Is Blogging Dead? The Rise of The Instagrammers.
We all knew blogging wouldn’t last forever, but every twist and turn brings an unexpected surprise into the mix. We all love a good twitter rant about how we feel about a new picture getting less likes but one of my favourite topics of the moment is whether Instagram is replacing blogging. Whenever I speak to other bloggers, PRs or even friends who just ‘gram their night out or dinner for the day, everyone has a different spin on the future. I could go on forever about the various parts of the blogging community that are changing but this seemed like a natural place to start by discussing if blogging is dead at the hands of Instagram. The app we all love to hate.
As a blogger of 4 years, Instagram was a newer addition to the game. My blog, youtube and twitter were around for quite a while before setting up my instagram account. Back then it was still a case of every image being taken and filtered in-app with a few random hashtags like #lol #selfie.. you get the drift. Instagram just wasn’t the same as it is now.
None of us could have predicted the growth of the ‘gram though. Most of the pictures and videos that we see are beautifully shot on DSLR cameras and edited with professional software. The platform has become more of a visual portfolio as opposed to being somewhere to promote your latest blogpost, video.. or share a selfie. But is blogging dead because of this? Even as I type this post I’m considering whether to just narrow it down to an instagram caption because after all - it gets seen by more people doesn’t it?
I want to believe that blogging is still relevant because writing gives me so much enjoyment. There is something about putting together a selection of images and writing about anything, or nothing for this website. After all, this blog holds years worth of my thoughts at various stages of life - graduation, going full time as a blogger.. everything. Its a space that I am actively focusing on growing whether anyone reads it or not.
Realistically, Instagram is just easier isn’t it? You open the app, browse several peoples images at one time and follow them with a little click. If I see someone mention a blogpost then I might click through their story or bio link but its very rare that I will actively go onto google and search for a specific blog. And I’m not the only one that thinks or acts in such a way either..
How many of your non-blogger friends have instagram? Probably all of them. And how many of them follow bloggers, or influencers on instagram? Again, probably all of them. But how many of those friends click through to read a blogpost or regularly read blogs? I’d say less than half. Its just a platform more widely used and easier to check up on than a blog. Theres no specific searching involved, you just go to the app and see everyone in one place.
But Instagram isn’t just a space for us bloggers, there are also people with Instagram-blogs. An account that looks like a bloggers with great photography and insightful captions but no blog to follow through to. Bloggers without the blog, I guess you could say! Most PR events I attend are now filled with a mixture of the two which is why the term influencer is so popular with PRs and other media (as much as we hate the term ourselves). Being an Instagrammer alone is a platform that you can use to inspire, discuss and essentially do everything you can do on your blog but in less words (and less SEO of course).
Honestly, I don’t think blogging is dead but its pretty clear that Instagram is the platform of the moment. Its likely that another app will come along and change our minds but for now, its here to stay. Whether you read blogs or not is your own preference and as much as I’d like to hope you read mine often - I’m fine if you just check out my Instagram every now and again!
Do I want to keep blogging? Yes.
Do I think Instagram is better? Yes.
Do I think Instagram will always be the biggest? Not a chance.
Super interesting! I definitely agree that the pure convenience of instagram allows for it to be much more accessible for non-bloggers. I love writing too and I definitely thing owning your own platform will always hold a value but instagram is definitely a key platform at the moment. xx
Frances Kayleigh | Fashion Beauty Lifestyle
I went through a stage of being obsessed with instagram because it seems like the only important platform towards getting brands to work with you, and it just sent me into a downward spiral and made me lose all love for the app. Now I typically only post 2-3 times a week, so I’m still putting content up but I’m not pushing myself to post every single day…plus I seem to not be losing as many followers that way.
Alicia x
http://www.aestheticobsessed.co.uk
Loved this blog post Jess! It’s a topic I’ve discussed many times with bloggers / instagrammers, PRs, brands and friends. While it feels that IG is the top priority for brands (because it is) they also want blog posts too, even if fewer people are reading them. So basically we need to write AND produce professional shots!! I’m looking forward to seeing what platform topples IG and where it takes us! Thx for sharing, Judith xx
http://www.talesofjude.com
This is such a meaty topic, and a great read buddy! In my personal opinion I feel the Instagram vs blogging thing is kinda parallel to the trends on YouTube where visuals are so important, and by visuals, as you mention, I mean professional visuals. Shot on a DSLR and edited well. That content in so consumable and visually pleasing on YouTube and I feel Instagram offers that also, that combined with the convenience makes it a really appealing platform. I feel that Instagram is becoming a hub for online content, it’s evolving into this place where it’s a portfolio, but it’s also got a ‘what I’m up to’ function with Instagram stories and the ability now to link to websites from insta stories is another step towards becoming THE online hub of the moment. But then, what do I know ay 😛 x
I feel like its easy to upload a picture to your insta but it takes time, creativity and passion to write a blog, Plus its always yours! If instagram suddenly goes missing those instagram-bloggers are gone! Where as we still have our blogs.
Megan | http://www.MummyandHarrison.co.uk
Your post was great.I like it Instagram but the love that I have for the blog is especial
https://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/revolveawards.html
As much as I agree with this post, I just wanted to say that I think blogging is relevant in its own way. Instagram is a lot easier, but blogs hold more information than just a photo. When people want to know how to style something or read a review on a product or are just curious about someone’s life beyond the captions, I would hope they click on that person’s blog.
With all that said, I loved this article and I’ll definitely keep reading your blog, so don’t stop! 🙂
betweenthehangers.com
As much as I agree with this post, I just wanted to say I think blogging is relevant in its own way. Instagram is a lot easier, but blogging holds more information than just a photo and caption. When people want to know how to style something or read a review on a product or are simply curious about a blogger’s life beyond the captions, I would hope they click on the actual website.
With all of that said, I loved everything you said; I really hope blogging doesn’t die either because I really enjoy writing my own and reading other’s blogs!
Annie C. | https://betweenthehangers.com
This was such an interesting read, thank you!
Rosie | wearsrosie.com