Self-branding and content creation strategies on Instagram: A case study of foodie influencers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to better understand the processes and procedures adopted by micro-in fl uencers to create ‘ instagrammable ’ content. It is based on 17 in-depth interviews with foodie micro-in fl uencers based in London and Barcelona. Interview data was complemented with participant observation in restaurants or cafes. This paper makes three original contributions. Firstly, the study expands the understanding of the concept of ‘ instagrammability ’ by approaching it from the perspective of in fl uencers creating content to satisfy and/or grow an audience. Secondly, it illustrates how two dominant factors drive in fl uencers ’ content creation process: the self/audience focus content branding orientation. The ‘ audience-focus ’ content development process varied drastically, with some in fl uencers being very conscious of responding to their audiences ’ needs whereas others maintained fi rst and foremost a very strong ‘ self-focus ’ . However, even for the in fl uencers who were the most responsive to their audiences ’ perceived wishes, a sense of ‘ self-focus ’ was maintained as an anchor point in all developed content, often linked to a passion for a certain type of food. Thirdly, this paper maps and describes the behind-the-scenes content creation process adopted by micro-in fl uencers, including four stages (1) Content Planning, (2) Media Gathering , (3) Editing, and (4) Publishing , which was followed by an engagement phase. This study o ff ers a timely contribution to better comprehend the content creation cycle adopted by micro-in fl uencers by using foodie in fl uencers as a case study.