the nail on the head. I think everyone feels this way, but if start to post photos that we only think will do well or how everyone else posts, we will take all the joy away and eventually all of insta will look the same. Your feed will always be one of my favorites!!
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
Thank you Molly!! I completely agree, the individuality and creativity is the best part! And back at you… love following your adventures! xo Bryn
Well said Bryn! I totally agree and feel the same way!
www,rdsobsessions.com
Thanks Rach! I’m so glad you can relate! xo Bryn
I love this, Bryn! I absolutely agree with what you said and am so thankful for this reminder. I often feel the same way but you are right, the pressure is “self-induced”. Thank you for sharing!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thanks Taylor! I have to remind myself that! xo Bryn
I FEEL this 😂 The pressure is crazy these days and sometimes it makes me way over analyze every little thing I post to the point where I post nothing (aka this past week with trying get the holiday feeling into photos). Also LOVING those velvet pants with the monochrome look – so cute for the holiday!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
I FEEL this 😂 The pressure is crazy these days and sometimes it makes me way over analyze every little thing I post to the point where I post nothing (aka this past week with trying get the holiday feeling into photos). Also LOVING those velvet pants with the monochrome look – so cute for the holiday!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
Right! I totally get that way! But I always love what you post! xo Bryn
Girl I can totally relate to you. It just seems like a whole load of work for bloggers, and it’s not really fun anymore. It’s more about “buy through my link”. It has really been the hardest it’s ever been to grow. It’s always good to take a break every now and then or post less frequently because it can be overwhelming. I only post every other day because I can’t mentally handle posting every day. Just keep being you, and the people that really want to follow you for you will follow you.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
That’s very true Courtney! It’s all about being yourself and having fun! xo Bryn
Love this and I fully agree!! We’ve started posting less and feel less pressure to have a “like to know it” image every day. It’s about posting what you want and inspiring others through that!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Exactly! That’s the best way to look at it! Keep doing what you’re doing! xo Bryn
Thank you so much for this post Bryn! I’m totally on board with taking the pressure off and posting what sparks my interest that day. Although the amount of followers and engagement has changed dramatically, I’m ok with it now because it’s important for me to enjoy why I started an IG account in the first place. Thanks for being so inspiring!
That’s so great Emmahlyn! You have a lovely feed and your passion always shows! xo Bryn
Well put babe – I know what you mean, the pressure is real. Being a full time blogger and having to manage my Instagram is not easy but I think keeping the fun in your profile is important!
x
Shloka
http://thesilksneaker.com
Thanks so much for reading! And I agree, keeping it fun is the best option! xo Bryn
I totally agree & it’s hard not to get caught up in it & take the lower-engagement today personally-I really wish it’s go back to the old way-as I feel the effects too
Loved your open thoughts & your feed is lovely
Katelynchef/ http://www.theyellowspectacles.com
Thank you Katelyn! It would be great for it to go back, but at least we can have fun with it! xo Bryn
while i think the content on instagram has improved and become very high quality, like you mentioned it has also coincided with high levels of monetisation
great post and very interesting!
xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
I totally agree! I love the quality that I’m seeing! Thank you so much for reading! xo Bryn