Why Photographers Won't Succeed On Instagram in 2025

[@RanftEvan]

Like I mentioned at the end of this video I'm very proud of this daily photo project ( instagram.com/evanranftphoto/ ). It was way more work than I ever expected but has also taught me so much about Instagram as a photographer. Hope you can find some value in my experiences and I appreciate you watching! If you want to learn more about my approach to social media as an artist I recently added an hour of new material to "The Social Media Engine" section at www.moderncreativemoney.com/p/monetizing-modern-creativity

[@MartinV.]

Great Video but I do think the data for the separate photo instagram is inaccurate because it is tied to your name so you would naturally get followers from your main instagram. The real test would be to make a brand new instagram with a totally different name that's not linked to your main account.

[@robmcd]

Yep

[@jdsd771007]

Exactly what I was thinking. I’ve seen a few people start second channels via KZbin or IG, but as it is tied to their brand, name, style, not only does that encourage their followers follow them to the new page, the app will also push it more than a random creator. Just how this works. Not saying info in this video isn’t helpful, just that it’s different than a brand new creator trying to get off the ground.

[@DurtyB98]

​@@robmcdI was thinking the same thing. I know I followed the photo account because I watch this KZbin channel and like his photo style. So following his main page and photo page along with this channel goes hand in hand.

[@ricb4195]

I know this might sound like an old man yelling at clouds, but if you’re a photographer and your main focus is chasing Instagram traction-obsessing over algorithms and jumping through ever-changing hoops for a fleeting hit of “insta-love”-you’re probably missing the point of being a photographer. Instagram doesn’t care about you or your work. Honestly, most people don’t. But you should. It’s disheartening to see social media platforms shaping and bending artists to fit their molds, instead of artists staying true to their vision. I refuse to make a reel just to appease Instagram in the hope it might push my content to a few more people. If you genuinely enjoy Instagram and find it fun, that’s great-keep doing it. But let’s be clear: it’s the hammer shaping the hand, not the other way around.

[@tdc_2021]

Spot on. It’s a shame Instagram has gone in this direction, but as photographers we should focus more on taking photos and thinking about projects. Instagram is a platform for us to over share…why not step away and take time to curate our own high quality portfolios without the pressure of posting something all the time?

[@curiousabout1]

I was thinking this and cringing more and more as I watched. I understand the point of the video is "how to grow an account" (despite the clickbaity title lol), and that's fine. When I started on IG I did treat it like a game to see if I could figure out how it worked, but eventually it just became tiresome when they kept changing the rules so now Idgaf. I post what I what, when I want, and how I want. I'm not letting the platform dictate these things and I'm certainly not jumping through all of the ridiculous number of hoops listed here. I'm not bashing Evan here, or the video. It's probably super useful info for someone who wants this sort of thing. I just want to try to make art, and yes I do want it to be seen, but no not on those terms.

[@e3lyon]

Straight up man, I made a website page where I post my galleries and everything, not having to worry about bs guidelines or reach or anything that makes photography feel like a frustration. I present my website to people I want to shoot with and that's it. Peace of mind and face to face reach.

[@gregsimmons1709]

Always to the point and interesting. Thanks!!

[@garethdwatkins]

Your video perfectly illustrates why instagram is no longer a photographers platform. As photographers we want concentrate on taking pictures, not jumping through all the hoops the platform throws up, just so they can force feed you more ads. It used to be great at the outset, but now if you don’t play their stupid games they don’t share your pictures, no matter how good they are.. a real shame.. but they’ve lost me.

[@judeemclaughlin]

I have been doing the same challenge and I am now counting down to the end. I can't wait for it to be over but I refuse to quit. I am watching this as a break from working on a video about how people misunderstand consistency.

[@RanftEvan]

Haha I feel the SAME WAY! Doing a photo everyday has been ruthless but we’re almost there. Keep it up 🙏

[@chiefdan209]

I started a second account earlier this year for a personal photojournalism project I'm working on and getting growth has been an absolute slog. Because it's a photos w/story project, reels don't really make sense. And the only way to grow seems to be to pay for it through booting.

