Why I deleted Instagram

Well it happened! I deleted Instagram!

Why did I delete Instagram?

The main reason that I deleted my Instagram account, was because I found it had become too much of a distraction.

I realised this when I checked my activity on the app, and I was shocked to see that I spent on average, 90 minutes per day! Let me tell you now that I sure as hell didn’t spend 90 minutes uploading images trying to market my business, so what was I doing?

I would say that 99% of those 90 minutes, was just scrolling through a lot of shit! And it sounds harsh to say but 99% of what is on there, is just that… Knowing the amount of time wasted, which equated to around 23 entire days a year! I knew I had to do something about it.

I thought to myself, that if I was to spend 90 minutes a day, focusing on my business, networking, marketing. Then that would be far more beneficial than looking at pictures that mean nothing what so ever to me.

So that is exactly what I did. I put a story up on Instagram for anyone who cares that is 24 hours I’ll be deleting my account for good… And out of my 1000 followers or so that I had, only 1 person reached out to find the reason why I was deleting it.

24 hours later and 5 days ago at the time of writing this post. It has gone!

 
 

How does it feel, now its gone?

I have not missed Instagram at all! It feels like a weight has been lifted, now that I don’t have to meet any expectations if there were any.
I have since decided to write x2 blog posts per week, better use of the free time. Spend more time actually doing something rather than scrolling through my phone. My blog is my space to get my opinions out there on a platform where it will remain and be visible to those who follow my blog. Not get lost in the millions on pictures that get uploaded to Insta every minute.

I feel free again… I feel unrestricted!

How do you feel about Instagram?

If you have similar feelings about Instagram or any other social media platform, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, or send me an email!

Cheers!

Is Instagram right for you?

How do you find Instagram? Do you find it beneficial to your photography? Do you find new business through it?

I write this because I am about to delete my profile and leave it behind me. Since the ‘New Algorithm’ I Instagram is shit and I realize its not the place for me to show my work.

Photo’s that this time last year would have got a good 100+ likes, not only get 20 at a push! Now I don’t think it is all about the likes at all, but their algorithm is deciding weather your content is good enough to reach more people? Of course I understand that Instagram/Facebook is a business and they need to make money, but as a photographer who values real opinions on my work… Not a comment saying - “This is Great, maybe check my work and follow” after having not liked said picture that is great and haven’t followed me? This drives me crazy.

 
 

Instagram is a marketing platform at the end of the day. But I miss the days of everyone having a chance to see your work and not a computer algorithm deciding your worth…. Which moves me on to my main point.

Metrics and numbers on any ‘Social Media’ platform, do not and never will determine how good you are as a photographer or your self worth.

Platforms like Instagram can really have a profound effect on one’s mental health. I don’t think it has mine, but I don’t want to let it get to that point. I need clarity in my life and not an app determine who see’s my work.

Anyway, rant over!

If Instagram works for you, that’s great and wish you all the best on it.

If not….. Then maybe consider if its worth the time invested in it.

Cheers!