After Instagram launched its website to sustain a mobile feed in November 2012, it started making baby steps toward a fully interactive website. Previously, users could only browse shared photos and follow (or stalk) others, but now the Instagram site has the same engagement capabilities as the app with the ability to explore content on a wider bases.
Check out what Kevin Systrom, co-found of Instagram, had to say on his blog:
“Your Instagram Feed on the web functions much like it does on your mobile phone. You can browse through the latest photos of people whom you follow with updates as people post new photos. Like photos by double clicking on them or pressing the like button. Or, engage in a conversation around a photo with inline commenting.”
There is, however, one major flaw to this Instagram launch – the ability to upload photos. The very core of Instagram’s platform is the creative nature of filters and photos and the thought that this is not offered on the web, I believe, will cause the herds of the Instagram obsessed to continue to remain on the mobile app.
And from a marketing perspective, Instagram has already achieved mobile success, so why move to the desktop? Why now?
The one driving force that all businesses need…money. After the huge invasion of Darth Zuckerberg to Instagram and the big battle of privacy settings, I think Instagram is paving the way for brands to start to pay to play. The next wave of evolution for Instagram and many other new social sites such as Pinterest will begin to see a flood of possibilities for brands to advertise.
Take a look at the big white space on Instagram’s web feed; doesn’t it look like the perfect spot for Sponsored Pics? Can you smell the money now?
Instagram’s mobile-centric platform is what allowed for tweens and teens to become engulfed with this site and develop an intimate relationship with friends, family, and even a few brands. But now what? Do you think Instagram is degrading to the dark forces of Facebook?
You tell us! Please comment below and let us know if you will keep on the Instagram trend or hit the delete button.
+Anna Lea Crowe Social Media Strategist at Webhead Interactive.
Blog by Webhead Interactive