I Don't Think Instagram is Good For Artists

Discussing why I think using Instagram can be such a negative experience for artists, illustrators and creatives, and why my aim is to quit the platform completely.
I've been pondering about how to encourage people to spend more time with works of art online-especially when major platforms are designed against slow appreciation. Would love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
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[@teohyc]

It's very true what you said about Instagram. I've been creating content only for more than a decade and I've always advise people to blog or create YT videos. Always focus on creating content that can be archived, searched, and come back to help you in the future. I've discovered many of your YT KZbin videos through search. And I constantly link to your topic videos (e.g. this Instagram one) when I just don't have time to leave a comment somewhere else. People use Instagram because it's easy, quick to use. Blogging and creating YT videos take more time. For artists thinking of using Instagram as a marketing tool, note that it will no longer be a marketing tool when you stop posting, and all the time and effort you have put in will be wasted. So much for quick and easy to use. I've seen artists who blogged and switched completely Instagram, or Facebook. Big mistake. When people do a search on Google, how often do you see Instagram and FB come up as search results, vs blog posts and YT videos? How are people going to discover you if they don't even have the chance to see you. At least YT still has the related videos sidebar. Hashtags are fun, but your work will get pushed down eventually. I will be making a video talking about Instagram too. Blogging is still an incredible marketing tool, and now with social media, blogging is even more valuable because less artists are now blogging.

[@hollyexley]

Very good advice, thanks for this Teoh. Couldn't agree more.

[@Idk-xdx]

I was planning on starting a KZbin channel but felt like it'll be a waste to quit both Twitter and Instagram (even though I don't like using them anymore) Your comment encouraged me to give it a chance and focus on 1 platform for now, thank you!

[@debsllewelyn230]

Thanks Teoh

[@NatureSketchbook]

I left Instagram in 2019 because of everything Holly mentioned (and more, I've made an entire YT video about artists + social media, and how it leads artists to devalue their art,). I've never regretted it. Like Teoh said, blogging and YT are much better ways to market yourself and get found.

[@katrinwegmann4249]

I'm so thankfull for this video (thank you Holly!) and your comment, Teoh. Helped me a lot, as im trying to find a way creating a healthy relationship with social media.

[@catherineraper]

I find Instagram very toxic for artists now. I know for me personally, all it did was crush my confidence and made me not want to create. But I also think the algorithms have changed so much that it makes it harder for people to show your work. For art videos, I prefer to watch videos on KZbin.

[@paulmcdougall9653]

My experience was very much the same. I found it very discouraging and left. I haven’t had the courage to put anything out there at all since.

[@natasjatube]

Maybe Instagram feels more like fast food, compared to KZbin. I miss IG from the good old days :(

[@silje.on.youtube]

To be honest, KZbin is for me the place I go to see art. You connect with the artist in a whole different way and that is what I am always looking after. Not quickly scrolling through art.

[@mariec5716]

Hi I think both have their particular value. Thanky for Sharing.

[@interludemediasg]

I totally agree 💯%

[@CJShopland_Art]

I do love how KZbin allows audience to give more time and get to know you, not everyone has that time to give though or doesn’t like KZbin . Find more engagement on my KZbin a s tiktok than other platforms .

[@deprecor1]

This is really sad for Art because not all artists have a nice looking and outward persona or have any interest in video editing. Besides YT's algorithm is another beast with other rules and with no more mercy than instagram's. I think we live in a dark era of true art, and there are very few outlets for real, challenging, deep and meaningful art.

[@CJShopland_Art]

@@deprecor1 deep meaningful art can live anywhere, I think hustle culture is a real problem though. Tiktok is more forgiving but it’s still the same, slave to the grind. It’s an another tool and good to get out into real world too. I try to do the art trials, craft fairs and flea markets when ever I am able to health wise, I really enjoy talking to everyone in real life. Community is really important :) also great to show in art shows when possible but those are less often :)

[@aisleens_atelier]

Just few days ago I was filming a reel while working and it felt like such a nuisance, because I had to stop my process, film from an angle, for like what two brushstrokes and then carry on, then stop, film again and so on. While all I actually wanted to do was concentrate on my piece. And for what? A few 100 views, a few likes, maybe one new follower. Maybe 1% of my sales/jobs come from instagram, yet I have been made to feel obligated to keep up with the posts and the engagement at the same rate as a content creator would. If you listen to those "instagram gurus" we should be posting atleast twice a day (one carousel post and one reel minimum), 10 story posts, oh and you need to go live at least once a week. I gave that system a chance for the past 1,5 months, because I decided I'll try it for a short while to see if it makes a difference and it was/is absolutly exhausting. Do I feel like I made valuable content? Not at all. Is my work thought through? No, it is rushed. And at the end of the day, like you said Holly, it is unpaid labor for other people's entertainment. Your video came at just the right time for me, because I was thinking about taking a break from instagram and focusing more on patreon and KZbin. 💕 Thank you for sharing your views!

[@hollyexley]

Great input, thank you for sharing your experiences . I hope you find a way to market your work that isn't so demanding and that you're comfortable with 💙💙

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

I quit instagram just when reels came out. I've seen the way my 12 year old cousin uses tik tok. literally scrolls and cant be bothered about the effort that goes into the craft of art. I figured tik tok is perfect for adolescents but now that instagram is pushing reels. it feels like content is being consumed in an ADHD format. So the users are being trained not to appreciate the craft of art. I am tired of creating shareable content. And starving for likes and comments. I miss all the lovely friends i made on the app, but the trade off was that it was crippling my creativity, My life is sooooo much better since quitting instagram.

[@aisleens_atelier]

@@hollyexley Thank you 💕

[@Angela10277088]

@@watercolourartincapetown2919 Exactly!

[@nataszakura1432]

@@watercolourartincapetown2919 sometimes I catch myself liking posts and not paying attention to them as well, and it feels horrible! It is just tap and scroll...and I think more people watch IG stories now anyway because it is like a TV, you just press first one and short content just goes without any effort. Like a food in a factory D:

[@sameshoes]

I quit Instagram 4 months ago and never looked back since. It's not good for artists or creatives period.

