Here's Why Instagram Is The New Social Superpower

The giant himself.

We live in a busy world where technology seems to be our best ally. Even though we are drowning in social platforms and new apps that are being developed every day, there are a few platforms that remain "Social Superpowers" as I like to call them. In a time when there are hundreds of copies made of a new app every week, some of them hold their own by following some simple rules, mainly one rule: UX. I think the user experience is one of the most important factors in creating anything that is meant to be used by everyone in the world, since ultimately the users have the power to make or break it. 

So in the arena of Twitter and Facebook, comes Instagram. One of the fastest growing giants of them all, with over 400 million monthly users it surpasses even Twitter. So let's get to it, what is this undisputable's giants secret?
The first reason Instagram is so popular is that it's very user friendly. The interface was created for the every day user. The upload process, the profile settings and even following new profiles is easier than ever.
Then there's brand awareness. While we may not like to admit it we are influenced by society and marketing. Recommendations and advertisements play an important factor in our decision making process. We follow what others do and try new things based on what we see.
The 3rd reason is the freedom it provides. No longer are photographers defined by professional camera's and the technical details. With one smartphone users become 21st century photojournalists. Sharing their view of life and stories with their followers, not unlike a photographer does at an art gallery, turning Instagram into their showing room and followers into their captive audience.
The 4th reason are the number of edit settings. No longer do users have to turn to Photoshop or Illustrater to make their pictures perfect. Instagram offers a wide variety of filters as well as individual edit options to fix everything from lighting to contrast. Giving every day people the chance to be recognised among the best.
The 5th reason are the opportunities it creates. With high quality content comes opportunity. Companies often enter partnerships with Instagrammers that have a big following to promote their services or products. Giving marketers access to a new and real audience and Instagrammers the chance to make a living by doing what they love.

So there you have it, Instagram came - gave users what they wanted - and secured it's place among the giants of today's social media platforms.
Geek out!

8 Songs to Change Your Life

Music will change your life.

Though I have said many times that, for me at least, coffee makes the world go 'round I also believe music plays a big part in that. That's probably one of the reasons my headphones are permanently attached to me, ha ha. So without further ado, here are 8 songs that will change your life!
The first one is the "current obsession", the one song that you can listen to on repeat all day without getting sick of it. For me at the moment that song is by Aron Wright - I Surrender. It was recently featured on Grey's Anatomy and ever since then it has found it's way into my heart and head. It's one of those songs that brings you the classic tale of hurt and hope.
Next up is the "love song", that will always make you think of someone you love or have loved deeply. I bring you: James Bay - Scars. His raspy voice makes even your fingertips tingly and your heart ache for days long past.
There's the "apology song" that lists a lot of regrets for past wrong doings and makes even the best of us think twice about our past actions. City and Colour - The Girl perfectly sums up the sacrifices others make for us and the regret of not appreciating them more for it.
Hozier - Take Me To Church brings us the "brave song", the one song that while discussing current social issues also makes you want to be brave. All about silenced screams it is pushed through by one of the best voices of our time.
The "declaration song" comes from The Lumineers - Ho Hey. A short upbeat song that simply states a desire to be with someone.
OneRepublic - I Lived is one heck of a "party song"! While it might start out slow, it propels you into a dancing mood within seconds!
For the days that you feel like crawling under your blankets, shutting the blinds and never leaving your bed again, I give you the "comfort song" The Civil Wars - Dust to Dust. It will match your mood while silently comforting you with the softness of Joy Williams and John Paul White's voices.
Finally, the "guilty pleasure song" is that one song you know you like and makes you smile but you're too afraid to share with anyone. Walk the Moon - Shut Up and Dance always manages to lift my spirits, ha ha!
There are many more songs that can replace the ones I mentioned above and make our life just a little bit better, sadly I can't list them all or we would never get through this article, ha ha. For every part of our life there is a song that will either help us through it or make it even better and match our happiness. So dive in and enjoy the music.
Geek out!