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As social media site celebrates its 10th birthday, we look at some of homegrown stars who are making their name online
MANY happy returns Instagram – today the social media phenomenon that has taken the world by storm celebrates its 10th birthday.
Ten years ago today, American software designers Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger launched the photo-sharing app which they hoped people would use to post their holiday snaps.
Systrom, who tested it with a picture of a street dog begging for food next to a taco stall, had no idea they were unleashing a social media platform that would define a generation hungry for fame.
In the 10 years since it was born, Instagram has amassed more than one billion active users globally, with 27million in the UK – just under half of the country.
Surveys show one in five British youngsters now hopes to carve out a living on the app.
Here we take a look at 10 Scots Instagrammers you should be following for an insight into everything from cleaning and beauty tips to travel, interiors and the best places to eat.
With 1.1million followers, 30-year-old ScottishLebanese model Emily Shak is one of the nation’s top Instagrammers. The fashionista and make-up expert has collaborated with a host of big brands including Oh Polly, In The Style and ASOS. Her face and brand is recognisable worldwide and she reportedly earns between £2190 and £3651 per post.
Mario McKnight is a cleanfluencer and Scotland’s answer to Mrs Hinch. Known for his “hello my lovelies” catchphrase, the 36-year-old, from Paisley, has amassed 127k loyal followers who rely on him for all their housework tips.
Run by Edinburgh-based food journalist and author of Street Food Scotland Ailidh Forlan, this Instagram page delights 18k foodies with an unbiased, no-nonsense approach to reviewing, coupled with drool-worthy food photography. Ailidh champions local Scottish produce and gives followers an insight into Scotland’s most innovative dining experiences.
INTERIOR DESIGN - @kate.lavie
Scotland’s Home of the Year judge Kate Speirs knows her stuff when it comes to interiors and loves to give followers a glimpse of her spectacular Victorian tenement flat in Glasgow. With an army of almost 300k followers, the social media star is also a popular fashion and beauty blogger but it is her interior design tips which fans are queuing up to recreate.