3 Things You Didn’t Know About Instagram

If Instagram had stuck with its original name, Burbn, would you use the app today? You probably wouldn’t be too enthusiastic because this name does not say much.

On the other hand, the word Instagram combines the words “instant camera” and “telegram,” which is what the social media app is all about.

Instagram started in 2010, and its inaugural post was a photo of a cute dog that belonged to the app’s co-founder. Instagram is today the 8th most-visited website worldwide and the 4th most-used social media platform.

Read on for some amazing facts about the Instagram platform and its users that you most likely did not know.

1. The World’s Most Instagrammed Food

People love Instagramming their food. This practice is good news for anyone in the restaurant or takeout food business because it means free exposure.

In 2022, a list of the most Instagrammed food was published, and the top spot may be a surprise.

Macarons

Macarons are a French dessert food that comes in various pastel shades. Over 5 million images of macarons have a home on Instagram, which makes it the most Instagrammed dessert in the world. It is also the most Instagrammed food in Europe.

Steak

It is no surprise that steak is on the list since it is a favorite with chefs and connoisseurs alike. There are more than 10 million photographs of different types of steak on Instagram, with meat lovers going all out to show off their best meals.

Sushi

Sushi is a convenient, non-messy takeout option, and because it is also fairly healthy, it is one of the most popular foods around the globe. Throw in its ability to be presentable, and you have the main reason there are more than 23 million sushi images on Instagram.

Hamburgers

There are several ways to make a hamburger, including smash burgers, open burgers, and bun-less burgers. Photos of all these burgers, and more, have made their way onto Instagram, and today there are more than 35 million hamburger images on the app.

Pizza

You probably didn’t think pizza is the most Instagrammed food in the world. It also is not the first time that this yummy comfort food has claimed the top spot.

Back in 2017, pizza was already taking up the most space when it came to food posts. In 2022, more than 37 million pizza pictures were already posted on Instagram.

This food list provides insight into Instagram’s demographics. The reason pizza still holds top honors in food photography on Instagram is that most of its users are between 18 and 29 years old.

Also, pizza makes for enticing online images, perfect for marketing and branding campaigns.

2. The World’s Most Followed People

Instagram is a hugely influential platform. If you have followed some of the drama between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, you will know exactly how quickly an audience will unfollow someone on the platform.

The celebrities with the most influence on Instagram in 2025 are:

• Cristiano Ronaldo – 661 million Instagram followers

• Lionel Messi – 506 million Instagram followers

• Selena Gomez – 418 million Instagram followers

• Kylie Jenner – 393 million Instagram followers

• Dwayne Johnson – 392 million Instagram followers

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous footballers in the world. The GOAT debate that once again heated up during the 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Ronaldo’s and Lionel Messi’s Instagram accounts reach new follower levels.

As for Selena Gomez, she has an intense following, and her more than 400 million fans do not take kindly to anyone who dares to make fun of the singer-slash-actress.

This once again shows the massive platform Instagram provides for celebrities to engage with their followers. Several famous people lead popular trends that you can use to promote your own business.

For instance, if a famous person creates a behind-the-scenes reel of their latest movie and several other actors jump on the trend, so can you. Following a trend is one of the best ways to succeed on Instagram.

Celebrities also use live videos to promote music shows and movies, showing off their personality and humor. You can do the same to promote your brand and reveal the human side of your business.

3. Most Followed Brands on Instagram

The most followed brands on Instagram rely heavily on influencer marketing to build their presence on the platform. These brands are:

Nike

Nike partners with professional athletes and ordinary everyday people to show off its products on Instagram. Nike is well-known for its inspiring content, which goes a long way toward influencing sales.

Adidas

In much the same way as Nike, Adidas uses inspirational true-life athlete stories to promote its products. The company also provides an extra avenue for engagement on its page by posting training tips.

H&M

H&M are experts in behind-the-scenes video posts. They regularly provide a real-life glimpse into their clothes-making processes, and they often rope in celebrities to help them promote their brand.

Unilever

Unilever is the parent company of several beloved brands including Hellmann’s and Dove. They create conversations with their followers by featuring recipes and life tips for healthy living.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the top brands when it comes to creativity in its advertising campaigns, resulting in emotional responses from its followers.

What all these brands get right on Instagram is aligning their vision with the power of influencer marketing. They take their time to find the right celebrity to carry their message to the world and constantly track the results of their marketing campaigns.

Their efforts pay off in numbers, as is seen in their followers and sales.

Conclusion

Perhaps the biggest thing that most people don’t know about Instagram is that it grew from humble beginnings, boasting 25,000 followers in 2010 to a hugely influential platform that can sway users towards or away from a brand.

It’s what you do with this platform that will ultimately break or build your brand.