I’ve been thinking about a question for a while now, should I delete Instagram? At first, I thought this was an unpopular opinion/ me thing. And I don’t know whether other people are suddenly feeling the same way, or whether I’ve simply been more aware of it, but I’m seeing so many people say they’ve deleted the app and don’t miss it. So, I decided to try a little experiment. I didn’t post for a month.
The theory?
Well, if you follow me, you’ll probably already know that my posting is sporadic at best. And I have gone a month without posting before. But I’ve never skipped a month on purpose before. I wanted to know how many times I’d open the app if I wasn’t posting, how much I’d engage and so on. Then, at the end of the month, I would make a conscious effort to start posting again and see how it felt.
So I didn’t post for a month
I didn’t post for a month, and in that time, I think I can count on one hand the number of times I opened the app. When I did open it, I was never there for more than 5-10 minutes and I don’t miss it.
And in that month, I enjoyed not posting. I saw the #instagramdown trending a few times (as per usual) and felt quite content that I didn’t know anything about it, or care about it. Other than seeing people upset that their ads flopped because it was down, I care about that impact. But that’s for another post.
Me & Instagram
It’s no secret that Instagram has never been my favorite app. And it never will be. If I didn’t have my blog, I probably wouldn’t have an account at all. And that’s fine, everyone has their favourite platforms. Some people don’t like Twitter; I don’t like Instagram. I’m sure you have one you like less too.
But does my blog need an Instagram account? I’m going to be honest, the only reason I think it does is because I think my blog header looks naked without it. My desire to keep it has nothing to do with the app itself.
And this experiment?
As you can probably tell, this experiment isn’t over. We’re entering part two, and I’m telling you this now to hold myself accountable and make myself post. Month two, I’m supposed to be posting regularly, and I haven’t fully decided what that means. Probably 2 or 3 times a week. I post a new blog post three times a week so uploading three photos shouldn’t be a stretch…
The idea is that I post, check back in with myself and see if I feel any differently about the app. Then, we enter the final phase. If I don’t feel differently by the end of November, I’m deleting the app for the month of December, or maybe longer. Then I see if I miss it all when I don’t have access to it for the occasional check in.
Deleting the app or my account?
I know if you delete the account, you lose your handle after a month. And I know myself, I’ll realise after 5 weeks that it’s been over a month and it’s too late. I don’t want to do that, just in case I want to come back. So, I have to settle for deleting the app.
I’ve seen several people say that they don’t regret deleting the app. So, I’m curious to see how this goes. And if I haven’t posted yet, someone please tell me to.
Have any of you ever deleted the Instagram app or your account in general? If you feel the same way, try my little experiment as well and see how it goes.
Until next time,
Sophie
I stopped using Instagram for a long time, because of the whole “perfect picture” thing and I just felt pressured and urgh about it.
And then I decided to say fuck it and claimed Instagram as my place. And I’m so happy. It’s no longer a numbers game or about being perfect. I just share what ever I feel like that day because Instagram is a representation of what I like
I actually write a blog post about it if you’re interested
But I think the most important thing is to do what makes you happy
I have two Insta accounts and I like then both in different ways. I think it’s important though to take a break from them as much as you need and there should be no pressure to keep them if you don’t feel like it 🙂
I had a very similar experience with Instagram! I started an account for my travel blog in early 2018 and posted every other day. It was exhausting! I usually scheduled all my posts in advance but it took time. But the part that really wore me down was all of the fakery. I did meet a few nice people on there but most comments were just spam, obviously left my bots – it felt so ingenuous. Plus, when I looked at my stats, I saw so few views actually came from Instagram. Which makes sense, because it’s so hard to get back to your blog! First people have to find your photo (hashtags or following you, and even if they follow you, your posts may not show up in their feed), then they have to actually read your caption, then go to your profile, then click on the link. It’s too many steps and most people don’t do it. Whereas on Twitter, it’s a lot easier for people to get to your blog because the link is right there. Plus, I find the connections and people on Twitter are much more genuine – no bots leaving comments (at least for me). So for me, it came down to what I was using Instagram for. The purpose was to build an audience for my blog and that wasn’t happening. So I gave it up! Like you, I haven’t deleted the account, just signed out of it and haven’t posted in ages. I think it would be helpful for you to do the same thing. See if Instagram is helping you to reach your goals. If not, delete! As for your header, you could always add an image instead that has the same look with multiple photos.
I am so frustrated with Instagram too. I hate the algorithm and I struggle so much with growing it. I regret not growing it earlier especially because I want to work with brands, and for most brands Instagram is the be-all, end-all. I also hate comparing myself to everyone too: everyone is so much better looking than I am and lives a better life 🙁 even though I know it’s not the full story of everyone’s life.
Hannah the Mad Dog
Really interesting read! I’ve never thought about deleting Instagram before because I quite like it, although it’s never really helped with traffic xx
I recently deleted the app for over a month.
I got it back the other day to share my blog/drawings but I’m leaving it there. I’m trying to keep my personal life & face off of Instagram.
