What are the benefits and challenges of folksonomy-based tagging on Instagram?

1 How folksonomy works on Instagram

Folksonomy-based tagging on Instagram is a bottom-up, user-generated, and collaborative process. Users can create and use any hashtags they want, as long as they follow the platform's guidelines and policies. They can also search for and follow hashtags that interest them, and see what other users have tagged with the same hashtags. This way, users can create their own communities, niches, and subcultures around specific topics, themes, or styles. For example, #ootd (outfit of the day), #travelgram (travel photos), and #vegan (vegan lifestyle) are some popular hashtags that users can use to showcase their personal or professional interests.

4 How to use folksonomy effectively on Instagram

Despite the challenges, folksonomy-based tagging on Instagram can be a powerful and creative tool for users and the platform, if used effectively and responsibly. To make the most of it, research what other users are tagging with the same hashtags and how they are relevant to your content and goals. Be consistent and clear with your hashtags, using ones that accurately describe and categorize your content. Engage with your audience and community, using hashtags to start or join conversations, ask questions, give feedback, or show support. Lastly, be respectful and ethical with your hashtags: use ones that are appropriate and respectful to your content and audience, while avoiding those that are misleading, harmful, or offensive.

5 How folksonomy evolves on Instagram

Folksonomy-based tagging on Instagram is not a static or fixed system. It is constantly evolving and changing, as users create and use new hashtags, and as the platform updates and adapts its features and algorithms. Folksonomy reflects the trends, preferences, and values of users and the platform, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which they operate. Therefore, users and the platform need to keep up with the changes and developments in folksonomy, and be flexible and responsive to them. Folksonomy is not only a way to tag content, but also a way to communicate, collaborate, and create meaning on Instagram.