The Real Problem with Instagram

What we can all learn from following trends

I think it’s safe to say Instagram today is not the Instagram of old. As recently as this past June, the head of the platform released a video stating Instagram was no longer a photo-sharing app.

It's strange to see a company abandon the foundation they’ve built their brand upon, but stranger things have happened. 2020, I’m calling you out!

Instagram is no longer blazing the trail but instead following the singed earth in pursuit of the fire. The problem with Instagram is it lacks identity. And because the platform has no idea who it is, it’s in a constant state of imitation.

If Instagram were a person, they’d be a poser.

Nevertheless, there’s much to be learned from Instagram’s inability to root itself in originality.

For instance, when you lack confidence in yourself or your company, you’re bound to stumble while mimicking others.

Case in point, when Instagram tried to compete with YouTube by launching IGTV. It seemed no one considered how annoying it is to watch videos in a vertical orientation.

Before I go too far down this path, I should back up and state where the splinter began. In my estimation, it all started in 2012 when Facebook purchased Instagram.

It didn’t take long before the ads which had driven me off Facebook began to invade my Instagram feed.

The ad-free, photo-sharing community I’d grown to love was changing — dissolving into a carbon copy of Facebook.

Next came the algorithms. Soon, I saw less and less of my friend’s content and more of the accounts which had paid for advertising on the platform. Organic growth became a thing of the past overnight, and a new wave of online marketing took over.

Again users started looking for a new platform, an escape. They were tired of their photos not being promoted and swiping through endless ads to get to the content they wanted to see.

Competition came in the form of Snapchat. A fun app that allowed users to make ten-second videos that lasted twenty-four hours. Once again, there was a platform you could use without being inundated with ads.

What was Instagram’s answer to the innovative platform capturing the attention of younger users?

To copy the concept of course and extend the length of video uploads. Because if you can’t beat your competition, steal from them and try to improve upon their originality.

Well, if the rumors are true, Facebook tried to buy Snapchat first, twice. So, if you can’t buy your competition, then steal their ideas and market them as your own.

One of the masterminds behind the Steal It All movement is proud of Facebook’s business savvy and detailed how Instagram stories unfolded in an interview with Insider.

The same formula would be implemented in 2020 when TikTok presented itself as formidable competition. Instagram reels are yet another copycat hit job looking to steal engagement and attention.

Seriously, if Instagram were a kid on the playground, someone would’ve shoved him to the sand by now.

Given Facebook’s documented history of stealing to survive, the announcement of Instagram’s decision to leave photo sharing behind and redirect focus towards videos, shopping, and creators was bound to happen.

Sure, you may have scratched your head about the direction the platform is heading towards, but changing to compete with competitors is habitual for Instagram at this point.

“You should learn from your competitor, but never copy. Copy and you die.” — Jack Ma

Instagram is a shell of its former self because Instagram is no more. Instagram is Facebook with an IG logo slapped across its chest. There’s a reason people fled Facebook once it became clear the platform cared more about making money than actually connecting people. It’s cringe behavior.

Instagram is now the awkward girl at school who tries too hard to make friends. She goes out of her way to be accommodating and sells you on the idea she’s the best friend you could ever have.

Instagram’s copycat behavior is obnoxious and disappointing. It’s an example of how a lack of identity and confidence can ruin what makes you unique.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde.

Instagram was beloved for being a platform to share photos with your friends from the beginning. Imagine how much more users would love and use it if the company had naturally progressed and developed its own in-house ideas.

Growth and improvements are excellent and expected for companies and individuals. They tend to be better when they happen for the right reasons.

When Twitter wanted to improve, they doubled the 140 characters to 280. On brand, yes! And the users rejoiced, and the platform took off for what looked to be a renewed second wave of enthusiasm.

Funny how that happened, or is it just good business?

I don’t know if Facebook, I mean Instagram, will ever reach the level of domination it’s seeking. I do know watching from afar as it doggedly tries to keep up with new and innovative companies is becoming painful.

So to the creators who’ve used the platform for years and often feel frustrated towards social media outlet, don’t. Instagram lost its identity a long time ago.

Just take in the lesson, and don’t be like Facebook; I mean Instagram.