Great post!
Kenna,
I love Instagram, or at least the idea of it. I post once a day on my personal profile but hardly ever on my blog one.
Engagement is difficult, I feel my pictures are not insta worthy and then I feel crap about it.
I hope you get something out of your month of posting. I’ll be interested to hear how it goes x
Really interesting take! I guess it depends on your blogging niche and your interests on whether you really need Instagram I suppose, but it does feel that insta has bloggers over a barrel at times so it would be nice to feel like it’s not necessary to have insta for a blog to thrive!
If I’m honest I don’t use Instagram as much as I should in connection with my blog mostly because I feel so restricted and pressured to have a specific theme for my photographs and maintaining it. If I could go without an Instagram then I probably would but I recently made a separate one for my blog so I could still use a personal one for friends and family and just random stuff and I’ve felt that pressure go a little.
I understand your struggle! Instagram barely sends traffic to my blog, but I keep it because it’s a requirement for collaborations.
What an interesting post Sophie. I have certainly had my frustrations with Instagram, like many bloggers. I don’t think I would delete it, as I really do enjoy posting and watching stories and the friendships I have made on the app. But it really depends on how you use it and if you get that enjoyment from something else. I’m looking forward to your update! xx
Violethollow.com
I really enjoy Instagram lately, but it is such a hard platform! I haven’t ever deleted it, but it has taken me so long to get to this point!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Even though I do find Instagram really annoying at times I still really like using it! I try to engage as much as I can with other people’s photos and I feel that’s helped me get the engagement too. I have seen people delete it and say they don’t miss it but I think I would as I check it quite a few times a day! X
This is a really interesting experiment you’re trying with Instagram. You’re right, we all have a social media platform that isn’t our favourite, I love Instagram, but I know it’s not the same for everyone else. A great and insightful post! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I really love using Instagram purely for inspiration; it is such a hard platform to use though, I find that it takes so long to grow on it! I am so interested to see how you find taking a break from the app! Great post xoxo
I have love and hate moments with instagram. Sometimes I just can’t stand what hassle it is, other times I enjoy the expressive part of it. I’ve been really getting into stories and looking back to old stories to see how much I’ve changed for the better. Personally, I think bloggers should stop stressing over instagram stats and work on pinterest instead. Instagram should just be there as a creative outlet rather than a marketing tool. We also need to remember that we don’t need to perfect all the time, I think the perfectly curated accounts are a thing of the past. Thanks for your post.
Laura / https://www.laustworld.com/
I have a love hate relationship with all social media platforms if I’m honest! When I first started blogging, Twitter was by far my favourite because of all of the positivity and support I felt when on it. I can’t say I feel that anymore unfortunately however I do feel like I’m in more of a community on Instagram now. Don’t get me wrong, Instagram annoys the hell out of me – the messed up algorithm, the hashtags, the effort of having some sort of theme. But I feel like my content is appreciated much more on there! I do have to have breaks from it though as sometimes I just don’t have the energy to post.
Alice Xx
Instagram has been super confusing in the recent years with all of their algorithm changes. I feel the same as you – I only post once in a while. Quantity over quality! Sometimes, it is better to just keep your account active. At least that way, you don’t need to worry about your username being lost.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I struggle more with twitter but I think I am trying to find my flow. Instagram is a battle I don’t post beautiful set up pictures I try to post more in the moment especially on my stories and have found that using stories has boosted my engagement and clicks to my blog. Growth is slow but I am enjoying the few genuine connections I have there. I know I wouldn’t miss it though if I didn’t use it
I don’t use Instagram a lot but I wouldn’t delete it
I waited several months (& a whole two years if you count when I actually started my blog) before I even created an Instagram account. I went into it with the knowledge that it’s tricky, problematic, and frustrating and decided that I was just going to post whatever I wanted, whenever, and that I wouldn’t worry about the rest of it. For that reason, I enjoy it. I like adding to my story a few times a week, posting a couple of pictures that I enjoyed taking and editing, and using it to keep up with other blogging friends. I totally understand why other people find it too annoying, especially if their immediate goal is to work towards becoming self-sufficient through their blog. To each their own!!
Ive deleted mine in the past but I did miss it, not so much for my blog but for me in general. But maybe thats because I love photography and editing?? Always go with your gut instinct hun, if its not something you miss then don’t worry about it, put your focus into something else you enjoy 🙂 x
My Instagram isn’t growing much, but I stopped focusing on that and just enjoy the engagement I do get. I don’t feel pressured to post so often now that blogtober is over and I’m not promoting a daily post. I think I’ll enjoy it more this month!
