Instagram for photographers: Is it still worth the effort?

In recent years, Instagram has transformed from a simple photo-sharing app to a complex, algorithm-driven platform, now favouring videos over photos. For photographers, especially those focusing on stills, this shift has raised the question: is Instagram still worth the effort?

The Challenge for Photographers on Instagram

Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my latest work and once I get back to the Philippines, more behind the scenes stories.

Instagram once was a haven for photographers who could build a following simply by sharing great images. In fact I used to have an account that had thousands of follower’s before I got fed up with social media and deleted everything about 4 years ago. But now, with the platform heavily favouring Reels, Stories, and other video content, photographers feel their work is competing against a sea of fast-paced, trendy videos. The algorithms push video content, leaving traditional still photography posts struggling for visibility. For photographers who aren’t interested in constantly creating video content, it can feel like an uphill battle just to get seen.

I tend to post photos which don’t get much engagement. 

Your Work Gets Lost

Even when you use hashtags and follow the latest “engagement rules,” Instagram’s algorithm often hides your posts from the hashtag feeds you’ve chosen. Previously, photographers could rely on hashtags to get their work seen by a broader audience, and hashtag pages had dedicated sections for “Top” and “Recent” posts. However, Instagram now uses a curated approach where not every tagged post shows up in the hashtag feed, making it unpredictable and harder for photographers to gain traction.

Should You Chase Likes and Engagement?

The immediate gratification of likes and comments can be motivating, but this model of validation can also be misleading. It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing “likes” instead of focusing on creating meaningful work. But as with many things in life, there’s no guarantee. You might post an image you love, only to see it perform poorly, while a snapshot of your camera or a behind-the-scenes shot could receive much more attention.

Pictures of cameras and gear seem to do better than actual photos a lot of the time. 

Pictures of Gear vs. Actual Photography

Interestingly, photos of cameras or lenses often generate more engagement than photos taken with that gear. This trend seems to highlight a consumer-focused interest rather than an appreciation for the art of photography itself. It’s a phenomenon that can feel frustrating for photographers who want their work—not their tools—to be the main attraction. In the coming weeks, I’m planning to experiment with posting a mix of both: traditional photos and shots of my equipment, to see how they compare in terms of engagement.

Pressures of Following Trends

There’s a constant pressure to follow trends, especially with Instagram’s shift toward promoting Reels. Whether it’s aesthetic trends, editing styles, or even particular compositions, photographers may feel compelled to adapt their style to fit what’s popular at the moment. This pursuit often results in a “cookie-cutter” aesthetic across the platform, with images looking increasingly similar. For those who want to forge their own creative path, this can be limiting and ultimately unsatisfying.

Personally, I post on Instagram only when I genuinely have something to share, treating it as a long-term project. Instead of fixating on immediate results, I’m viewing it as a slow-burning platform that may eventually yield rewards. By prioritising YouTube, where the algorithm focuses more on delivering relevant content to viewers, I’ve found a platform that aligns more closely with my creative goals and values.

I have found engagement on Youtube to be much better. 

The Established Account Advantage

Instagram’s algorithm seems to heavily favour established accounts, which can make it difficult for newer or smaller accounts to break through. For those of us building a following from scratch, this lack of visibility can be disheartening. It raises questions about Instagram’s usefulness for those who aren’t willing to “play the game” by following trends and algorithms. I’m pleased to see that YouTube is currently giving new and smaller accounts a fair amount of visibility on their platform. You can subscribe to my Youtube channel here

Avoiding the Follow-for-Follow Trap

While it might be tempting to engage in a “follow-for-follow” strategy to grow your account, this approach often results in an audience that isn’t genuinely interested in your work. Instead, I’m focusing on following photographers who inspire me. This ensures that my feed remains a source of motivation rather than a meaningless numbers game.

Instagram Burnout: The Creativity Killer

Instagram can quickly become a massive time sink, sucking creative energy away from actual photography. The scrolling, the comparisons, the pressure to post—these can all add up to a sense of burnout, where creating feels more like a chore than a passion. To combat this, I’ve set strict boundaries on my Instagram usage, limiting my time on the app and focusing instead on more rewarding creative pursuits.

Alternatives to Instagram for Photographers

For photographers who feel Instagram no longer serves their goals, there are viable alternatives that provide more control and freedom.

1. Personal Website: Building a website allows you to showcase your work without the constraints of social media algorithms. On your own platform, you control the presentation, the pacing, and the audience’s journey through your work. This is why I’m investing in my website, seeing it as a “home base” for my photography.

2. Email Newsletter: An email list allows you to communicate directly with those who are genuinely interested in your work. Unlike social media, where algorithms can interfere with visibility, email offers a direct line to your audience. You can sign up to my newsletter when the pop up on this page appears.

3. YouTube: YouTube has a different approach to algorithms, focusing on content that viewers engage with over the long term. For photographers who are willing to share their process, thoughts, and creative journey, YouTube can be a powerful way to build an engaged community.

4. Photography-Specific Platforms: Sites like Flickr, 500px, and even VERO cater more specifically to photographers, though they lack the broad reach of Instagram. They allow photographers to share images in a more curated environment, free from the pressure to create “trendy” content.

5. Print and In-Person Exhibits: Many photographers find satisfaction in creating tangible work through zines, photo books, or even in-person exhibitions. This route may not offer the same visibility as social media, but it allows for deeper connections with viewers who appreciate the craft.

The Long Game: Building Something Lasting

Ultimately, I’m treating Instagram as an experiment. I’m giving it time, focusing on meaningful interactions, and keeping my expectations realistic. Rather than chasing instant gratification, I’m thinking of Instagram as a platform that may eventually serve my goals—but only if I approach it in a way that doesn’t drain my creativity. The priority remains on platforms that align with my vision, such as YouTube and my website, where I can showcase my work without the need to conform to fleeting trends.

Instagram can still be useful, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective, treating it as one tool among many. For some photographers, it may work well as a business driver; for others, it may simply be a way to occasionally share work. In either case, being intentional about time and energy on the platform can help prevent burnout and keep the creative process intact.

Final Thoughts: Is Instagram for You?

If you’re a photographer questioning Instagram’s value, it’s worth considering your goals. Social media can offer visibility and opportunities, but only if it aligns with your personal and creative priorities. Experiment, set boundaries, and focus on what truly drives your passion for photography. After all, the most rewarding projects come from genuine creative exploration, not from chasing likes or trends.