Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

The latest product to sweep Instagram is one you've seen before

Nov 20, 2018
Instagram is filled with product promotions. The site’s most popular influencers pose with everything from cosmetics to snacks, anything with the potential to bring in a lot of money. But the latest product pushed by influencers is not so obvious. Although seen by millions of users and providing a generous income for many of the app’s […]
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images

Realtors turn to social media to market luxury real estate

Nov 8, 2018
The latest Instagram "influencers": Houses.
A beachfront "Instapenthouse."
Anna Scott
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Can the creator economy survive if creators are all broke?

Aug 14, 2018
As platforms like YouTube and Instagram rake in money, the people who try to make a living uploading videos and pictures often struggle.
Audience engagement doesn't require tricks, just a few simple speaking strategies.
ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images

Navigating Instagram's algorithm as @idealblackfemale

Aug 6, 2018
How hate speech censorship policies and content moderation appear to an artist creating on the platform.
Mandy Harris Williams says she's found a great home for her art on Instagram.
Maritza Lerman Yoes

How to be a social media star for a living

Jul 18, 2018
"As influencers, we are walking ad space," Troy Solomon says.
YouTube displayed a giant play button with the names of creators chosen to work with the company at VidCon.
(Marketplace/ Eve Troeh)

Instagram Lite debuts, designed for smartphone users in developing countries

Jun 29, 2018
Instagram Lite popped up on the Google Play Store this week. It’s a slimmed down version of Instagram for people in developing countries. It works where networks are smaller, spottier and Android phones are more popular. Instagram Lite is a follower here, Facebook Lite arrived in 2015 and it now has over 200 million users. […]

For public good, not for profit.

How LeBron's breakup with Miami started an Instagram craze

House of Highlights has 9.3 million followers and counting.
In 2010, Miami Heat player LeBron James greets fans as he is introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Instagram entrepreneurs are searching vintage racks for you

May 25, 2018
A new breed of shoppers are snapping up vintage clothing on the social media platform.
ERIC BARADAT/AFP/Getty Images

Is Instagram a healthier Facebook?

Apr 18, 2018
The photo-sharing app relied on the social network for its success, but now Facebook may depend on Instagram for its longevity.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images