[@DoriMuranyiArt]

I have kind of given up on my (art) instagram...I am a really slow artist, I usually take a long time to finish each piece, and that kind of rhythm really does not work with instagram. I agree with so much of what you say in this video :)

[@GalleryGaia]

Same here. Instagram just stopped working for me. I found it detrimental to my creativity so now focus sharing my silent vlogs on my art page now than my art.

[@Chloe2000mm]

Same. The fast pace scrolling really does undermine the amount of time and care artists put into their work. Instagram seems more like a place for teenagers now and their imported Tik Tok videos.

[@NelsonStJames]

For art forms that require time, social media in general has become anti-creator.

[@rennley_9233]

@@NelsonStJames completely agree with this. i work full-time, and art's primarily a hobby for me. but it takes me a week or more to finish a full-blown illustration with proper time and technique spent on it. in the eyes of social media, you're irrelevant by then. and i refuse to be pressured into sharing 300 of the same work in progress image over and over again to stay "top of mind" -- it all just feels very desperate and fake.

[@gillianwolf5033]

Yes. Slow artist here. Glad I'm not the only one.

[@rebelandsiren]

Sooo many good points. I am sick and tired of IG. No matter what I do, I get 25 likes. It wastes my time and there is no response back. Beyond frustrating. Feel like just running in circles. It use to be good...but now its impossible.

[@isthatsharanya]

Even I quit Instagram this week, and now I work a lot more in detail without feeling the pressure of posting daily, I just wish Instagram dies in a few years and we find some other alternative.

[@jasmijnvs1096]

What about Artfol? I just put my art on this platform without algorithm.

[@isthatsharanya]

I also have an account there 😊

[@angelicahace8719]

@tired af it’s slightly similar to Bubblehouse. They’re both apps that are focused on art and only art. Bubblehouse has really neat features as well, like a before and after tool. I’ve honestly really enjoyed posting on both. Everyone seems really encouraging there

[@stephanie.kilgast]

Instagram is over crowded, so it's become difficult to stand apart. I have a pretty big account (203K) but my engagement rate has been dropping consistently. My artwork is getting better and my art career is going in the right direction, but instagram can be disheartening in that way. It's still a great tool, and I personally really love it to keep in touch with other artists, but yeah, it needs to be a thing you do once a week and then move on and work on your art. I don't ever feel frantic or guilty when using it, I get that when I spend too much time on KZbin however, so it's probably on how you use the social media.

[@PaulaBean]

Start blogging on the side. It's cheap and easy to create a Wordpress blog somewhere at a shared wordpress-hosting provider. Just one click ;-)

[@Artist1974CH]

Instagram's problems are its vicious Facebook style algorithm, their bag business practices, and other garbage embedded by Facebook since the company bought IG. Like Facebook, Instagram's algorithm is attacking mostly non-famous smaller accounts. Even it is so bad that non-famous creative people and non-mainstream expressive voices would get buried by that system which it is the result of low views and low or zero likes. Another thing about the Instagram algorithm, it dictates what people can and cannot see on their feed and Stories. That is a form of fascism. Big, well known users are not affected by all these negative situations. They are so well protected and well served. Both Instagram and Facebook share the same bad business practices that not too many people are aware because they are too busy seeking fame off these platforms. KZbin also has a vicious algorithm system and bad business practices as well. These things could have been stopped and corrected if the US Government could have stepped in and did something about these big tech companies. But the problem is, we don't have a functional US Government. It actually being controlled by these same corporations and not many of these US politicians are computer literate.

[@littlereuby]

Congrats, you have a lot of followers. Probably more than you actually need to buy your art. I would experiment running ads on them instead of trying to get likes. Also you should really be working to find a way to get contacts of maybe 10 percent of your followers. Imagine if you had only 2000 people who buy anything you make, won't that be something.

[@blackcloudtattooer9255]

Do you have any videos in this subject?

[@ricthiamevans8980]

Right. I'd occasionally post something but for the most part, I just use it to keep in touch with certain people.

[@anna-carolina7706]

So glad someone else is feeling the same way about insta art etc

[@nunyabusiness164]

I quit instagram today! I'm done. I've made pretty much all of my sales in-person or with people that I have met in person. But I tried running the race. I made the reels. I felt horrible about myself. I'm going to focus on my website, my art and in-person networking.

[@hollyexley]

Congratulations! This sounds like a really positive decision!

[@RohitHela]

Not all art is meant to be on Instagram. Different audiences are present in different platforms. We just need to look out for what platform fits for us.

[@hollyexley]

Great advice!

[@crimsonlettersinvitations]

For me, my clients (Brides) within the wedding industry and those searching for logo design are mostly on Instagram and Pinterest and that is how they find me. However I have seen a few logo designers recently start their own channel here on KZbin. I wonder if I could manage! KZbin seems hard work!

[@RohitHela]

@@crimsonlettersinvitations everything seems hard for the first time. Once you get the hang of it, everything falls on the right place. KZbin has become a search engine in itself. People's main source of content consumption has become KZbin. Google comes second while searching for a product or service. So you can imagine how much scope youtube has.

[@biankabozso4275]

Do you know Artfol? It's just launched, and it's specifically for the artist community

[@RohitHela]

@@biankabozso4275 I have not heard about it before but I am interested to know more.

[@ShelleyHannaArt]

I stopped posting on Instagram over a year ago. Everything you said about it being a waste of time and unpaid labor for other’s entertainment is so true. I, too, liked it for the connection to other artists but am wanting to focus more on YT and blog as I move forward. I’ve been in a holding pattern for awhile, but am getting ready to start up again. I just don’t want all the frantic work of social media stealing my time away from what is fun about making art. Great video 🙌

[@therealcroctopus]

I was thinking about this just last night. I was thinking that my over consumption of art on platforms like Instagram make me feel desensitized to it. I look to art for inspiration and to experience the emotion the artist is trying to convey. With Instagram I just fly by beautiful works of art on mass stopping only to give a like to the few things that I find worthy of a pause. Not to mention the effect it has on my own work. It makes me feel gross and I am also transitioning away from it to be able to focus on a few artists and support them more directly.

