Your photos. Somebody else’s name. Facebook has given users the opportunity to make this important connection, prompting resounding approval from legions of fans. Known as ‘photo tagging’, the feature enables users to link another member’s name to a posted pic.
Not to be left out in the cold, Instagram has jumped right in and introduced their own form of photo tagging. Appropriately known as “Photos of You”, the option invites users to link their pics to the names of other, specially-selected Instagram participants. The similarity is more than a strange coincidence or copycat move. Instagram is a subsidiary of Facebook. Clearly, a case of child mirroring parent.
Instagram has gone one better than its predecessor, however. The Facebook subsidiary has incorporated certain controls that enable users to hand-pick the tagged pictures that are viewable by other online fans. So no worries about embarrassing revelations to unintended eyeballs.
Photos of You opens the door wide for brand marketers to boost the engagement factor of the already immensely popular Instagram. For instance, a clothing line could tag certain Photos of You with the name of a performer already popular with the company’s customer demographic. (With said celebrity’s permission, of course.) By association, the performer’s legions of fans instantly become ‘guest fans’ of the company and clothing line. In essence, Instagram becomes InstaFan! The number of loyal disciples could be in the millions. Not that’s an endorsement!
Brands don’t necessarily have to originate all the product shots. Consumers could be invited to submit their own slice-of-life photos depicting themselves and friends enjoying company merchandise. Celebrity and spokesperson tagging would follow immediately.
If you have any questions or comments about maximizing your brand marketing campaigns with Instagram, or about any other brand building topic, feel free to send them our way. You can connect with the Young Company team at 949-376-8404 #4033 orbart@youngcompany.com. And be sure to follow us for the latest brand marketing news and tips.