SUMMARY
Professional photographers with substantial followings are quietly abandoning Instagram, archiving accounts or going silent without announcement. The platform's algorithm has shifted to heavily favor Reels over still photography, making it difficult for photographers to reach their audience. This change forces creators to produce video content, a different skill set, or face suppressed reach, leading to unsustainable unpaid labor for minimal return.
TAKEAWAYS
Instagram's algorithm now prioritizes Reels, significantly reducing reach for still images.
Photographers are finding it difficult to build careers and gain clients on the platform.
Creating video content requires different skills and is seen as unpaid labor by many.
Clients primarily discover photographers through Google, referrals, and local searches, not Instagram.