Back in 2020, Instagram updated the app, making some Instagram influencers very upset. The update changed the app’s layout, preventing a large number of people from reaching their followers. Now, the notifications and post buttons are in the upper right-hand corner. The app dedicated the bottom of the screen to Instagram Reels and Instagram Shopping. For someone like me who uses Instagram mostly for fun, the changes seem like no big deal. However, Instagram influencers who pay close attention to their notifications are not as pleased. James Charles was one of the most popular users who spoke out about the changes. In light of this, Instagram is attempting to win its users back with new features that will help creators make money. Read on to learn about how Instagram influencers can make more money on the app.
Making a Living as an Influencer
As documentaries like Fake Famous have shown, it’s not easy to make money as an Instagram influencer. However, the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is trying to change that. During Instagram’s “Creator Week,” he spoke about the new features that will help influencers make some cash. Facebook now owns Instagram, so his presence on the scene means something big is happening. Now, creators can earn commission from products they inspire others to buy. It’s about damn time! Isn’t that what influencing is all about? Anyways, Instagram is also finding ways to allow influencers to sell products on their personal profiles. This makes the shopping process more streamlined for creators who sell their own products.
These changes will allow Instagram influencers to make a quick buck. Who could be upset by that? However, this doesn’t mean social media stars should put all of their eggs in one basket. Many influencers are noticing changes in the app that make it increasingly harder for their followers to see their posts. This means less engagement and more frustration for creators. That’s why it’s important to engage with other platforms instead of focusing solely on Instagram. It can be dangerous for an influencer to only use one platform, as they are at the mercy of the company and lose some control over their image and their lifestyle.
What do these changes mean?
As more and more Instagram influencers threaten to leave the platform for good, Instagram tries to pull them back in. Everyone from Nicki Minaj to Cardi B has threatened to leave Instagram at some point. With changes like hiding likes, changing the layout, and constantly updating the algorithm, people are exhausted from trying to find their footing on an app that consistently lets them down. The changes mentioned above will give influencers more opportunities to gain money on the app. This is a good thing for people who are hoping to use their following to fund their lifestyle.
It’s important to note that Instagram is hosting something like “Creator’s Week” to publicly announce the ways in which the company wants to support influencers. It seems that people working for the platform are beginning to take note of the importance of Instagram influencers. Where would we be without them? How would the social fabric of the app change? If all of the influencers go somewhere else, how would we find inspiration? These are some of the questions I ask myself as I read about creators. It seems like Instagram is wondering the same thing.
Featured photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
