Comparison to other platforms

How does Instagram compare to other major social media platforms?

Similarities to other platforms

Most, if not all, of the major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) are centered around the same objective: to provide opportunities to connect and engage with a network. These platforms have similar interactive features that facilitate sharing and consuming of many diverse ideas, opinions, content, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities. Instagram has many affordances in common with other platforms, such as photo sharing, likes, stories, reposts, etc. These shared features are among the biggest similarities between Instagram and other platforms.

What makes instagram different from other platforms

Image Sharing

According to Instagram, image sharing was the primary feature that drove the platform to success. The goal behind the photo sharing feature is to share intentions and influence users instantly in a way in which other platforms cannot. Images shown can be compelling to the user's eyes. Content on Instagram has the potential to inspire others who view it. The platform has a continuous stream of compelling images from different regions of the world, different cultures, and different personalities. It is because of this diversity that users stay engaged and share complex ideas. Instagram's social network helps users share videos and pictures, and thus ideas and moments, effortlessly. Sharing and accessing various images and perspectives from all around the world keep users engaged and returning to the platform.

Mobility

Part of Instagram's appeal is that it is easily accessible. Users and followers have 24/7 access to this platform through the use of a smartphone. When Instagram was developed, it was designed for users' convenience, as it is a mobile app. The platform quite literally fits in users' pockets, making it very easy to log onto the platform and making the platform itself more mobile. Users are able to share images quickly and from location, and from any mobile device, which works well for those with busy lifestyles. The platform was designed with mobility in mind, the creators wanted users to be able to capture and post content "on the go" and this is something users appreciate about the platform. Nowadays, smartphones are becoming increasingly popular as well, and Instagram has used their design of a mobile platform to its advantage.

Speed

Because Instagram is predominantly used as a mobile app rather than a desktop website, it is extremely fast and efficient. It allows the features of the platform to be immediate and simple. A single post can be uploaded to the app in as little as ten seconds, although users may get creative with various features (such as captions, locations, tagging, etc.) accompanying the image. Another element users appreciate is the speed at which one can swipe through photos and videos on their feed. It also provides users with quick hashtag, location, and account searching. These features are programmed to be practically instantaneous, which nothing taking more than a few seconds to access.

Simplicity

Part of the design of Instagram was to make use as simple as possible. After downloading the mobile application, all the user has to do is capture, upload, and scroll. The platform also includes features that allow users to quickly search and find results for locations, hashtags, people, and businesses. Searching for hashtags is a feature that Instagram prides itself on and it allows users to stay engaged and informed about various topics of their choosing. The app interface is also simple and streamlined, placing images and videos front and center in the user's "feed." Visual posts, which the platform is known for, simplify information exchanging and keeps the focus on the entertaining and engaging content.

Fun

Instagram is designed to be fast and fun to explore, research, follow and connect with the people, and get insight on topics users show interest in. There is also something unique about the desire to share inspiring, funny, or thought-provoking images and videos on Instagram that say something about who the user is. This keeps the energy of Instagram posts flowing in the direction of being enjoyable and entertaining. It’s fun to create and share the content we like. It’s fun to search and find content users show interest in. Of course, it is always fun to connect with and follow people that we like. There is a world of fun and fascinating information that is discovered through images and videos on this platform.

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