I started using Instagram in 2013. Initially I followed some genuine artists and photographers for their art. I appreciated their work and drew inspiration from them. Then I was inactive from about mid-2016 to 2022. After going back to it, I discovered things that were beyond my comprehension.

Instagram was once hailed as the promised land for photographers, where anyone with a good camera or even a smartphone could exhibit their art. But now it’s just another crowded street, filled with noise and distractions, drowning out the voices of those who truly have something to show.

I remember when Instagram first came onto the scene. It was like a revolution, a democratization of photography. Suddenly, everyone had a platform to share their work, to connect with others who shared their passion. It felt like the possibilities were endless, like anyone could make it if they just had the talent and the drive.

But somewhere along the way, things started to change. Instagram went from being a showcase for creativity to a popularity contest, where likes and followers mattered more than the quality of content. It became a game of algorithms and influencers, where the qualitative aspect of art took a backseat to let curated perfection take the front seat.

Genuine photographers, the ones who pour their heart and soul into their craft, are finding it harder and harder to stand out in a sea of sameness. It’s not enough to take great photos anymore; you have to play by the rules of the platform if you want to get noticed. And for many, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. A few of the photographers I had initially followed, are not active in Instagram anymore or are very irregular in posting photos. They post once in about three months. They do not post reels and are probably left out by the algorithm for reach and engagement. I have also heard my friends say that reels are prioritized by the algorithm over static posts.

The rise of influencers and brand partnerships has further diluted the significance of Instagram for photography. It’s no longer about artistry or expression; it’s about selling a lifestyle, promoting products, chasing likes and engagement metrics. The soul of photography has been commodified, packaged and sold to the highest bidder.

The current scenario makes me wonder if people will ever start to crave substance over style, authenticity over artifice, again. But at the end of the day, Instagram may come and go, the art of photography will endure. It’s not about likes or followers or trends; it’s about capturing moments, sparking emotions, telling a story and leaving a lasting impression on the world. And I believe, as long as there are still people who believe in the power of photography, its significance will never truly fade away.