This is a topic that has been discussed from time to time, however I truly find it fascinating that it is not discussed more frequently. As we are all well aware there are currently no advertisements on Instagram, but that does not mean there are not informal means of it. Endorsements and product placements have been an influential factor for a significant period of time and have popped up in many places. Films and interviews in particular have always been a popular hit, but what about the home run that Instagram has become for endorsements? It is astounding how many advertisements there technically are on this particular platform of social, but perhaps it is so subtle no one cares or notices? Wrong- and that is why companies are willing to shell out the big bucks to pay influential, well-liked, and highly-respected figures to represent them.

Let’s take Kim Kardashian for instance, as she is arguably a part of a list that consists of the world’s most influential women, rakes in nearly $20,000 for a 140 character tweet! One may think this is insane, but remember how many followers she has- 25.6 million people! Even if 5% of her followers saw pictures or status updates, that’s still 1.28 million people! The sky is the limit, and the potential for a business to promote itself can be accomplished in many ways. I thought this would be an interesting one to mention-despite the high costs associated with it, having stars endorse products could truly gain the exposure a company needs.