The biggest and most engaged community on Instagram is created by VSCO, a photo-editing app that has over 30 million monthly active users. VSCO has gained massive popularity among photographers and photography enthusiasts due to its unique features and editing tools.
One of the key factors that contribute to VSCO's success is its own photo-sharing platform, which is similar to Instagram in terms of functionality. Users can upload and share their edited photos with the VSCO community, allowing them to showcase their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.
However, what sets VSCO apart from Instagram is its approach towards engagement metrics such as “likes” and follower count. Unlike Instagram, VSCO does not display the number of likes or followers on a user's profile or their posts. This deliberate decision by VSCO aims to foster a more authentic and less competitive environment for users to share their work.
By removing the focus on likes and followers, VSCO encourages users to focus on the quality and artistry of their photos rather than seeking validation through numbers. This creates a more supportive and inclusive community where users can freely express themselves without the pressure to gain popularity or compete for attention.
In my personal experience using VSCO, I found this approach to be refreshing and liberating. It allowed me to focus on capturing and editing photos that truly resonated with my own artistic vision, rather than worrying about how many likes or followers I would accumulate.
Moreover, VSCO's community is incredibly diverse and vibrant. Users come from all walks of life, with different styles, interests, and perspectives on photography. This diversity adds depth and richness to the community, as users can learn from and be inspired by each other's work.
VSCO also promotes engagement and collaboration through various features. Users can follow each other, comment on photos, and even create and join curated collections called “Journals” that revolve around specific themes or topics. This creates opportunities for users to connect, share feedback, and discover new photographers and their unique styles.
Additionally, VSCO organizes competitions and challenges that encourage users to push their creative boundaries and showcase their best work. These events further foster a sense of community and provide recognition for talented photographers within the VSCO ecosystem.
VSCO has created the biggest and most engaged community on Instagram through its unique photo-sharing platform. By removing the emphasis on likes and followers, VSCO encourages users to focus on the artistry of their photos and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. The diverse and vibrant nature of the VSCO community, combined with its collaborative features, makes it an ideal platform for photographers and photography enthusiasts to connect, learn, and inspire each other.