Now that you're using Instagram

The combination of new Android users and Instagram's $1 billion purchase by Facebook means swarms of people are signing up for the community. I figured I would share some of my tips since I have really enjoyed the community there. First, I HIGHLY recommend reading Anthony Quintano's tips on succeeding inside Instagram. It's a fabulous list of tips. Also, Poynter posted a good list of examples of how journalists are using Instagram (which include's Anthony's work). I also like how Brian Stelter explained his use of Instagram after the tornado in Joplin last year. One of my favorite elements of Instagram is community. I've followed many people I know through Twitter and Facebook. But I've also found people just based on looking at who is liking my friends' posts and different hashtags based on topics and regions. I've tried to create an Instagram community hashtag in my area (Often termed "igers.")... but nothing has caught on just yet. My favorite igers are in Chicago. Check them out with the hashtag #igerschicago on Instagram or @igerschicago on Twitter or Tumblr or Facebook. It's a community that started as a hashtag on Instagram and has grown beyond the app. It's pretty cool. (And the photos are awesome.)

Give it a try! You never know what kind of community you may discover or create!