# Timely Social Media Tools The Instagram Trending Places is Set to Compete with Twitter By Meghan Young | Published 2015-06-24 | Social Media Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-trending-places References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/23/8833309/instagram-explore-search-trending-tags-update) & [instagram](http://www.instagram.com) The [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marketplace) Trending Places tool is a much-needed update to the social media platform's search and explore features. Positioning itself against other platforms such as [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-latest-tweets), it will now be showcasing hot topics from around the world to help people stay on top of what's currently happening while also encouraging conversation in a visual way. With trending hashtags and event specific organization, the Instagram Trending Places update makes the explore page much more meaningful to those who already use it religiously. The Verge writes, "It feels a lot like some of the community-focused content that [VSCO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vsco) publishes on its site and in its apps, and it could be a good way of finding some of the finer photographers on Instagram — tapping one of those banners at the top of the explore section will bring you to a list of Instagram users and a quick sample of their photos." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Instagram Trending Places:** This trend presents an opportunity for businesses to leverage location-based marketing and target users in specific regions. - **Search and Explore Features:** The improvement of search and explore features on social media platforms opens up possibilities for innovative advertising and content discovery strategies. - **Visual Conversation Tools:** The integration of visuals in conversation-based platforms creates new avenues for brands to engage with their audience and communicate their messaging effectively. ### Where This Applies - **Social Media:** The Instagram Trending Places update aligns with the evolving nature of social media platforms, creating opportunities for businesses to connect with users and drive engagement. - **Digital Advertising:** The improved search and explore features across social media platforms provide opportunities for targeted advertising campaigns and enhanced ROI for digital advertisers. - **Photography:** The Instagram Trending Places update allows photographers to gain exposure and connect with potential clients through the platform, facilitating new business opportunities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-Time Trending Spot Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trending-spots.md) - [Social Marketplace Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marketplace.md) - [Social Media Round-Up Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/igplayback.md) - [Safety-Oriented Social Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-10.md) - [Social App Feature Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/status-update.md) - [Social Media Notes Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-notes.md) - [Social Media Visibility Boosting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enhance-your-instagram.md) - [Social Posting Platform Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/send-on-instagram.md) - [Visualized Social Media Data](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagraph.md)