“They say the best camera is the one you have with you.”
Do you remember this? This is what Instagram looked like in its early days. (I can’t believe Instagram existed in the days of the iPhone 4 and 4s. Hehe.) It even used to be only available on iPhones. In fact, it’s been 5 years since Instagram became available to Android users. A week after that, Facebook bought it for $1 BILLION!
Since then, Instagram grew to be one of Facebook’s pillars in the mobile space. As of this month, Instagram now has 700 MILLION monthly active users!
It just goes to show how much Instagram changes lives lately. But HOW EXACTLY does Instagram affect our lives?
Fortunately, I asked the local Instagrammers here in Cebu that I met during the iLuvCebu.com Instameet 4.0 last April 22, 2017 at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa! With the theme of Love Our Seas, the Instameet aims to make us more aware of marine conservation. It especially talks about how we should care for even the tiniest of corals!
Here is what some of the local Instagrammers had to say regarding that question. (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE follow these guys on Instagram! They are some examples of the great photos I check on Instagram on the daily!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTNSt9hgckd/
Instagram gives an alternative route to mobile photographers to showcase their skills in the field of photography. With only limited functions in smartphone’s camera settings compared to high end cameras, it did not hinder my fellow grammers to deliver fascinating photographs and this also inspired others to experiment their creative sides. Sometimes words are not easy to express, Instagram helps us convey a message through images and a one word caption will do lined up with different hashtags to contribute and share with others. Instagram made our life easy in connecting with people all over the world through photos – with one snap, upload and let your picture do the talking.
Cliffy Fifi Fortuna (@cliffyfifi)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTNb07MBa0e/
I started using instagram last 2015 but not totally got the meaning hahahaa.. until I joined the 3rd iluvcebuInstameet.. didto nko na treasure ang true meaning sa Instagram.. chaarr hahahaa.. It’s all about sharing your stories and inspire others… It something that I gained more confidence and bringing positive vibes. And Instameet really helped to connect people and share some stories..
Aldrin Jake Suan (@aldrincoremoshpit / @aldrncoremoshpt)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxKNzqj7iI/
Instagram is not just a platform for posting photos. It is also a tool for everyone of us to make a statement about who we are, our personality, interest or advocacy. It’s about delivering a hardcore message to everyone, help them become inspired and empowered to do the same thing that you do. We connect to strangers through our photos. Always remember the message you have to deliver.
Charly Villano (@charlyveee)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQUivhleIs/
I don’t think it actually changed a lot in my life because I am quite lazy in managing my Instagram account. Haha! But I would like to believe it did help me in terms of marketing my blog posts. To be honest, I haven’t thought of Instagram as an important tool to market my blog posts not until my readers told me that I should incorporate my IG photos with my storytelling artistry. Because of that, I get to interact with a lot of people around the world who can relate to my photos and stories.
Johanna Marie Frejoles (@beanintransit / beanintransit.com)
There you have it! Thank you so much to the Instagrammers that answered my question in the poll! I really really appreciate it! Without Instagram, I think I wouldn’t be able to meet great people in the Instameet. Instagram changes lives in a way a simple photo does. Since a photo has a thousand words, Instagram really has a lot of things to say!
One last thing, it would be nice if you could follow me on Instagram at these handles! Thanks in advance!
So great to read the feedbacks from fellow Instagrammers on how it changed their lives. Instagram is special and I agree that it is not just a photo sharing app. It’s a community where people get to capture and share moments in their lives. Kudos!
Thanks for including me on this list, Jules. I’m so glad I was born in this time. I can’t imagine our digital lives without Instagram. Haha!
It was really fun to see you joining that activity. I never expected it. I hope you join instameets in Japan.
Hahahaha! I hope so too. I also hope I understand them. Hahaha
Instagram is more than just posting pictures. It’s about telling a captivating story. Char.
Wow. Naikog kos mga messages. Nice to know Instagram is changing people’s lives. Hhehe