# Sponsored Social Media Advertising Instagram Ad Showcases Marketing to Consumers in the Digital Ag By Nicole Ballantyne-Choo | Published 2013-11-04 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-ads References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/361920/The-First-Instagram-Ad-Rolls-Out/) & [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/01/the-first-instagram-ad-has-been-spotted-in-the-wild/) Brands are turning to [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-tagging) ads to reach an audience that is constantly on social media. The first ad Instagram-friendly consumers will see is one for Michael Kors. To ensure these advertisements don't change the layout of the [social media platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gridfeed), the ad will look the same as a regular post, with the picture as the center of attention, the shown likes on the bottom left underneath the photo, and the user, in this case Michael Kors, posting. However, so people are aware what is an advertisement on their feed and what is just their favorite brand posting pictures, the top right corner of the post will feature the word 'Sponsored'. The shift to reaching consumers via Instagram ads is one that will serve brands well, as the millennial generation is one that is always checking their social media accounts for new information and pictures to like. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Instagram Ads:** Instagram ads are becoming an effective way for brands to reach consumers on social media. - **Native Advertising:** Using sponsored posts that blend seamlessly with regular content on social media platforms offers new opportunities for marketers. - **Millennial Targeting:** Targeting the millennial generation through Instagram ads can tap into their constant social media usage and desire for new information. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising:** The advertising industry can leverage Instagram ads to engage with consumers in a more organic way. - **E-commerce:** Using native advertising on social media platforms like Instagram can drive traffic and increase sales for online businesses. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands, such as Michael Kors, can utilize Instagram ads to showcase their products and attract millennial consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [User-Focused Product Tagging Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-tagging.md) - [Grocery Delivery Digital Storefronts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instacart2.md) - [Virtual Appliance Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appliance-showroom.md) - [Social Marketplace Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marketplace.md) - [AI Advertisement Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-6.md) - [Streamlined Shoppable Video Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ads-manager.md) - [Smart Shopping Cart Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caper-carts.md) - [Add-to-Cart Video Advertisements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoppable-video-ads.md) - [Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-home-campaign.md)