Instagram isn't what it used to be, especially if you're sharing your photography. Likes often seem scarce, and the frustration of competing against content like viral cat videos or controversial posts is real.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this insightful video takes a look at why posting your photography on Instagram can feel so discouraging. It started as a straightforward photo-sharing app—a simple way for users to find and admire each other's pictures. Then, in 2012, Facebook purchased Instagram, reshaping it into an ad-powered platform designed to capture your attention, rather than highlight artistic value. Kent points out how Instagram now prioritizes emotional reactions and controversy rather than genuine creativity.
Coming to terms with Instagram's changing priorities can seem defeating, but Kent suggests this knowledge can actually empower you as a photographer. For instance, he explains that popular photographers often don't gain large followings simply through the quality of their images. External factors often give them a leg up—like shooting for celebrities, or already having a substantial following on another platform. Knowing this means that you shouldn't judge your own talent or value solely by how well your posts perform. Recognizing this can reduce the anxiety and self-doubt social media often amplifies.
Rather than focusing obsessively on chasing Instagram likes, Kent offers a different direction you can invest in—engaging with photography in the physical world. This means printing your work for family or friends, networking with other creatives in your area, or organizing a small exhibition or creating a photo book. These efforts nurture real connections, offering deeper rewards than online engagement ever could. In fact, these real-world interactions can eventually circle back to Instagram, making followers who know and appreciate your perspective much more likely to engage genuinely with your posts. Kent emphasizes that forming bonds with even a handful of real-world supporters holds much more weight than thousands of passive online followers you've never met.
Getting away from the addictive pull of social media and experiencing your photography physically brings benefits far beyond what scrolling through notifications can provide. It grounds your work in actual community interactions, helping you appreciate and grow your skill beyond mere algorithms. Kent mentions that constantly producing content Instagram "wants" can even dilute your photographic identity by forcing you toward styles or subjects you don’t actually care about. Returning your focus to meaningful, personal projects ensures you're creating images aligned with your true interests and creative vision.
Ultimately, Kent doesn't suggest abandoning Instagram completely. Instead, he advises shifting your attention from chasing impossible viral fame toward building a sustainable, rewarding connection with photography itself. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
Stopped posting on Instagram years ago; it wasn't about "likes" or "view", but about censorship and the constant focus on keeping people engaged, no matter what. Now, I post occasionally on Vero.