[@chantellemcnulty7057]

I feel like Instagram is just a platform to help with competition and for everyone to get competitive with each other, it also really annoys me when people give there art work away for free, 🙈🙈 I wish people would stop doing this! I wouldn't expect not to pay a plumber for there work it's a skill, just like many artists are! Extremely talented and skilled at what they do.

[@coffintears5821]

Instagram is competitive at heart. The only platforms i see are worth posting art to are deviant art, twitter and facebook. Instagram isnt really designed for people who take the slow ride to get to success. You have to be constantly on the ball with trends and have to one up your art peers by improving faster than them. If you cant constantly be on the grind or follow a consistent pattern of art. Then Instagram sees you as worthless. Your just a small number on the chart to them.

[@Mexie]

ugh, it's so frustrating how social media has been so thoroughly colonized by 'hustle culture'. I quit Twitter and thought IG would still be fine, but I relate to so much of what you talked about as a content creator. I rarely post anymore, but that means fewer people are finding my stuff. I don't want to be feeding algorithms for the sake of feeding algorithms, it kills true inspiration and genuine sharing. great video!

[@olya9054]

I feel like this all is not only true for artists, but for humans in general! Instagram has become so toxic that at some point I just couldn't bare being on the app anymore. I quit insta a couple of months ago and I feel so relaxed and peacefull and days seem to have become much longer😌

[@Iamrooq]

Its not just Instagram. Twitter, Tik Tok, even KZbin are trying to be the same way. People don’t have legitimate attention spans anymore, and Companies just see art as “content” and nothing else, which means that if you don’t crank it out consistently without any hiccups AND make sure it’s engaging to literally everyone that sees it within a millisecond, you’re basically irrelevant.

[@hollyexley]

Yes, artists are just part of the conveyor belt of content. I would say KZbin is slightly different because at least the content has a longer shelf life and shows in Google search

[@Iamrooq]

@@hollyexley I have always thought about doing KZbin as an artist. I’ve seen plenty of artists make a name for themselves on here, so I definitely see the benefit. I appreciate the insight both in the video and the comment ❤️

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

@@hollyexley conveyor belt of content! Oh my gosh that’s so saddening and true!!

[@nickyjamesonarttv]

💯. We are all commoditized into "content creators" or "creators." Even YT is guilty, so needs care however I like the fact that content here helps you get found weeks months and years later and better still found in Google. We are artists and we should always keep in mind our purpose... To create art and content that supports it.

[@JennyGranberry]

I stayed off Instagram for a week and felt space in my mind open up. I get the app back for some posting and the clutter comes flooding back. Thank you for making this video - its like I needed an outside source to corroborate how I feel about Instagram and I'm not crazy or weak for feeling so negatively about the platform

[@DesignzRUs1]

Trust me, most people feel the same way about the app!

[@DistantHours101]

I have been talking about this for years. There needs to be a new platform specifically for artists. So we can get dedicated content and a healthy outlet for us to post. Im at the lowest point I am with my artwork at the moment, as my hard work isnt equating 'likes' or views' ect.. but I have to remind myself, it isnt my lack of hard work or talent that is the problem, its platforms made not to support me which is. I dont know where to post my work anymore, I have a website, but from the lack of community there, doesnt get much traction. So Instagram unfortunately is the only location to put artwork up, continuing this pressure to stay relevant and post regularly

[@r.m6092]

I'm thinking the same thing, I really don't want to use Instagram anymore but where the hell should I share my art from now on...?

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

A friend was telling me about artfol. Thinking I should check it out

[@r.m6092]

@@watercolourartincapetown2919 I've heard it's super laggy though🤔

[@nataszakura1432]

There was Deviantart in the past but it also changed and I don't know if people use it anymore. I myself had to filter out adult content cause I was sick of seeing boobs and my little pony sexualised on first pages of the platform. There is new art platform being created now but I don't know the name of it, there was some news about it recently but it died out so I don't know how is it going.

[@r.m6092]

@@nataszakura1432 I heard about Bubblehouse but it's still only for ios

[@charlotte9247]

I'm a relatively new Illustrator and I find that on Instagram unless you are famous or already have a big following, it's almost impossible to get people to follow you. And like you say it's soo hard to do everything on it and follow all the loops. Honestly it's made me quite disheartened because i spend soo much time on my work as it's very detailed and intricate and it will only get very few views. So you have definitely given me food for thought in another platform I could go down

[@ChiharuHotta]

Even though I’m a dancer, I totally agree with everything you said. So many people create similar trendy things to get likes/ recognized on Instagram, and hard to see uniqueness of each artists(in my case dancers). Appreciating the beauty of art takes much more time than one scroll on Instagram. Your video encouraged me to do my best to focus on creating my unique art.😊 Thank you so much for this gem! 💕

[@HP-bv9nb]

Everything you’ve said here really sums up my complicated feelings about the app! I have a very small follower count, and I’ve been trying to grow it as it’s my dream to one day be able to open an online shop and sell my art, but as I work full time (in a totally unrelated field) it’s impossible to upload new pieces as regularly as the algorithm wants. Earlier this year I was exhausting myself trying to put art up, and then as soon as it’s posted, it feels like it’s forgotten and onto the next thing. I only changed that mindset once I saw a few illustrators I follow making a big deal about a new piece and something clicked in my head and I realised that every time you make a new piece of art that’s amazing and it’s a really... special thing, that art is not ‘content’, to be pumped out and moved on from. Art is something that should last a long time, not be created in a rush to appease an algorithm. It’s so difficult though as there doesn’t really seem to be any other ways to get your art out there at all? Your point about “what would you make if it wasn’t for Instagram” hit home so much too as I often find myself mostly posting art challenges or ‘draw this in your style’ type things because it’s the only time anyone sees my art and it might potentially get shared by someone. Whenever I post my own stuff it gets so few views and likes it always feels like it’s a sign my work is terrible and I should abandon all hope of ever being able to do it professionally, which I know is stupid but it can’t help but feel like that sometimes! Thanks for sharing your thoughts though, it’s really made me realise a few negative things about Instagram I didn’t even realise were affecting me. I think ultimately, for all it’s positives and the frequent inspiration i get from other artists, this app is not designed to make you feel good and it’s never going to change...