[@quandale_dingle7585]

Can you give the @ I am also growing a photo acc and would like to see what others are doing differently

[@xnlo]

8:27 This is the slickest content to sponsor transition I’ve seen on KZbin. Bravo!

[@VanArtorias]

Thanks for your service to all photographers man! ❤

[@marklholloway]

Feels like Instagram is a race to the bottom nowadays. Putting in all the effort to have 175k followers is great, but what does it all mean if averaging 8k likes per post with only 50 people commenting and most them just emoji 🔥 Very few followers with meaningful engagement in their replies compared to the number of subscribers. I guess if you’re selling books, courses, it helps.

[@chromegator482]

Thanks for acknowledging the stupidity in having to make a video (more work) about the art you’re already working hard making… So people can see your art.

[@RanftEvan]

Yeah. I understand people’s frustration but there also clearly a lot of artists wanting to use Instagram to grow because it’s still a popular platform. So I just do my best to help with videos like this

[@kiwee4577]

I believe the same thing can be said with design and music industry. I'd argue that time investment in those industries is more than photography. Willpower and commitment are the difference maker going forward for those looking for an online presence

[@jaughnekow]

bruh...this is why being on IG sucks

[@DurtyB98]

My IG is pretty stagnant even with making reels. I get way more engagement on Tik Tok even with pure photo posts.

[@abdeldorado]

Paula Temple quit DJing because of this bs world of influencers and social media crap. I use Instagram and will never reach the potential I could have on it, for sure, but I don’t care I will stay true to myself.

[@Phuzz828]

this video encompasses the very mentality that is the problem with curtailing what you do to fit into the medicorcity of the gram for the gram for micro fame rather than just focusing on creating better art. As with all social meida Its ultimately a distraction

[@yonatantadesse9835]

Super helpful bro! Appreciate all you do to encourage and help other creators.

[@omadlom]

Really love your videos, very educational, thank you

[@motorsportaddiction3417]

The reason photo sets work is because IG will show the post several times, each with a different photo of the set to anyone that did not like the photo on the first impression. I've personally noticed this. I have a photography page that I follow from my personal account. I often scroll past my own photography posts, only to see the same post again with another photo from the set. I think it works for at least 3 or 4 times. The best way to take advantage of this is if the photos are different from each other so followers don't scroll past twice.

[@tdc_2021]

Instagram has become too big for them to handle - too many users, too much data to host, and they have no idea what the algorithm is doing anymore. Anyone else noticed how many things are simply broken now? I can't even see my follower list anymore because it just gives me an error. Hidden request messages don't always show. Many other issues...

[@j2k325]

im in the same boat with you

[@photofervorphotography4997]

Hi Evan - What's your policy on following back, liking those who have liked yours, commenting on images from those who liked yours - activity in reverse etc

[@vincepetitjean]

Would love to hear you talk about the Leica m on there! I remember when you tried an m240 and then trying the m10 too

[@standardangles]

Love the room setup, where are your tube lights from?

[@RanftEvan]

Thanks! It’s a lumecube tube light and it’s awesome. Highly recommend

[@jayd1246]

Posting consistently on IG is something I struggle with consistently!😂 Just being a full-time dad, husband and having a demanding job, I just find it hard to take time to venture off with my camera and try to create something that's meaningful to me.

[@blackcloudtattooer9255]

I agree with you on several aspects but social media rewards quantity over quality and if you stop being consistent for a little while and your metrics fall? That just isn’t human nature. Nothing is rushing in nature so it goes against human nature. If you’re an artist you focus on quality over quantity. Believe me I’ve had the followers and believe me followers can unfollow anytime they like. The more followers you have doesn’t mean you get more customers like you say. Focus on quality. Personally? If I see an artist posting everyday to me it just signals there disparate as hell and it’s cringe. Great video ☺️

[@zionstuart1927]

INSTAGRAM lowkey forces you to make reels in order to grow i miss the old days

[@stevenanthony578]

I don't think it's self-sabotage so much as it is boring to do the same format over and over.

