7 Things That Will Surprise You About Instagram
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7 Things That Will Surprise You About Instagram
Tips to Help You Improve Your Instagram Profile
You’re probably an active user of this social network, and it’s even possible that you’ve known it since its origin in 2010, when it was called Burbn and Codename, before adopting the name we know today.

Instagram was the top trending social network worldwide in 2017, but even after nine years, you might not know that:
The hashtag #TBT (Throw Back Thursday):
This hashtag is widely recognized as the way users share nostalgic photos, often from childhood or memorable past events. However, what many people don’t know is that this tag has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Kim Kardashian have popularized it, making it a favorite among fans across the globe. #TBT has even inspired spin-offs like #FBF (Flashback Friday) and #WayBackWednesday, though none have reached the same level of fame. Each week, millions of posts with #TBT flood Instagram, offering glimpses into the past, connecting users emotionally, and showcasing how powerful nostalgia can be in social media storytelling.Sunday is the best day to post on Instagram:
While many assume that weekdays are the prime time to post because of work schedules, Sundays provide a unique opportunity. With fewer posts being shared, your content is more likely to stand out in your followers’ feeds. Research shows that engagement rates peak on Sunday mornings and late afternoons, when users are unwinding and catching up on their social media. To make the most of this, post visually appealing, positive, or relaxing content—such as serene landscapes, personal reflections, or fun weekend activities—that aligns with a slower-paced day.You can zoom in on Instagram photos just like on other platforms:
The zoom feature wasn’t always part of Instagram’s toolkit, but it was added in 2016 due to popular demand. By simply pinching with two fingers, you can zoom in on any image and appreciate finer details that might go unnoticed at first glance. This is particularly useful for scrutinizing product details, admiring intricate artwork, or spotting subtle backgrounds in creative posts. For photographers and artists, the zoom function allows viewers to fully appreciate the depth and quality of their work, while everyday users can discover unexpected details in a seemingly simple post.The minimum age to use Instagram is 13 years old:
This age restriction isn’t just a random number—it’s enforced to comply with international child online privacy laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the U.S. Instagram also uses it to ensure that content and interactions are appropriate for its audience. However, despite this rule, there are reports of underage users creating accounts by falsifying their birthdate. To address this, Instagram has implemented tools like AI-powered age detection and user reports to verify age compliance. Additionally, parents can enable parental controls to oversee and guide their child’s activity on the platform.Instagram is predominantly used by women:
Although the platform appeals to all genders and generations, women account for 68% of its user base. This reflects Instagram’s reputation as a go-to platform for topics like fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and entrepreneurship. Women have harnessed Instagram as a space to build personal brands, promote businesses, or simply express creativity. Beyond that, Instagram has become a powerful stage for discussions on female empowerment, mental health, and gender equality, making it more than just a social network—it’s a community for meaningful conversations.

6. Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion:
At the time, Instagram was just two years old but had already positioned itself as one of the most promising apps in the social media world. With a team of only 13 employees, the startup achieved remarkable influence with limited resources. Facebook’s acquisition not only provided Instagram with the funding and tools to expand rapidly but also set a precedent in the tech world for the value of visually focused social platforms. Today, this acquisition is considered one of the smartest business moves in tech history.
7. Instagram can store more than 20 billion photos and counting:
Instagram’s infrastructure is designed to handle an unimaginable volume of content. Among these billions of photos, over 35 million are selfies, a type of content that has become emblematic of our digital culture. Selfies often tell a story, whether it’s celebrating milestones, capturing emotions, or simply embracing self-expression. Instagram relies on cutting-edge cloud storage technology and data optimization to ensure that photos are uploaded quickly and preserved with minimal loss of quality, creating a seamless experience for its users.

Bonus Tips:
8. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes relevant content
While users often complain about algorithm changes, it’s designed to enhance user experience by displaying the most relevant content first. Factors like past interactions, user interests, and relationships with creators influence what appears in your feed. To increase your content’s visibility, focus on engaging with your audience consistently and creating posts that encourage comments, likes, and shares. Engagement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building relationships that keep followers invested in your content.
9. Instagram is a game-changer for businesses
Over 200 million businesses actively use Instagram, leveraging features like stories, ads, and shopping tools to connect with customers. Instagram has become a global storefront where businesses of all sizes showcase their products, tell their stories, and foster relationships with their audience. With interactive tools like polls, Q&A stickers, and reels, brands can create meaningful connections and drive sales more effectively than on traditional platforms.
10. Stories disappear, but their impact lasts
Launched in 2016, Instagram Stories quickly became one of the app’s most popular features, inspired by Snapchat’s success. Despite their 24-hour lifespan, stories have transformed the way people and brands share content. They offer a real-time, authentic glimpse into moments, from behind-the-scenes peeks to limited-time promotions. Stories also drive engagement through polls, questions, and swipe-up links, making them a dynamic tool for building audience interaction and trust.

Legal Disclaimer:
The content published on this blog reflects the personal opinions, interpretations, and perspectives of the author. It does not represent the views, positions, or official statements—legal, technical, or otherwise—of TPMP, its subsidiaries, affiliates, clients, or partners (including tpmp.com.co).
All information, including analogies, examples, and scenarios shared, is provided for illustrative and informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice, factual data, or a definitive statement on any topic. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the content presented here.
Neither the author nor TPMP shall be held responsible for any decisions, actions, or consequences arising from reliance on this blog’s content.
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Author: Samuel Stroh
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