[@cordialgreetingsart]

Start your online shop. The amount of followers do not reflect your revenue amount. I side hustled for 3.5 years while working full time. Eventually my side hustle (artwork) was making as much as my full time corporate job. I never grew much on IG and I have way less than 1K amount. I have found there are super popular artists out there on IG and they attract popularity but not revenue. So the amount of followers really don't matter. Also IG shows maybe to 3% of your followers.

[@Akenn]

Omg... it’s like you are me! This is exactly my current story, thank you for sharing. It feels good knowing I’m not the only one. I just recently started my YT channel, and I’m just going to go all in with that. Screw Instagram... Good luck with your endeavors, I wish you the best! I might be wrong, but I don’t think Instagram is going to be around forever (or for very much longer).

[@mavericktheace]

Same as Akenn Art, you sound exactly like me. And it's good to see your comment, Cordialgreetings! Very encouraging :)

[@CosmicSpectrumArt]

Preach T___T!! It's SO difficult to keep up with, and even though i'm not a 'small' artist on IG, it still feels like a hamsterwheel from hell. At this point i don't even care about growing as much as just wanting my posts to reach my existing audience, but IG shows it to a tiny fraction of them and it's absolutely frustrating. After having spent nearly a decade building an audience, it feels like such a betrayal for the platform to turn so hostile toward creators.

[@vickymadethis]

This just sums up everything I've been feeling recently. I think you might have tipped me over the edge and given me permission to finally ditch Instagram. I've known for months that it's pretty pointless for my career and a drain on my time and been posting and engaging less and less. And I agree with you, I feel so much better after being on other platforms with more quality conversations such as KZbin and Reddit!

[@jennygregory3885]

Hi Holly. I agree with you so much. My husband is a fine artist whose work is expressionistic and mainly about mental health. He doesn’t get much attention on Instagram. He feels that people don’t view his work on the platform because you have to think about it and they’re not pretty pictures that you can heart. Yet his work has so much merit and spreads awareness. I feel that the platform caters more towards commercial art that people can view easily and quickly move onto the next. Thanks for this video. I will share it with him so he can see that people have the same feelings as him about the platform. Cheers.

[@hollyexley]

Hi Jenny, thanks for watching. Your husband's work sounds very important! I hope this video resonates with him top

[@hollyexley]

*too

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thanks for this video, Holly! I've left Instagram in 2019 and I've never looked back. No client has ever asked me why I'm not on social media any longer. I've made a long video about the whole topic of artists + social networks, and apart from all of the reasons you mentioned I didn't want to add to the problem and make people consume these infinite feeds any longer. Social media comsumption and discussion styles also have a huge impact on us as a (global) society, and on politics, and not in a good way. Jaron Lanier has written a great book about these aspects. Blogging and KZbin is a much better choice in my eyes (as Teoh also said, it's at least searchable and doesn't disappear into the void after a few scrolls). A lot of young artists feel forced to join social media because everyone out there tells them that they need to for getting their name out there, and I think (and know from my own experience) that's simply not true. I'm glad you brought up the topic, it's so important!

[@hollyexley]

Hi Julia! Lovely to see you here, I just added your link to your amazing video in my description - as your videos on this topic were so inspiring to me! I loved your comments on the wider world and the damage these apps do to democracy 👏👏

[@NatureSketchbook]

@@hollyexley Thank you so much! I just saw that I don't know all the videos you linked - I'll have to check them out. I really hope that the creative community will start to question social media much more, since we are the content creators who post all the beautiful stuff that keeps people on there.

[@campito63]

Julia do you have a video about this topic too?

[@jspriddleuk]

I agree with everything you've said and think Instagram has changed for the worse in recent years. It seems that no matter how many posts you put up, or how good they are, very few people will actually see them, which makes the whole thing seem quite futile some days. Currently I post, then check specific hashtags because every 3rd post in my feed is an ad and Instagram seems to pad the feed with posts it _thinks_ I might be interested in. My reason for staying on Instagram is that I don't have anywhere else to go. :-( As a self taught, aspiring artist/illustrator how else do you get your work out there?

[@hollyexley]

I really don't know the answer to that! Some of my patrons were saying Pinterest is a good platform , I never really hear about pinterest but could be worth a look!

[@fathobbit6160]

Thank you so much for articulating what so many artists feel. Instagram is all about fast swiping and discourages viewers from a detailed slow appreciation of artwork.

[@salnellen1381]

I don’t think they are discouraging people to look less. That’s entirely up to the viewer.

[@jaceklazuka]

I agree with you. I think doing the Artwork is most important.

[@MoniDmajor]

Holly, I applaud you for making this video. I have been having very similar thoughts for a month now and was gonna make a video in just that myself. The moment I realized Instagram is no longer a healthy place for me as an artist was when I posted that it’s my birthday in the stories. Even though all my friends / followers saw, not a single person congratulated me. It’s been people I remember I communicated lots with on personal subjects and they just stopped communicating back at some point. It no longer feels like a community but more like a pool of competitors fighting for the short attention span. It’s crowded, time is limited and people consume “content” within a matter of milliseconds. It’s about taking in as much information as ever possible in no time. People got numb and even though the plattform is designed for “engagement” the truth is people no longer engage. I think this is so sad. Been halting at the same follower count for many years now and I already accepted that. What is hard to digest is the fact how people don’t seem to care much any longer. Commenting alone has become too much of a chore. I for my part will still upload my art to instagram, but I give absolutely zero shits about algorithms now. My time is limited as well and I would rather invest it in my art, KZbin videos and giving people support. Many of my own favorite art pieces don’t perform well anyway, and the artists I admire don’t seem to get noticed much as well, and that is alarming how numbers determine who is legit and who isn’t. Community and Fun is everything to me. Instagram is all about numbers and short lived consumption, not individuals and genuine engagement. Thank you again for this, it’s spot on

[@hollyexley]

