Globetrotting Influencers: Instagram’s Traveling Trend

The social network Instagram continues to grow, now boasting over 300 million users. Travel is one of the most popular themes: users eagerly share their vacation photos and the landscapes they love. Among these hundreds of millions of users, some have emerged and now lead significant communities. Who are these Instagram travelers followed by tens of thousands, and even hundreds, of people for the most influential? Why do they have so many followers? Let’s find out.

Every day, Instagram travelers post a stunning photo from a dream destination. This leads to hundreds or even thousands of “likes” and dozens of glowing comments. Throughout the year, they seem to be traveling the world, visiting places more picturesque than the last. What’s their secret? Articles about Instagram travelers are flourishing. Lists of Instagram accounts to follow for travel are appearing in online press. It’s often noted that these influential photographers, followed by thousands of subscribers, are making a living from their photos. For example, Australian Lauren Bath (@LaurenPBath) has over 411,000 subscribers. Tourism organizations pay this photographer to travel. In exchange, she posts photos on her account, promoting a destination or a hotel.

Elisa Detrez and Maxime Coquard (@ElisaParkRanger) are French and have also made Instagram travel their career. Elisa jumped into social media to participate in a contest for “The Best Job in the World.” The prize? A year in Australia taking photos. She immediately fell in love with Instagram. However, it was after her tour of Australia that she and her partner decided to make it their profession. How? By creating their own consulting agency, Best Jobers. Today, they help tourism players on social media while selling their photos.

Australians are very fond of Instagram, and Australia is the most-followed tourist destination on the platform. When we returned, we wanted to continue having “The Best Job in the World,” so we found a way to live from Instagram photos by creating a structure, Best Jobers. We also post photos on our account. I take mine with a smartphone, while Maxime’s are more polished. All are chosen very carefully. People tell us that we inspire them. We want to encourage them to get off their couches and embark on adventures, even if it might seem surprising!

However, one must not think that all Instagram travelers have become tourism professionals. For most, it’s simply about sharing photos easily and inspiring others. The texts are always very short but include precise locations, sometimes with tips or good plans for visiting the photographed region. This is the approach of Hervé Bois (@Timbrado on Instagram), who shares his experiences for Le Café des Médias:

The most famous Instagramers are indeed paid for certain trips. They have at least several hundred thousand followers. That is not my case. My approach is to visit places in France to showcase beautiful locations. I take photos that I share with my community. At first, in 2011, I had very few followers, but I enjoyed all the positive comments. People told me it gave them ideas for places to visit in France. Now, I’m followed by 63,000 people.

An Instagram gallery is thus simultaneously an interactive travel diary, a reimagined travel guide, and a digital magazine. One can browse through hashtags and accounts, whether for a minute or an hour. Maud Descamps, a journalist and author of the blog “Cook and Travel,” analyzes this phenomenon:

Travel posts have overtaken Instagram. It’s also a promotional tool for professional photographers who work freelance or for major publications like National Geographic. There has been a snowball effect on this network, less so on Pinterest, which is seen as more feminine and less travel-focused. It’s global; we follow travelers from all around the world. It offers a different perspective on tourism than the Michelin Guide, more Anglo-Saxon. These are inspiring landscapes where information is conveyed through imagery. A breath of fresh air in a glance! It can also be amusing, with images of animals or unusual moments.

Culinary walk on Palawan Island - Philippines

Culinary walk on Palawan Island – Philippines
Blog Cook & Travel

For example, Ira Block (@IraBlockphoto) is a photographer for National Geographic. He has nearly 160,000 followers, and his photos are also featured on the magazine’s Instagram page (@NatGeo), which has 25 million followers! Therefore, it’s a fantastic lever for showcasing his work as a photographer and a new distribution medium whose power continues to grow.

Originally published at emmanuellepatry.fr on July 20, 2015.

About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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