[@santosdiego]

Evan, I've been trying to reach you regarding a purchase on your website. Can you inform me the best way to send a message? Thanks!

[@RanftEvan]

The best way is through the contact me page on EvanRanft.com I’ll be on the lookout for a message 🙏

[@Jake_Towne]

My opinion on “reason #9” about music, Alot of people on instagram use these “trending sounds” and alot of them are screaming amateur and unprofessional! If i see a post with a trending sound that is on literally every instagram reel i scroll right past it. Its personal preference but for me i try to keep my content professional and use sounds or music that would work with the content im posting. Not just post something with a trending sound just to get views, Be original and authentic!

[@sjmheron]

Man, I love your photos. I bought your book. The script for this video sounds like keyword packing SEO content from 2005. You admit that if you waver from constant posting your content gets deprioritized almost immediately. This grind to work for Meta to make them ad revenue targeting people who EXCLUSIVELY consume short form video is absolute cancer.

[@RanftEvan]

I constantly see videos online from people not doing the thing they are teaching. This is especially true with instagram and creators. My philosophy on this channel has always been DO the thing I’m talking about. Hence why in camera/gear/tech reviews I actually strive to make art in the video. Not just some bs test image of a mailbox or a duck at the local park. The amount of effort I put into sharing the photos I have this year has given me alot of insights into Instagram. I did the thing. I shared the results. The intention is to be fair, honest, and help people. Regardless of if they like what I’m saying or not. I don’t like the grind of posting reels. I also don’t like preforming for an algorithm. But the fact still remains. When I posted reels with the photos. The account grew fast. When I stopped. The account grew slower. I’m just sharing my experience.

[@sjmheron]

@RanftEvan that's very fair, and I appreciate the reply. It can be hard to perceive the line between observation and endorsement. Thank you for making the work that you do. I will continue to visit your website and this channel to appreciate it and contribute towards it.

[@DurtyB98]

​@@RanftEvanso, ome should make a reel then share the photos from the reel in a post? Because honestly I haven't dome that because it feels like double posting and would be boring to my followers (all 3 or 4 of them).

[@bubetrajkovski]

Honestly i have been thinking why has my ig account not been getting much reach, whereas i see other people creating a new account and all of a sudden they have thousands of followers, and i thought it might be the reason that the account i have is my personal one that dates back to 2012, so maybe it's not shown as much love from the algorithm?

[@Littkickks]

I'm going to try the same challenge, have tons of images that I never post

[@djcopeland2090]

I think this challenge would be valid if he did it in silence without using his main page as promo.

[@unluckyball]

Reacting before watching it. I'm blaming, influencers, tiktok-brainers, only portrait mode. And over supply. And its dead. Ok lets watch the video now and see we have the same thoughts

[@filmk36]

Forget about instagram, get to real work photography. Likes are cool but it will not get you jobs. The world is too saturated with content creators😀

[@Photo_Pursuit]

What does structure even mean? What is it?

[@RanftEvan]

Send me the time stamp with the specific part you had a question about

[@Photo_Pursuit]

⁠@@RanftEvanproblem 4 7:40

[@stayuntilforever]

Why do you even have to have instagram?

[@jaughnekow]

it is more of an online portfolio

[@stayuntilforever]

@jaughnekow might be true. Non of my clients have ever asked about my instagram, the past 6 years. I have a website and 2 portfolios of printed images from A4 to A3. Normally new clients (100%) comes from word of mouth rather than followers on instagram. I had instagram years ago with thousands of followers which resulted in zero work or sales. Once I left was when I put more time on my images and more face to face promotional approach.

[@sijilo]

[@GPadugan]

Why even bother with Instagram? X is the future.

[@curiousabout1]

Hahaha that's funny.