Instagram Features Overview: A Guide for Personal and Corporate Use in the Philippines

Instagram has become a popular medium for both personal and corporate use in the Philippines. As of 2021, the social media platform in the nation had over 33 million active users, giving it a powerful tool for reaching out to a varied and engaged audience. Instagram has become a vital marketing tool for organizations of all kinds because to its aesthetically attractive layout and simple functionalities. The age demography of a company’s target audience is one of the most important aspects to consider while marketing on Instagram. So, what age group is most popular on Instagram in the Philippines? In this commentary, we will look at the age groups that are most prevalent on the platform and give insights on the sorts of products and services that are most appealing to these audiences. By understanding the preferences and behaviors of the most active age groups on Instagram, businesses can develop effective marketing strategies and maximize their social media presence in the Philippines. Instagram Features Overview in the Philippines Instagram is a social networking site that mainly focuses on sharing photos and videos, showcasing everything from delectable cafe treats to breathtaking travel destinations. Originally popular among young people, it has now expanded to all generations and even coined the term “Instagrammable.” It’s not just regular users who use Instagram; influencers showcase their fashion style, and companies use it to promote their brand and products. One of the notable features of Instagram is the use of hashtags. When a user performs a hashtag search, they’ll see posts with the same hashtag, ranked by popularity. Here are the main features of Instagram: Feed Posts The most popular feature is Feed Posts. You can post up to 10 photos or short videos, each with captions and hashtags. You can also interact with other users by liking and commenting on their posts. Stories Stories are a feature that displays continuous images or videos for 15 seconds each for 24 hours. 70% of Instagram users in the Philippines use Stories, and it’s a feature often used alongside Feed. You can also use the Live Distribution feature, and the Highlights feature lets you showcase your stories on your profile. Reel Reel is a function that lets you create and post 15-30 second videos with various editing functions, such as audio and video effects. It’s easy to process videos, making it a popular feature. There’s also IGTV, which is a longer video format of 15-60 minutes. Shopping Function The Shopping function lets you tag posted photos and guide users to product pages that can be purchased. It’s a convenient function for marketing, as users can quickly jump to the product page and buy the product. Instagram User Base: Statistics and Trends Instagram User Base: Number of Users As of October 2022, there are over 2 billion Instagram users worldwide, according to Meta, the company that operates the popular social media platform. In Japan alone, the number of users has surpassed 33 million, as of 2019. Instagram User Demographics: Male to Female Ratio Instagram has a significant number of female users, with 57% of the total user base being women, according to data from Meta. In comparison, 43% are men. Furthermore, Instagram’s usage rate is higher among women (54.8%) than men (42.3%), as shown in the “SNS usage rate by gender (2021)” graph below. Instagram User Age Group Based on the “Instagram usage rate by age group (2021)” data, Instagram is particularly popular among teenagers and those in their 20s. However, the usage rate declines as the age group increases from the 30s to the 60s. Twitter also has a similar user base of teens and 20s, while Facebook is used by those in their 30s and 40s. On the other hand, YouTube has a wide range of age groups as users. Therefore, it is safe to say that not only Instagram, but also Twitter, are platforms that are mainly used by young people. Purpose of using Instagram What is the purpose of Instagram? Instagram is a popular social media platform used for both active and passive purposes. Users not only scroll through feeds and stories but also actively engage with others, gather information, and share their own content. The app is commonly used for hobbies, trends, celebrity updates, as well as to connect with friends and family. Instagram also offers an opportunity to interact with influencers and celebrities, and post personal updates like recent reports, personal records, and self-expression. Influencers are increasingly using Instagram to collaborate with brands and launch products. In comparison to YouTube, where less than 1% of users post and comment, Instagram has a higher percentage of active users. How has the purpose of Instagram changed since COVID-19? According to Meta, Japan has been one of the most active countries for shopping features on Instagram even before the pandemic (June 2019). Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of users searching for shopping information, such as mail-order contents and reviews, has increased. In addition, the use of Instagram for information gathering, exchange, and live streaming has also surged during the pandemic. After the stay-at-home period, live streaming became popular as it allowed people to connect with the outside world while remaining indoors, providing a sense of being present at an event in real-time. Instagram hours of use Knowing the peak hours of Instagram usage is crucial for effective promotion. According to App Ape Lab, the most users are discovered between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, with the most users occuring between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. at night. Many users scroll through their feed during their daily commute, lunch breaks, and before bedtime. The number of users steadily increases during the day on weekends, peaking between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Instagram usage increases during holidays and non-working days, with the highest usage rate being between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. It’s clear that most users check Instagram during dinner time or in their leisure time after dinner. Understanding the busiest hours of Instagram usage will help you optimize your promotional content and increase your chances of success. Benefits of promoting on Instagram Convenient way to showcase products through images Instagram is a highly visual social media platform that relies on photos and videos, making it easier to showcase products and services. Advertising with images is more effective than just using text alone. Instagram marketing is particularly useful for promoting products and services where visuals play a crucial role and targeting demographics who base their purchasing decisions on aesthetics. Target your audience with ease Many Instagram users use the platform to gather information about products and services. By using appropriate hashtags and keyword searches, businesses can easily reach their target audience. Users not only look for company accounts, but also check influencers and other users’ posts for product reviews and feedback. Promotion with a natural feel Instagram promotions are more organic compared to traditional advertising methods. Users consider purchasing products based on reviews from other users, creating a more natural promotional effect. Collaborating with influencers for marketing campaigns can promote products naturally to their followers. Instagram promotion creates less pressure on the users to buy, allowing them to feel more independent in their purchasing decisions. Easy connection to purchases and visits Promotions that go viral on social media don’t always lead to increased sales or store visits. However, Instagram promotions can quickly and easily appeal to the target audience who are already searching for related products or services on the platform. Instagram’s user-friendly interface and search functions make it easier for businesses to create compelling posts that can attract more purchases and visits to their stores. Final PopStar Tip In conclusion, Instagram has become a significant platform for personal and corporate use in the Philippines, with over 33 million active users as of 2021. Instagram’s visually appealing layout and simple functionalities have made it an essential marketing tool for organizations of all kinds. Teenagers and those in their 20s are the most active age groups on Instagram, with women comprising 57% of the total user base. Instagram is commonly used for passive and active purposes, and the app’s purpose has shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic. Users now use Instagram for shopping information, information gathering, exchange, and live streaming. It’s essential to know the peak hours of Instagram usage to optimize promotion. Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help you in your Instagram marketing here in the Philippines.