4 reasons you should be using Instagram to market your apps

Instagram’s popularity has exploded over the past few years and is fast becoming the most popular social media network. In June, the number of monthly active users hit one billion, joining the likes of Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Chrome and YouTube as one of the most popular apps. Does such an extensive reach mean that Instagram is the perfect place to advertise your app?

1. Mobile-first

One of the greatest things about Instagram is that it’s a mobile-first app. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, which you could use on any device from a desktop at work to a laptop on the train, the Instagram user is already going to be engaged on their phone. This means that all you have to do is make a compelling enough advert and the user will be sure to tap that ‘Download Now’ button.

2. Visual medium

This brings us to the advert. The beauty of Instagram - and the thing that makes it so unique - is its focus on image over text. This means that your advert can catch the user’s eye faster and engage them for far longer. As well as this, Instagram provides absolutely no distractions to the user. A Facebook or Twitter user is often presented with sidebars and feeds, messenger which pops up on their screen, and trending news stories and hashtags. All these things can actually take away from the impact of your ad. On Instagram, there’s only one thing for your user to do: scroll. Yes, there’s always the risk that your user may simply scroll past your ad, but as long as your content is compelling, it’s highly likely that your target audience will stop for you.

3. Camouflage

The world of Instagram is far freer and more ad-friendly than most. Because users expect to see video, boomerang or stop motion animation as well as pictures, they’re less likely to notice or mind that what they’re seeing is an advert. Create an ad that blends in perfectly with a user’s feed by choosing your audience carefully – another plus to advertising on Instagram.

4. Reach

This brings us to the numbers. An estimated 80% of Instagram users follow a business on their app, with 60% learning about a product or service through the platform. At least 30% say they have purchased a product they’ve seen advertised on Instagram. With costs as low as £1 a day, an Instagram advert is a must try for apps of all shapes and sizes.