Thanks for sharing this. I think what you're saying here is sadly very true - the mindless consumption is up and the genuine engagement is down. It's really disheartening. I'm making a concerted effort to look for places on the internet where this isn't the case (yet)

[@aeoligarlic4024]

I'm with you on this 😩 for real! It's so weird how it is called 'social media' but the more i use it the more lonely i feel Looking at how everyone often post themselves having fun times with their loved ones, getting sent gifts, and you have none of that stuff not even a single 'happy birthday' or 'how are you' just really hurts.. So yeah i'd rather be 'lonely' without access to social medias, bc that kind of lonely is still better than lonely but flipping through stories of people having the time of their lives

[@TheArtMentor]

Totally agree with your thoughts. Especially bc of the brutal burnout and anxiety as a result of social media addiction. It’s the worst for artists

[@skye1767]

I appreciate this video so much. I'm in the process of downsizing my Instagram content because over the past year, the community aspect of Instagram has become harder and harder to wrangle. A friend who is extroverted doesn't find Instagram as exhausting as I do, and maybe that is the difference--I just find it overwhelming and exhausting. It used to be my happy place and I have enjoyed the art community, but it is just not enjoyable for me anymore--for all of the reasons you illuminate. I'm not ready to delete the account, but I am definitely downsizing and it feels so right, so good.

[@dottyperkins]

So true, but feel like if you don’t use it or have a big following you are discounted

[@karen-7057]

great video, i agree the damage it has made can be really put to light when you see people that say they are "making art" talk about "content" and "making content"... it's such a contradiction. "content"? that's marketing talk that people are using, and it has been so internalized it's sad.

[@lindseytheartist]

Thanks Holly, Instagram has been leaving me feeling stressed and tired recently and this video felt really validating. Social media has positioned itself as the only method of self promotion and its really scary to imagine quitting it and venturing out into the wilds of the Internet.

[@pallavisharma3934]

I am so thrilled to see so many artists relating to this! I am constantly on a rollercoaster, feeling pressured to be more active on instagram & promote my work to then disabling my account because I feel so overwhelmed 😅

[@chuckscott9525]

Thank you so much for this. You’ve put into words how I’ve felt but couldn’t describe. Frantic, lonely, ignored, etc.

[@mandycovington7606]

Holly, you have articulated the issues with Instagram fantastically. When I first started putting my art on Instagram I was so enthusiastic and enjoyed playing "the game" but I started to find it absolutely exhausting for very little return. And you cannot let up the frantic pace because you'll disappear without trace very quickly. I could cry now at the amount of time and energy I initially put into Instagram. It actually started to sap the joy of art for me and I found myself making and posting quick(actually not very accomplished) drawings purely in order to keep up with the perceived need to post every day. I am now making big colourful oil paintings that I am in my element doing especially because I know that they will definitely not be going anywhere near Instagram! Thanks for the video. It was fantastic to hear your thoughts on it.

[@annabriggs1994]

Yessss 100%. I swear if I didn’t run a business I would quit Insta and FB. KZbin is definitely my happy place.

[@fremont111]

i guess it depends on what you expect of Instagram. i'm an artist and i just like to see all my work together in one place. when people like it, that makes me happy. i also love looking at other artists' work, so don't feel bad/guilty/anxious etc. i don't feel competitive or the need to make reels...so...but i get what you're saying as far as being a biz person on there.

[@msellenandrea]

I really agree with everything you said! My mental health is definitely affected by instagram, but I am still going to stay. I still love it too much to let it go completely. I am however changing the way I am using it. I am not posting as much as I did, in fact I am having a long break right now. Before my break I only posted when I felt like it, and I will continue to do so. This has been so incredibly freeing! I also block instagram on my phone for hours every day so I dont get sucked in. I often chat with friends on instagram over browser instead of the app, as the browser doesnt make me endlessly consume for some reason? I just stay in the chat! I think the biggest change came from not letting Instagram have such power over me and my work anymore. Remembering why I make art and make art for me, and just having instagram as a tool rather than the main thing.

[@lorriodonnell8829]

This is totally true. It's so overwhelming to keep up with all the madness on IG. I am so over it. All the hoops to jump through is so unrealistic to keep up with. Thanks for sharing your views. I'm with you 💯.

[@TinaHunter]

I'm so glad someone is talking about this. I wish it just went back to the old photos only app. It takes so much time for reels etc I have no idea how people keep up...Its also far too easy to just keep scrolling and have the feeling of not being "good enough". I like your question about what we would create if it wasn't for Instagram 🙌

[@lawsdraws]

I quit in Jan, and honestly, I was a bit twitchy at first, but it felt so good not to be bound to IG. Cleared some head space for sure. It's a few months down the line now, and although I do not miss the pressure/comparison thing, I do miss community. I'm not sure IG is the right place for that community in its current state, but I miss seeing other artists doing stuff, and chatting with them. I've reactivated my account to scratch that itch, but once again it's making me feel bad. Oh Deviant Art 2007, we miss you! :D

[@amanda.strutt]

4 minutes in + I am hollering YAS YAS YAAAAASSSS!!! I've been off IG for 63 days now, it started with me taking a month off to see how that would feel and its been the greatest decision and follow through ever, I'm in no rush to go back and I'm now going for 6 months. I have so much more space to actually create and not worrying about all the marketing on ig and what you have to do to stay "in the game" screw that, I'm an artist and being one will always be my number one. Okay I'm gonna get back to your video now! Thank YOU!!

[@emmawalton2735]

I am exactly the same as you regarding how Instagram makes me feel after using the app. I am left feeling frantic, more anxious and end up comparing myself to other people on the app. Not good!

[@paigel8777]

Yes to comparing. It’s fake

[@crystaltanart]

I just started my YT channel, after being on Instagram for over 2 years and I have also noticed a few improvements in my mental health. And in my general ability to slow down and share slowly instead of that frantic rush everyday. Thank you so much for articulating this so well.

