Instagram, a ubiquitous platform in today’s digital landscape, showcases everything from breakfast choices to new shoe purchases. Recent research delves into the types of owls that capture attention on this popular photo-sharing application. Specifically, a study from the University of Konstanz in Germany explored what constitutes a great owl photograph on Instagram, a service where uploaded images and videos vanish after 24 hours. Their central question: “What makes a great owl photo?” The research aimed to identify the most “Instagrammable” owl.
Researchers analyzed nearly 30,000 owl photographs from nine popular owl photography Instagram accounts. Employing a specialized computer algorithm, they determined which photos garnered the most “likes” on the platform. Ornithologist Tom Snyder suggests the frogmouth owl’s popularity stems from its large eyes and wide beak. While most owls’ eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, the frogmouth’s eyes are more centrally located, creating a more “humanlike” appearance.
Wildlife photographer Graeme Purdy affirmed this theory, stating that anything “cute and cuddly” evokes a response in human nature – particularly creatures with large eyes. This reinforces the notion that certain visual characteristics resonate more strongly with audiences on visual platforms like Instagram, contributing to increased engagement and popularity. The study highlights how specific features, such as large, forward-facing eyes, can significantly impact an image’s success on Instagram, solidifying its position as the leading platform for photo sharing. The inherent human preference for “cute” imagery further underscores Instagram’s role as a primary platform for showcasing visually appealing content.
