We're all familiar with the slew of fan based Instagram accounts, many of which keep us updated on our favorite A-List celebrities, television series, major league sports players the list goes on.
Have you ever wondered who's behind the Instagram handle bars? Occasionally, an Instagram fan page will include a bio, typically a teenage super fan with A LOT of time on their hands, but that's not always the case.
Fan accounts are consuming our feeds lately, and I'm sure you know at least one person running two separate Instagram accounts. Maybe it's not superstars your passionate about, but something else. Fitness, your dog, you name it. There's an Instagram for that.
Why do people create fan pages?
Fan pages typically start off from boredom, or people who are just looking to connect with other users with a shared interest. And then of course there's always the case of extreme admiration for your dog, who you turn into an overnight celebrity. Take this French Bulldog named "Manny The Frenchie" for example. He has 1 million followers on Instagram. If that's not enough, he even has his own book. This is where the money comes in. Many fan accounts receive monetary compensation for posting and sponsorship's, it all depends on how may followers you have.
Think you might give it a shot? The key to success with a fan page is your handle/username. You need something memorable, semi-professional and hopefully catchy. Don't expect many followers with a name like @__superkewlkid195.. you've got to get creative here. Think of it as your brand. Next, upload upload upload! When you begin to think you've posted to much, keep going! Nobody is going to follow back if they see an empty page. Also, the most successful fan pages post at least once per day. It's important to interact with your followers as well, likes and comments will do, but please refrain from shout outs, they will cost you many unfollows!
Although there is money to be made through hosting a fan account, many users admit they're in it for the connections and friendships that follow along. It's more of a hobby than anything. In an interview with Refinery29, one of the users behind the fan account @teenholllywood.ud states, "It's just funny that I met one of my best friends on Instagram." The account, based on Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez sparked conversation in a direct message on the social media app. Instagram Direct, which was introduced three years after Instagram's initial debut, enables users to privately message one another in a direct message, or whats known as a"DM." She adds, "I think she commented on a post of mine and I just DMed [because] I wanted to thank her and one thing led to another and we've been friends for 3 years now."