[@luluthecat4529]

you seem to do really well I'm happy for you ! I think I will try to do the same as in using insta as a portfolio (because why not) and youtube as a way to share but with enough room to share my personality :3

[@Drawing-Life]

I so resonate with this!! I left instagram last year and don't miss it at all. KZbin is far more rewarding, and has a much more organic, authentic audience. Thanks for this video!! glad i'm not alone in thinking this :)

[@Idk-xdx]

I discovered your channel because of your Grind Culture video, this video feels like part 2 😅 You summarized all the reasons why I quit Instagram (especially the part about how art is being consumed in the digital age ), I might as well link your video in case someone asks my why I left the platform 😂 Currently, I'm making art completely different than what I used to post online, its interesting to see how much pressure i felt to create the same type of content because "thats what my followers wants" instead of making art that makes ME happy 💜

[@hollyexley]

Aw I'm so glad you've made that switch with your art work.

[@Idk-xdx]

@@hollyexley it took a while - and a lot of effort - but it was worth it 😊👍

[@CautionArtistatPlay]

I agree with everything you have said here, it's such a tough platform to get seen on now. Social media as a whole rewards quantity and speed which is just not always realistic for artists to keep up with.

[@hannaha.3874]

I am so glad for this video. I have been feeling so overwhelmingly frustrated with reels and tik tok. I use to love Instagram, as it was primarily a photo sharing app... sounds perfect for artists. Now that there's this fast food of content I've been exhausted. I'm supposed to feel exhausted after I'm finished with an artwork not trying to engage. And I hate how non-personal it has become. I've grown so hopeless, as I have under 200 followers and feel as though I will never gain that engagement because I can't keep up with the algorithm.

[@arieldawson3447]

This was so great to hear 👍🏾 not many people having this conversation. It was a breath of fresh air to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. I always felt rushed to create by using instagram.

[@LittleYardiePrincess]

True. I didn't produce work that quickly before my injuries/illnesses so it's even worse now. There's no way I could have kept up with what Instagram demands and I'm not going to bother trying.

[@LittleMissDevil_]

VERY good points here, you actually inspired me to make my own Instagram artist video! Instagram has gotten worse, and as someone who started using YT for a month now I can say posting here is a LOT more rewarding.

[@anda-ansheen]

Watching this as I make an illustration for a client, haha! Definitely love youtube more, especially that I can work while listening to someone talk (or watch someone paint, or clean their home). I've uninstalled Instagram a few weeks ago and haven't missed it since.

[@RafaelaPerasinic]

Yes so true! I slowed down on posting on instagram it is getting to difficult to keep up with sharing so much (feed,storys and reels now) and before it was easier to reach more people.

[@eliyahubenysrael6272]

Very true observations; I've heard many others complain about IG's setup, forcing mass compdification on a unprecedented scale devaluing individuality. Good work.

[@Mmmfdhb11]

I make abstract art and it has been absolutely difficult to grow on Instagram. It is more difficult to communicate your ideas and vision with abstract art, especially when you post a short reel video or a story. There's usually a story behind every of my paintings and I feel so frustrated when I can't express that well on social media. Which is why I do abstract art and not figurative, because sometimes my ideas are so weird I can not define them with an object or portrait. But anyway, I want to thank you for this video, it really opened my eyes and gave me hope that maybe I can reach more people using youtube

[@katherinescheld]

All of this is exactly how I've been feeling and it's so good to hear another artist talking about it. I quit Instagram for this very reason in 2020 when I was so down and feeling really bad about creating. KZbin is a much better place for community and it makes me feel positive, which is amazing! Thank you so much for talking about it!

[@hey_itskristen]

Getting “seen” on Instagram has become such an exhausting rat race and has some how convinced us that our worth and value as artists is wrapped up in how many followers and likes we have. I recognize though, that I’m speaking as an editorial illustrator where 100% of my paid work comes from news organizations and not from shops. So in my experience, rarely do I hear, “we saw your Instagram,” but they saw my work on other news sites, googled me, and checked out my website. And it’s that work that has “grown” my Instagram following because if the news site post my work on their Instagram and/or website with the article, I usually gain 30-100 followers. But when I consistently post my own content and hashtag and etc, maybe 2-5 people will find me. And that’s ok because I don’t see Instagram as a place to market myself, but as an extension to my website/portfolio because the organizations that hire me could care less about how many followers I have-they hire me for my work and the value it will bring them. Either way, thank you for opening up this conversation. It was a refreshing reminder not to take social media too seriously.

[@imjustanothersam]

I love this! The frantic feeling you describe is something I notice in myself so often. I've recently found myself getting so disheartened trying to 'appease algorithms', but I think we need to be more selective with our time and attention. We need to learn to be intentional because, just as we are what we eat, we ARE what we consume.

[@ellasketch]

This is exactly how I've been feeling lately! I'm a small channel here on KZbin, but also on Instagram, although I've been on Instagram for a while now. I just want to do art and show people my progress, my ideas, my art journey and I feel like I need to do EVERYTHING else than that, to actually reach people. Anyways, this video came to me at the exact right time, thank you for sharing this! 💕

[@LarimarTide]

I agree with everything you said here! I've had the conversation several times with friends about quitting instagram. However, as someone who doesn't have Facebook it is a way that I can follow artists I love and keep up to date soon their work. I've ended up having several fangirl moments where I've been able to chat to artists whose work I've loved for years. However, its changed so much since it first started (even more so since Facebook bought it) and I'm starting to find it more frustrating than enjoyable. Every 3 posts on your feed is an advert, and the only way to truly ensure you're seeing everything people post is by going to each one individually. The introduction of reels etc. That are only up for a short amount of time means you have to look regularly or miss out. I've been trying for a little while to work out if I could change the way I use it, to make it work for me, rather than the other way round. But I still don't gave the answer! I'm pretty sure that one day I too will walk away.

[@sneepsnorp3d]

Totally agree with everything you've said about Instagram - I'm a photographer/3D artist and I moved to Twitter in early 2020 because I just didn't feel like my personality "fit" on the app in the photographer community there? It's interesting, Instagram really forces artists into a box, I think. IG pushes highly curated, constant content that just isn't sustainable. I started a new IG account, but it literally only exists so my Tiktok followers have a place to view my finished work!

