Facebook has recently reported that it reached more than 1.5 monthly active users. The surge of readily available devices and the internet, as well as internet-savvy millennials who are eager to participate in making 'me news' has contributed largely to the growing number of users of social media platforms.
Facebook is not the only one to enjoy a large increase in users. Instagrammers have also flocked in to boost the numbers of the photo-sharing app. Instagram has announced on Tuesday, Sept. 22, it has reached 400 million active users who access the app at least every month. The number indicates that Instagram has beaten popular micro-blogging site Twitter.
According to CNBC, the Facebook-owned app garnered 100 million more users over the last nine months. At this time, celebrities like David Beckham and former Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner have joined Instagram. Countries from Europe and Asia, namely, Japan and Indonesia, as well as Brazil, contributed to the 100-million increase.
The number gives a strong following to Facebook as well, because the social giant is looking into monetizing Instagram. Facebook fully owns the platform and a surge of advertising revenues from Instagram is expected to happen in 2016. Facebook has recently been adding advertising tools in its own platform, including a targeted ads feature. It has been reported that Facebook is using the like and share buttons to gather data for which ads users would like to see in their feeds.
Analyst Ian Maude said Instagram is a powerful advertising tool, as it is able to reach different audiences. This adds to its appeal to advertisers. Maude also noted that the platform has been receiving positive feedback from potential clients who are looking to use it as a branding tool.
The social platform has also introduced new features and changes on its app. It has revamped the Search and Explore functions, and it now allows landscape and portrait photos, aside from its standard square scale.
