June 28, 2025

Instagram Year in Review: Top Trends from 2019

Join us as we explore the highlights of Instagram’s Year in Review and gain insights into what the future holds for this ever-evolving social media giant.

Instagram has become an integral part of our lives, serving as a platform for self-expression, connection, and inspiration. As we bid farewell to 2019, it’s time to look back and reflect on the top trends that dominated Instagram throughout the year. From the rise of influencer culture and viral challenges to the evolution of Instagram’s features and the impact of new updates, this article delves into the key moments and themes that shaped the platform in 2019. 

 

Introduction: Reflecting on Instagram’s Year in Review

 

 

Another year has come to an end, and it’s time to reflect on the top trends that dominated our favorite photo-sharing app, Instagram. From influencers to viral challenges and the evolution of Instagram Stories, 2019 was a year filled with interesting developments that kept us scrolling through our feeds. So grab your phone, and let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore the top trends from Instagram’s year in review.Check now

 

 

The Rise of Influencer Culture and Instagram Celebrities

 

2.1 The Influence of Instagram Influencers

 

 

It’s no secret that Instagram influencers have taken over our social media feeds. From fashion and beauty gurus to fitness enthusiasts and food bloggers, these influencers have become the go-to source for inspiration, recommendations, and even entertainment. With their carefully curated feeds and engaging content, they have not only created a massive following but have also become a trusted authority in their respective niches. Love them or hate them, influencers have become an integral part of the Instagram experience.

 

2.2 Celebrity Presence on Instagram

 

 

Instagram is not just a platform for everyday people; it’s where celebrities bring their A-game. From Hollywood stars to musicians and athletes, celebrities have embraced Instagram as a way to connect with their fans on a personal level. From behind-the-scenes glimpses to exclusive announcements, Instagram has become a virtual window into the lives of our favorite stars. It’s no wonder that celebrity presence on the platform continues to grow as they use it as a tool to engage with their massive fan bases.

 

 

Viral Challenges and Memes That Dominated Instagram

 

3.1 The Ice Bucket Challenge: A Resurgence

 

 

Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? Well, it made a comeback on Instagram in 2019. This viral challenge, which aims to raise awareness and funds for ALS research, took social media by storm, with countless users drenching themselves in ice-cold water and nominating others to do the same. The revival of this challenge on Instagram showed the power of collective action and how social media can be used for a good cause.

 

3.2 Memes That Went Viral on Instagram

 

 

What’s Instagram without a good dose of memes? In 2019, Instagram was flooded with hilarious and relatable memes that had us all laughing and tagging our friends. From funny animal videos to clever captions and image macros, these memes captured the essence of pop culture and provided us with endless entertainment. Instagram became the go-to platform for meme creators to showcase their wit and humor, making us all feel a little less alone in our weird and wonderful sense of humor.

 

 

The Evolution of Instagram Stories and IGTV

 

4.1 How Instagram Stories Took Over

 

 

Instagram Stories went from being just a Snapchat clone to taking over the social media world. With the introduction of interactive features like polls, quizzes, and “swipe up” links, Stories became a powerful tool for engagement and storytelling. From behind-the-scenes peeks to day-in-the-life updates, Instagram Stories allowed us to share our lives more authentically and spontaneously. In 2019, our Instagram Stories became just as important (if not more) than our regular posts.

 

4.2 IGTV: Instagram’s Push into Long-Form Video Content

 

 

Instagram’s foray into long-form video content came in the form of IGTV. Intended to compete with platforms like YouTube, IGTV allowed users to upload and watch videos that exceeded the previous one-minute limit. While it took some time for IGTV to gain traction, Instagram made improvements throughout the year, making it more user-friendly and integrated into the app. With Instagram’s massive user base, IGTV has the potential to become a go-to platform for creators looking to share longer, high-quality videos.

 

 

As we bid farewell to 2019, it’s clear that Instagram continues to evolve and shape the way we connect and share our lives. From influencers wielding their influence to viral challenges and memes giving us our daily dose of humor, Instagram has become an integral part of our social media experience. So here’s to another year of scrolling, double-tapping, and sharing our lives with the Instagram community. Cheers!

Exploring the Impact of Instagram’s New Features and Updates

 

 

Instagram is constantly evolving, with new features and updates making their way onto our screens throughout the year. In 2019, two major changes took center stage: the introduction of the Checkout feature and the removal of likes, both of which had a significant impact on the user experience.

 

5.1 The Introduction of the Checkout Feature

 

 

Online shopping just got a whole lot easier for Instagram addicts. With the introduction of the Checkout feature, users can now make purchases without ever leaving the app. It’s like having a personal shopper in your pocket, and it’s dangerously convenient for our wallets.

 

From fashion to beauty and everything in between, brands have embraced the Checkout feature to sell their products directly to Instagram users. It’s a win-win situation for both businesses and shoppers. Businesses enjoy a streamlined purchasing process, while shoppers can make impulse purchases with just a few taps. Goodbye, self-control!

 

5.2 The Removal of Likes: A Shift in Instagram’s User Experience

 

 

Remember when getting likes on Instagram was a race for validation and popularity? Well, in 2019, Instagram decided to shake things up by hiding the number of likes from public view—cue collective gasps from influencers everywhere.

 

This bold move aimed to shift the focus from simply chasing likes to fostering more meaningful connections and conversations. While opinions on this change were divided, it undeniably sparked important discussions about mental health, social media influence, and the true value of engagement.

 

Whether you love it or hate it, the removal of likes has undoubtedly transformed the way we interact with Instagram. It’s like a social experiment that has taken us by surprise, leaving us to question our online behaviors and the role of validation in our lives.

 

Trending Hashtags and Themes That Shaped Instagram in 2019

 

 

Hashtags have always been a powerful tool for organizing content and finding communities on Instagram. In 2019, certain hashtags and themes took center stage, shaping the conversations and trends that dominated our feeds.

 

6.1 #ThrowbackThursday: The Power of Nostalgia

 

 

There’s something irresistible about nostalgia, and Instagram users tapped into that sentiment with the ever-popular #ThrowbackThursday hashtag. From cringe-worthy childhood photos to reminiscing about old trends, #ThrowbackThursday allowed us to share our past with a touch of humor and self-reflection.

 

This hashtag not only entertained us but also united us in our shared experiences, proving that the past truly has a way of bringing people together. So next time you dig up a gem from your photo albums, don’t hesitate to share it with the world using #ThrowbackThursday.

 

6.2 Influencer Campaigns and Branded Hashtags

 

 

Influencer marketing continued to dominate the Instagram landscape in 2019, with brands partnering with content creators to promote their products and services. Branded hashtags became a crucial part of influencer campaigns, allowing brands to track engagement and measure the success of their collaborations.

 

From fitness gurus promoting athleisure brands with #FitLife to beauty influencers showcasing the latest makeup trends with #GlamGoals, these branded hashtags not only helped brands reach their target audience but also created communities of like-minded individuals. So, the next time you spot your favorite influencer promoting a brand, keep an eye out for their unique hashtag and join the conversation.

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