[@ang.giselle2024]

I’m so small and now I feel where do I go now. Wanting to grow on KZbin is is slow when I just started. 😕🌸. Loving your hair color, look very nice.💕

[@Isis-MyBelovedAtelier]

I quit Instagram a few months ago and currently working on my website portolio and blog, and ill probably add my portfolio once finish to something like behance or something similar. Im am having so much fun again, not worrying about posting daily! Thank you for putting this kind of topics out there! 🤗❤️

[@TheDottyRoom]

I've spent the afternoon watching this on & off as I've pottered around & made some orders - you're spot on about why YT content feels so much more different to other SM. It really is all about time. Given me major food for thought today - thank you :) xx

[@jesschappie536]

Preach!!! So happy someone has put this into words! I wish more people would acknowledge this social media issue and try to change it.

[@visiblypresentimagery9612]

Social media posting can easily become a time stealer. I found myself being consumed and yes it can start to influence your artistic mission as well.

[@txin999]

I've personally quit Facebook and Twitter, and just use Instagram most of the time (and occasionally, Reddit). Unfortunately I'm one of those slow artists who can only make 1-2 artworks per week and sometimes the lack of likes and shares feels discouraging and humiliating. I decided to just treat IG as my personal art progress tracker (and second Pinterest), and not to make it as my default marketing tool. I don't want to depend so much on IG anymore :/ I heard some artists are transferring to other apps (bubblehouse, artstation) and it might be worthwhile checking those out! :) On another note, I appreciate this video, Holly! :) Thank you for speaking up about this issue.

[@lightlawliet3526]

1-2 artworks a week is more than enough. if someone creates more they're on the destructive path to burn out sooner than later.

[@Lyvit]

That's such a great way of looking at it. I'll do the same from now on !

[@aeoligarlic4024]

Your pace is actually very reasonable, productive even! Always take care of yourself and don't get a burnout just bc you want to please social media

[@graceevew]

I’m so happy you talked about this topic. Honestly, since 2018 I’ve been stressed and depressed of the algorithm in Instagram, because of no engagement , and less viewers. Now, it’s absolutely worse. Granted,I’m doing quite well for my uni account, but my art account, not so good. I’m constantly thinking about going back on again and again (literally started up accounts and then deleting them over and over again), but enough is enough! I really want to show the quality of my work than rushing with ‘meh’ content. I believe KZbin would a great platform. So much exposure; so much potential. I totally agree that Instagram affects mental health. It is unfair to new artists, trying to expose their art. Hope you guys are encouraged by this video, because it’s helping me to realise that Instagram for art is not worth it.

[@lifeexpanded]

Truth! It's so exhausting I find myself just not using the app as much. There is little joy left in the process.

[@Luzblah]

So much this. I've been avoiding my illustration insta account for a while now. The pressure to -what feels a little like- sell my soul for the attention as a (mature) uni student is just too much for my self esteem and mental capacity. I just do not have the mental energy for the consistent pressure of it both in feeling like I have to post, but more for the guilt of my own productivity from constant stream of content - it's too much! Also as a side note Holly, your calm voice in this video just lulled my new rescue dog to sleep! 🐶

[@chaimoonart]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I just started on putting my art out there and it feels like its not being seen. The insights on instagram reveal my own followers don't even get to see my posts. Its frustrating to post finished images of work i spent hours on for it to be invisible to even the small amount of people and friends that follow me. I feel like I do have to post some things since I"m starting out, but I won't devote a ton of effort into it. I'll get started on making some youtube videos and I have to learn some editing. I haven't made a youtube video in years! But as a youtube watcher of artists I do believe its a much nicer place to really understand and connect with content and creators like you mentioned.

[@gapalp]

Wow, I had never thought about IG like this. No wonder I have been on IG for some years know with my art, and with little traction. I guess I was thinking I "had" to be on there. But what you bring out regarding exposure makes a lot of sense. And don't get me started on the frequency of needing to post new pieces of art...ugh. I've actually found success with my art on the local scene more so than on the Internet. So I am still trying to figure what works for me for Internet exposure. For art consumption, I find YT videos much more interesting. Maybe that's a path I should start considering with my own art. Thanks for the great video Holly!

[@BrLambert]

It's refreshing to hear someone else say what I thought I was imagining. We know who owns Instagram and he's the same one who bogged down another social site so this mire everyone is sinking into isn't toooo surprising. I completely pulled away from FB and deleted all but two of my work from Instagram. I'm in limbo deciding if this is the way I want to go. Much to think about and thank you. On a side note, I work an Instagram account for a family business and I felt it was being slogged down, but creating your own hashtag is necessary on every piece you post. I created 2 variations and choose to use it on GMB Linkedin as well.

[@chloeshortart7335]

I’m really glad you have made these points. As a new artist being noticed is very hard. ❤️

[@katec9893]

So glad you addressed this, you've voiced many of the things that have been getting me down lately. I've been putting art on Instagram for a few years and it's tiring and depressing to now be competing with paid ads. Instagram now only show about 10-20% of my followers my posts and stories so it all feels like a lot of work for very little return. I hate seeing constant adds for things that don't interest me in the feed. I realised I'd become a consumer of art on there rather than a creator and felt depressed seeing everyone else paint whilst I felt too disheartened to try. I've been considering starting a KZbin channel, a patreon and an online shop but fear I'd get no sales or views as I only have just over 1000 followers on Instagram currently. I guess I could try and see how it goes. This is my dream and I don't want to give up but it feels like everything has become so difficult. Ive just watched a v good video about the negative emotions social media has been designed to trigger (mostly envy), it's an interview of Sam Vaknin by Richard Grannon, definitely recommended viewing.

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

I think artists need a slower pace to create, which is a priority. Rushed work for me, looks rushed and putting art making on a hamster wheel is destructive to my process anyway. Depth and sensitivity is enhanced by taking Your time. In the theater that used to be the advice. Take YOUR time!

[@jaymoussamann]

Thank you for making this video. I feel like it applies to some other social media platforms too and it was really refreshing hearing you share and almost being given permission to not worry about it all so much. I've always found KZbin the best place to learn and develop.