I can totally understand why you’d consider deleting Instagram, I’m not really a fan and only have an account to try and reach new readers for my blog
I like instagram but at times, I hate it. I think it’s not as easy to build up now & having to pay for your post to be seen more is a rip off. And the ones that are popular all look the same, I can see the same type of photo a bunch of times through my feed and it will have tons of likes whereas an original photo that is light years better won’t get seen as much if they don’t have a lot of follows or likes. This is where I dislike instagram and how it’s run. I’ve had to take breaks from it as I could feel my anxiety rising and sometimes i think it’s silly but, you can get caught up in the nonsense of it, so I just try and remind myself to just be myself and not think on others. Just enjoy it and have fun. x
I have recently fallen in love with Instagram and have found it’s really helping with my website and other social media pages, sending you all of my love.
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
This was a really interesting read. Instagram can be super frustrating for sure, specially when it becomes like a chore & adds so much pressure! Im intrigued to see what you think after phase 2.
Personally, I enjoy Instagram a lot as I like to take pics & I like to look at other peoples too. The app & the way it works winds me up a lot, & I do hope they change it around! I don’t give myself pressure to post, I just post whenever I want & tend to use it as a personal account rather than a blog account, but I do have it linked to my blog too ❤️
Jazmin |
I know exactly what you mean. I recently came back from a hiatus and during that time it was such a relief not having to deal with posting. Just having that weight in the back of your mind is so much. Now that I’m back from my hiatus, I’ve set rules for myself. It’s a tool to use but I don’t want to let it affect my mindset or health.
I’m torn with Instagram. Sometimes I love the community I have on there, other times I really feel the pressure to get likes and to post. Maybe I’ll try deleting for a week and see if it helps my mental health. Great post!
When I first started using instagram, I thought it was mainly for really pretty beach pictures or somehow beautiful pictures of restaurant food. I started following people I liked seeing and tried to do a photo every day – it was exhausting. I ended up slowing down on insta, and focused on just a different selfie every other day and used it as a grounds to increase my self value, if that makes sense. Now I get reminded of really cute selfies I took a year ago, which is nice. I wouldn’t delete mine, but totally get why you would want a break.
I think it really depends on how different people use it. I use it strictly for fun and if I feel like sharing. I have no schedule, theme or remote organization. Simply post things when I feel like it and I don’t pressure myself to post anything.
When people make it too serious it becomes stressful and an awful experience using it. I’ll go days or weeks without doing anything and I really barely think about it. It’s only when I really want to share something I’ll post and even then it’s just for fun!
I always find people’s experiences with Instagram really interesting. I used to dislike it and honestly, when I first started blogging I had no idea why Instagram was needed for a blog… I genuinely didn’t get it. However, over time I’ve been using it to develop my photography and get crafty and I’ve been loving it. I completely understand why you don’t like it, but I also find that quite interesting because, (and I cannot stress this enough,) your feed is GOALS. Every time I look at your Instagram food account it makes me super happy. Would love to know how you feel with the app deleted – and great post!
Jas xx
I think, when it comes to Instagram, it is about rethinking how you use it and whether it brings you anything. If you feel like it is of no use for you, does not bring you opportunities or joy, then yes, delete from your phone. But keep your handle should you want to come back. I am spending less time on IG and focusing on content rather than numbers and now I quite enjoy IG!
I’m so frustrated with Instagram, some days I find that it’s more hassle than it’s worth blogwise. However I don’t think I could delete it as I do use it a lot to comment on other accounts and keep up with things. I feel that since I stopped pressuring myself to post multiple times a week I feel a lot better about it x
Honestly I’ve never gotten much value out of it so I quit it and focus on twitter and FB.
Instagram is so visual, and I would have thought it would be one of the better platforms for you to be because of the amazing pictures that add yumminess to your posts! So surprising what goes on behind the scenes, but your honesty is truly inspiring.
I love that you are experimenting before just deleting it. That is what I call good sense.
I had same phase. I didn’t use Instagram for months and one day I started again. Now I post photos of new blog posts and that is everything.
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/11/by-terry-gloss-terrybly-shine-cupcake_4.html
I don’t use Instagram that much, posting wise or going on to have a scroll through. I did pick up posting on it through late September and I did enjoy uploading more regularly, but I struggle to keep up with posting anyway! I probably go on it once a day for about 10 minutes tops and that’s about it at the moment haha.
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Instagram is certainly a love or hate relationship. Sometimes I love it and I love sharing my own photos but sometimes I get a bit caught up in the online world.
Instagram is too aggressive for what my company I on Image represents. I am about slow styling, timeless chic, sustainability, old fashioned glamour… So all that consumerism, liking without commenting, mindless tagging, one-use outfits, and let’s not even start about the follow-unfollow game. Someone just did it to me within 8 hours! But, like you, I feel that my blog needs it and I have a lovely small community in there so I will stay put. I just don’t engage in toxic behavior in there anymore. Jenni x
Interesting topic. I very rarely use Instagram and when I do it’s usually personal photos rather than blogging related. Which I love. It feels so much more personal to me when I see ‘Instgramers’ showing themselves a little more. I don’t think I’d delete it as it’s a great way to showcase my photography, but I did delete Facebook for a while and I didn’t miss it. To be honest the only reason I got it back was to keep in touch with my family overseas.