Instagram overtakes Twitter by 1m

The adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with images is proving to be true in the world of social media. Instagram is now bigger than Twitter (which has only 304million active users), after their monthly users increased by 100 million in the last nine months. The Photo- sharing app bought by Facebook for £650m $1bn in 2012, is now allowing its 400 million regular users to post landscape and portrait videos and pictures for the first time. Until now only Square format images could be uploaded. The new Star Wars film has already taken advantage for the first time to upload a landscape orientated teaser video.

It turns out that nearly one in five photos or videos users post are not square format and Instagram has amended and added landscape formats also.

The clever move by Instagram will especially appeal to advertisers according to Debra Aho Williamson. There are more than two million advertisers who actively use Facebook to market their business.

Instagram is currently trying to expand its advertising operations, offering brands 30-second teaser video slots and Twitter style Marquee adverts.

Our community has evolved to be global as more 75 per cent users are living outside US. The new instagrammers include users from Brazil, India, Japan and Indonesia.

Instagrammers have realised the full potential of value images and videos, as they capture incredible photos and videos from around the world including inspiring moments like the first surface image of Pluto and Champions League celebrations. Instagram was launched five years ago, helping you experience and connect the world through images and shared passions.

Since acquiring Instagram, Facebook has bought messaging service WhatsApp and virtual reality device maker Oculus VR.