Instagram is like the little engine that could – or should we say the “little social media platform that could.” With millions of active users, Instagram is a powerful player in the social media sphere and national brands such as retailers to the NFL that are seeing great results with Instagram.
According to Marketingland, Forrester reports that Instagram posts receive 300 times more likes per fan than Facebook posts. But what makes a good Instagram presence? Experts agree that full video content, edginess, storytelling, fan participation and simply tapping into what their audience loves are all components of social media success.
There are thousands of successful companies posting their videos and photos on Instagram – here is a sampling that crosses industries, types and audiences showcasing how these brands are “crushing it” on Instagram:
Red Bull – 3.1 million followers – Cool Sport Photos – Red Bull is the ultimate social media darling. Even if you haven’t tasted the drink, most likely you have seen their videos and photos on YouTube (where they are referred to by experts as one of the top YouTube brands). Now Red Bull is using their content magic on Instagram. BusinessInsider reports that the reason Red Bull is so successful on Instagram, is that “Red Bull posts a “daily awesome” photos, celebrates “Flying Fridays,” and has other traditions to keep its high octane-loving fans engaged.”
NFL – 3.7 million followers – Greatest Moments Videos – NFL has done a great job of combining hard-core great football moments interspersed with humorous and even touching videos of the players and fans. But in terms of getting the fans completely revved up – NFL takes the most climatic and exciting photos/videos from games and allows enthusiasts to relive these moments over and over…
Forever 21 – 7.6 million followers – What do you think? This retailer for young women knows how to listen to its fan base and engage them. While Forever21 may not be a household brand that everyone is familiar with, it is surely popular with the tween and teen set – and according to Search Engine Journal, these girls love to respond and give their thoughts. The Instragram site does a great job engaging girls with “what do you think” phrasing that keeps the fans coming back for more.
Starbucks – 5.3 million followers – Coffee Cause – Why is Starbucks so popular? While no one is interested in looking at photos of coffee (at least not for long periods of time), BusinessInsider says “Starbucks doesn’t just use Instagram to sell beverages. It capitalizes on its 5 million follower base to drive awareness for causes they support.” Starbucks turns many of their fans into advocates for a plethora of causes and that “call to action” can rev up any caffeinated audience two-fold.
Converse – 2.3 million followers – Fan Moments – Let’s face it – most of us love putting on a pair of red, green or black Converse shoes and wearing them with our favorite torn jeans – it’s just cool. According to Search Engine Journal, that is what makes the Converse’s Instagram page so successful -“There are so many Converse moments showing the fans doing the things they love with the shoes they love.” And that is the crux of any great brand – getting the fans involved.
Gucci – 4.9 million followers – Unique Photo Layout – According to Search Engine Journal, Gucci captures its followers with a unique lay-outs and photos and videos that dazzle – much like their upscale clothing and accessories. Gucci also uses a number of celebrities to bring Gucci-glamour to its Instagram page. Search Engine Journal does note if Gucci posted more “user photos” they may increase their following.
Audi – 2.2 million followers – Cool Interaction of People and Cars – One might wonder how photos and videos of a car company would do so well. Search Engine Journal believes it has to do with photos of people interacting with the various cars that has Audi fans clicking on the Audi Instagram page – not to mention cool video from the POV of a race car driver. In addition, Audi is diligent in posting interesting photos of new products that look like fun to drive. Audi has always been a much beloved car company and by inserting the brand into social media, like Instagram, it has increased its fan base considerably.
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