[@emilywilson4797]

Thanks for sharing these important thoughts :) I too find Instagram SO addictive but it really wrecks my focus and also makes me compare my art to literally hundreds of other artist's perfectly polished finished work, leading to negative thoughts about not measuring up etc. I like that you mention the way KZbin works differently and is not time-sensitive: I can testify that I found your channel by googling "standing desk setup for artists" and looking at one of your vids from a couple years back, which I never would have found on instagram. Then I ended up loving your content and watching many more videos! You're one of the few voices I've heard offering a critique of Instagram for artists - so often it is being called an essential marketing tool for artists these days. I appreciate you sharing this different perspective.

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Emily! So interesting to hear how ppl find me on KZbin! Thanks for watching 💙💙💙

[@suzanneabrahamart]

This video has just confirmed all my thoughts and frustrations! Thank you so much for such meaningful contents.

[@angelcaketherake]

I was surprised to see that this video is 3 years old, its so accurate to the current state of insta. I think an argument could be made that insta is slowly desensitizing well-meaning people to unpaid labor. I love all the points u make ab how precious time is...! :) Happy i found ur channel today. 🐝🐝

[@holtsberryarthouse5431]

Having recently started my Instagram account I just can't see any way I could create my art at the pace that's required to stay relevant, so I agree with you there. You describe very eloquently a lot of what I'm sensing so thank you. This will help me let go of any unhealthy expectations regarding what Instagram can do for my art career.

[@RosemaryDanielis]

So well said! You've brought up many real and important points (how it shapes our art, the stress of having to create constant content, encouraging unpaid content, stress/mental health, plunging self-esteem, etc.) Instagram started off as one thing but has morphed into crazyland. It's now a never-ending grind. I'm trying to put more of my energy into KZbin. It's hard watching my numbers and engagement drop because I'm not playing the Instagram algorithm game. My goal is to build my KZbin channel and throw snippets onto Instagram and really not pay it much attention past that.

[@studiostrixNL]

This video hit home. It inspired me to write a blog post on the topic and drastically change my use of social media. Thank you!

[@EmmaFalconerArt]

Wow, this is all so true. I've been pushing myself so hard to grow my Instagram and lose as many followers as I gain, I have seen absolutely no growth and have barely any engagement and it just makes me feel like my art is just not good enough, it's so defeating and so toxic. Facebook is even worse. I took a break from IG and FB last year, put everything on hiatus, deleted the apps and I felt so much better for it. Feeling like I should make this permanent for my mental health. It's just hard when you want to share your art and there's not many places to do it. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@DeannaMareeCreativeStudio]

So well said! The insta-algorithm is an insatiable beast, I’ve been feeding it since the beginning, but it just wants more and more and more! It’s so different now to they way it was when posts were in chronological order and there wasn’t that sense of scrolling indefinitely with increasing speed and that urgency to take it all in. I’ve been feeling pulled towards the slower pace of KZbin too, and I’ve been filming some studio vlogs but it’s hard starting over when your audience is on another platform. Definitely time to step away from Insta though I think!

[@metamoneko147]

You discribe my thoughts and the difficulties I'm fighting with while I wanted to start a small business and fell in the well of thinking Instagram could help me...but I question this a lot and keep myself away from the app to try making my art...not beeing forced to leave this track by an app described so well by you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@hewasfuzzywuzzy3583]

Creating your own book of your artwork and getting it published and selling at a show or through your own online store is a much healthier and productive way to distribute/share your artwork. It's not the only way to get your work seen and for it to be appreciated, but it does develop a slower and more meaningful experience for the artist and for the collectors/fans of the artist. Peter Han is one example I would say that this worked really well for him as well as other artists of various genres of art.

[@angelaschlagel5829]

Love this! You articulated what I’ve been feeling for some time now. Definitely feeling the undercurrent of added anxiety that comes from scrolling daily

[@susan_brehm_art]

Omg yes! I am a consumer of Instagram but it causes so much anxiety for me, in large part because of the ads. So. Many. Ads. Same for Facebook. I like you tube much more, for all of the reasons you discussed. I am a patron of a few people and I really like it. The only thing I don’t like is that most people on Patreon have Facebook groups for their patrons so if you’re not on FB then you’re missing content that you have helped pay for. I want to stop using FB and IG, I just keep talking myself out of it because I’m brainwashed to believe I need it. I’m pondering it though. Thank you so much for this video, and all of your videos. I get so much from each one, except anxiety!

[@debbiedrawsfunny]

Oh man, I am feeling sooooo validated right now about my own feelings of insta. I used to find so much joy posting and sharing on IG and now it feels like unless im super exciting and engaging and post multiple times a day, the algorithms don’t work in my favor. And then it feels like a waste of time😕Years ago, you could gain a following pretty effortlessly. Now I’ve been sitting at just under 9k followers for over 2 yrs. I’ve tried so many things to try and break that 10k and it just doesn’t wanna happen. Im kind of over it😂😅

[@adecafbookworm6046]

Yup. Been very happy since I deleted the app. I hated the way I was consuming art whereas before on other platforms I’d spend time looking at all the details. But yes I do miss the community.

[@MichauxJHyatt]

You're 1000% right about IG and others like it. I'm a photographer and I've been going back and forth on this and how to proceed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights. (case and point, it's been nearly a year and I finally found this with my new searches)

[@mariesahy1670]

I relate to some much of what you said. Thanks for sharing! It is definitely a strange platform for artists because it seems to make our life more difficult and to bring quite a lot of negativity.

[@jesswhite4770]

I recently took insta off my phone and now I only visit it on my computer. It definitely is addictive for me and I now just don’t use it to scroll but only to message friends if they’ve contacted me. I’ve been feeling super weird about posting stuff and how it kind of feeds the ego 💩 so I’ve stopped posting and I think I’ll get rid of it one day. Thanks for this video Holly, really nice to hear it from some one else and what it’s like for you as an artist. ☺️ x

[@SS-qg9jk]

I completely agree with you and I am happy that more and more artists start yo talk about it. These are reasons that I haven't created any art account on instagram.