Instagram, the beloved photo-sharing site with an avid cult following, (100 million monthly active users to be exact), gave Twitter a swift upper cut just three months ago in a social media smackdown of sorts. What was the straw that broke the Twitter bird’s back? Instagram nixed its Twitter cards integration – Cat fight! But wait, what the heck is a Twitter card? I’ll let Twitter do the explaining: “Twitter cards make it possible for you to attach media experiences to Tweets that link to your content. Simply add a few lines of HTML to your webpages, and users who Tweet links to your content will have a “card” added to the Tweet that’s visible to all of their followers.”

Simply put, Instagram removed the ability to view an Instagram photo on Twitter, forcing a user to click (gasp!) a link instead to view the image housed on Instagram itself. So instead of Instagram directing traffic to Twitter, the roles have been reversed. Was this a wise decision? In an opinion piece on Mashable entitled, “Instagram Declares War on Twitter, Social Media Loses,” Chris Taylor exclaims, “…social media became a little less cozy. What was once a tightly-knit web of popular services that seemed almost agnostic about where you shared stuff is starting to drift apart.” Whether this is war or a strategic decision on Instagram’s part, Digital Network Agency has created an informative infographic about this very topic, and how it affects brand management (see below).

DNA’s infographic states that after Instagram’s ‘low blow,’ “engagement with brands on Instagram grew by 35% in the past 3 months,” and “Brand Instagram follower count grew by 41% over the last 3 months.” What does this tell us as brands and businesses? Get snappin’ on Instagram stat! (if you’re not already). Take a look at our post, “Get Snappy, Gain Engagement – 8 Instagram Tips for Your Biz” for Instagram must-knows. Also take a look at  Instagram’s Tumblr site made for businesses specifically. Aside from tips, API examples, news and more, they include stellar brand spotlights like handmade clothing designer, Michael Masterson:

And, though Twitter photo engagement seems to be trending downward due to Instagram’s severed ties, it’s still a vital platform for reaching current and potential customers. You do, however, have the ability to tweet pictures directly onto Twitter while using snazzy new filters of their own. Twitter also just recently revamped their Twitter for Business site, giving you helpful info about the basics, marketing, ad products, the art of tweeting, tools you need, and more, including success stories by business size!

Has the severed Instagram integration with Twitter affected your business? Will you be more active on Instagram and Facebook now because of it? Let us know what’s up!

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