The term “influencer” was first introduced right back in the 1600’s when poets, writers, theologians and inventors brought new waves of thought and creations to the world. Over the centuries, society has witnessed many more influencers shaping the world we live in, but in the current era, the term “influencer” has taken on a new meaning.
Over the past decades, we have witnessed an explosion of digital activity around us that is slowly characterising our everyday lives and the way we go about them. The creation of the internet was the initial trigger for the array of digital life we see around us and the transition to a more digital lifestyle is encapsulated by one aspect in particular: social media.
The first ever social media platform for teenagers was unveiled in 1997. Back then, Bolt and Six Degrees became a trailblazer in the realm of communication beyond picking up a telephone and punching in numbers.
The concept of chat rooms, message boards, and voice chat has been built upon since then by the likes of Myspace, Facebook, Bebo, Twitter, Ryze, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok. However, the sharp-eyed amongst us will have noticed one particularly large platform missing from that list. It is Instagram of course. One of the most popular social media platforms, with over two billion active users, Instagram rivals Facebook and YouTube for worldwide usage.
But while people might automatically link Instagram to extravagant photos and videos beautifying people’s day to day lives, Instagram users and influencers are discovering new ways to use the platform which is starting to benefit businesses that are filling the digital realm.
In the past, before the internet was a thing, even in the early years after its introduction, businesses would use classic forms of advertising. This included ads on television, in magazines and newspapers, and billboards. While these avenues are still utilised, the digital takeover has paved the way for a new form of marketing to evolve, which aligns itself nicely with new forms of online entertainment that are fast becoming a go-to for people worldwide.
In recent years, the iGaming industry has had an explosive impact on the world, with people in their millions logging into and playing on online casino platforms. With a digital entity that relies completely on a digital infrastructure, online casinos are benefiting from the increased digital activity and the number of users on the internet.
With its over two billion active users around the world, Instagram is fast becoming a breeding ground for a new wave of influencer and as is always the case, influencers tend to follow the popular trends. And online casinos fall right into this category.
Although there are over two billion active users, the content produced on Instagram by online casinos or influencers collaborating with them still has to be engaging. But with the ability to create Stories and Reels that showcase game play and people’s experiences (usually successful ones), and sometimes live through the Instagram Live function, gives viewers a condensed insight into what an online casino has to offer.
With waning attention spans due to the greater influence of short videos, providing users with a short and sharp overview of an online slots or live casino game for example is the first step to gaining recognition. Online casino players or those who stumble across online casino related media are only primarily interested in two things. What a product is and what the upside is.
Whether it is casinos not on Gamban, the latest online slots titles, up and coming online casino markets, distinct, succinct, and clear messaging is the name of the game to engage an audience. And with short and memorable videos or Stories, online casinos have an infectious avenue to market their products.
Nowadays, due to the instant outreach online casinos have to the digital audience, these providers automatically have a step up with regards to exporting their products to potential users. Digital marketing has also given rise to targeted advertisements, that show users similar products based on what they search, follow, or are interested in.
When paired with hashtags and handle tags, online casino providers can produce an organic advertising thread that can be liked, reposted or forwarded at the click of a button. For the online casino industry, Instagram will continue to be a valuable partner due to the ease a community and followers are established. With a large target audience already in place, the mantra will be content, content, content.
Overall, the rise of social media has paved the way for a visual future. People worldwide are losing the patience to read lengthy product descriptions but instead want to have a product quickly summarised in the most engaging way possible. Platforms like Instagram and the influencers operating on it are proving perfect for that, and with that said, #onlinecasinos, #onlineslots, #blackjack, #roulette, #cryptocasinos.