We know that social media networks are businesses that are primarily interested in their own profit. Despite being free to use, they want to make money with you. If it’s free, you are the product.
That’s why all social platforms throw in a lot of ads companies pay them for to display. Instagram users have seen a huge increase of such ads in recent months. Usually, it goes something like this: two posts of the people you follow in your feed, plus two ads. Same in the Stories.
But that’s not the only thing. Instagram does not only want companies to pay for product placements, they also want you to pay for your content being seen. Instagram clearly favors paid ads over the organic content users post and don’t pay to promote. That’s a real shame, because Instagram actually thrives on user-generated content.
I have an Instagram business account (which everyone can get for free), and the amount of ads suggested for my own content is just incredible.
There’s at least one ‘Boost post‘ suggestion popping up in my feed every time I open the app, and sometimes I even get paid ad suggestions in the Stories or in my Activity feed. With and without credit offers.
Interestingly, Instagram wants me to ‘boost my posts to reach people who may not follow me‘. But the above screenshot clearly shows that my posts reach twice as many non-followers as followers already… Not to speak of the ‘Recent activity from your ads‘ notice at the top of my Activity feed, even though I’m not running any ads. Ha!
I don’t usually comment on peoples’ posts, but feel compelled to comment on yours.Thank you for this comprehensive overview and all your other subjects which I haven’t yet read. I’m a pet + equine portrait artist (nothing digital) , my work is based on commission orders. I’m exploring the online platforms and appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences and knowledge. You have a way of writing that is entertaining and refreshing, which makes reading about this stuff a bit easier (I find it quite tedious to have to research all this stuff). I’m feeling a bit like “the scared bunny” lol (well I’m not really scared as such,just a bit overworked). Anyhow, just want to express my appreciation, your art and writing has made the reading an enjoyable experience.I think this is the first time I actually enjoyed reading about this stuff,
Hi Astrid, great to hear from you! I’m always happy when my posts are able to help readers and when I get some feedback!
I think, when it comes to that social media stuff, all you can do is take it with a good portion of humor. There’s absolutely no logic in it anymore and I don’t think it’s going to get better any time soon 😂 However, as you are mainly into pet and equine portraits, I don’t think you’ll be affected by Instagram’s craziness because your work doesn’t include any content that Instagram might consider “sensitive.” So, you’re on the safe side (apart from Instagram’s constant algorithmic changes…)
Anyways, I saw you signed up for my email list as well, so looking forward to staying in touch with you, and in the meantime, all the best on your creative journey! ♥︎
C.R.A.Z.Y. !!! Really incredible.
Ima check my account status now 😂
Yep, it’s really hilarious, isn’t it?
Maybe I should check my account status again, it’s been a while… 😆