9 Best Social Media Sites for Photographers in 2023 (+ Pro Tips)

In this guide, I’ll tell you about the 9 best social media sites for photographers to use in 2023.

With the ever-changing social media platforms landscape, it’s easy to get lost on which one you should be focusing on.

This is why I have listed the 9 most relevant social media platforms photographers have today with pro tips on how to make the most out of each one of them.

Best Social Media Sites for Photographers (Photography Networking Sites)

1. Instagram

Historically, Instagram has been the top social media platform for photographers due to its visual-centric nature.

It provides photographers with a vast audience, once it is one of the most widely used social media sites, and the introduction of various features like Stories, IGTV, and Reels allowed for diversified content sharing.

Yes, it is true that Instagram hasn’t been kind on still images lately considering that people are watching more reels than engaging with photos.

There are also plenty of Instagram alternatives available.

But that doesn’t mean Instagram isn’t still the most powerful social media for photographers.

It’s a universal platform to network with other photographers and brands. But it requires a bit of adjusting our photo content to video format somehow.

Pro Tip: More than just posting stunning photos, try showing the context behind it. Show the location you are shooting, what camera gear you use, and engage with your audience through your process. People engage more with images they know more about.

• Profile picture ideas for Instagram

2. TikTok

I know this one isn’t every photographer’s cup of tea, but even though TikTok isn’t meant for photography itself, it can do wonders for your photography business.

Beyond fun and viral dances, TikTok emerged as a platform where photographers shared behind-the-scenes, tutorials, and photographic stories and curiosities.

Unlike Instagram, TikTok is a social media platform where you can grow rapidly when compared to other social media sites.

The platform’s format encouraged creativity in how photographers presented their work and process.

Pro Tip: TikTok is all about consistency. Try to post daily and remember the platform financially rewards well-performing videos over a minute long. Also, be sure to invest in a good light for TikTok, since lighting can make or break your video’s chance at becoming viral.

3. 500px

500px: A platform specifically tailored for photographers, 500px has been a go-to for professionals and enthusiasts to showcase their work, discover new techniques, and connect with other photographers.

500px showcases professional portfolios and promotes photo licensing and is called by some of its users as one of the best photography networking sites.

It’s a cool social media for photographers seeking both exposure and a space to connect with fellow photographers.

Pro Tip: Use its robust photography community to become a part of the conversation. Upload photos you’ve created and ask for feedback on your current projects and learn.

4. Behance

Adobe’s platform, Behance, is a hub for creatives to display their online portfolio.

I personally think might be one of the best social media platforms for photographers who want their social media as a valuable marketing tool, without taking part in the usual social media popularity contest.

Offering features like live streaming and a professional networking environment, it’s ideal for photographers seeking industry visibility.

Behance isn’t as focused on networking and creating a community, but it is ideal to acquire new clients and network with agencies. Especially for photographers working with commercial photography.

Pro Tip: Keep your best work on display and always display your whole project instead of individual pieces. This will help future clients to understand your ability to create a cohesive project.

5. Pinterest

Pinterest is such a unique and popular social media platform.

Even though it isn’t as great for sharing our work and posting photos, Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration and references for your photography style and projects.

The platform works in a very intuitive flow of image suggestions that are very easy to save and use for inspiration when needed. More than just a social site, Pinterest is a platform for visual discovery.

Users create and explore ‘pins,’ making it perfect for photographers in niches driven by visual inspiration and trends.

Pro Tip: Create different folders and keep them updated with what catches your eye on the platform. With time you will have an extensive board of references to refer back to.

6. LinkedIn

Not just for corporate professionals, LinkedIn offers networking opportunities for all, including photographers.

With its business-focused environment, it’s a platform for photographers to connect with potential clients, agencies, production companies, and collaborators.

Yes it’s true the platform isn’t made for sharing art and inspirational quotes, but it can be a powerhouse to find clients and do some proper social media network.

Instead of using it to post a single photo, here you’ll want to post the behind-the-scenes of your project showcasing the goals and how creatively you got to the results.

Pro Tip: To make the most out of LinkedIn’s social network potential, keep it professional and organized, showcasing your best projects. Also, make sure to reach out to people in organizations you see as potential clients, but be sure to be friendly and network truthfully.

7. Threads

One of the newest social media platforms in town, Threads came to compete with the late Twitter, now called X.

It works the same way as X does, with the advantage that users are able to transfer their followers and accounts they follow straight from Instagram to the new platform.

This means you get to engage with your audience on a new way, instead of having to build your audience anew.

It also works really well to post horizontal photos and there is a lot of high-quality content being posted in the platform, even though it still feels a bit quiet within the app, considering how new Threads still is.

Pro Tip: Threads is still in the early stages, and there is still a lot of room to grow. Being active now could pay off later as the platform becomes more and more popular.

8. X

X is what Twitter has been turned into and even though the name has changed how the platform works hasn’t changed much.

X is where the NFT community has made its stronghold and where conversations about crypto art and collectors meet.

It is true that the NFT market, especially for photography NFT isn’t booming right now, but the community remains strong and present in X.

Pro Tip: People in X are loyal to people who are true to their community. So being present, consistent, and engaging with the photography community is key in X.

9. Vero

Standing out with its ad-free environment, Vero Social offers an algorithm-free experience.

Its chronological feed and focus on genuine connections make it a refreshing alternative for photographers tired of mainstream platforms.

The platform itself is yet to become popular but it is a great place to network with other photographers.

10 Smart Ways Photographers Can Use Social Media Sites in 2023

1. Limit Your Time In It

At the end of the day, social media channels are there to make users spend time on it.

Their algorithms are quick to understand your likings and it’s easy to spend more and more time engaging on it.

And it’s often people get confused between what is just scrolling and what is doing social media marketing.

Try to limit yourself to using it as an inspiration source and as a place you promote and share your work.

Focus on spending time making real-life connections and working on improving your photography and portfolio.

2. Post Consistently

Consistency is the secret to doing well on any social media you choose.

Try to map out goals you want to achieve by sharing your work on social medias and create content pieces to share on a consistent basis.

The secret here is to not give up if you don’t get the results you wanted straight away.

Give yourself time to understand what isn’t performing so well, adjust, and try again.

Also, make sure you stick to the best social media image sizes based on the platform you’re using.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Content

Use Instagram Stories, Reels, or TikTok to show the process behind a photo shoot. It humanizes your brand and engages followers.

In the last few years, a lot of people are using social media to learn something. Showing the behind the scenes of any project often gets more engagement then the final pieces themselves.

4. Engage with Followers

A lot of people underuse their followers. People are often more focused in getting new followers, then they are in engaging with the followers they already have.

Respond to comments, ask questions in your posts, or run polls. Post stories showing what you are up to and what you are doing.

Engaging helps in building a loyal community around your work.

5. Collaborate with Influencers or Brands

Partnering with influencers can amplify your reach. Collaborative shoots or takeovers are effective methods to increase exposure and reach new people.

The key here is to try to partner with brands or influencers that are related to what you want to be doing in the future.

6. Utilize Hashtags Strategically

On platforms like Instagram or X, use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts.

There are quite a few sites and apps today that will help you make better use of hashtags.

7. Utilize Paid Advertising

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer targeted ads. It’s an efficient way to reach potential clients in a specific location or demographic.

Just remember to keep watch on how well your ads are doing so you know you are not spending too much considering the results.

8. Educate Your Audience

Share photography tips, equipment reviews, or editing tutorials. It positions you as an expert in your field and opens up space for you to sell products like presets, mentorships, online courses, and more.

9. Stay Updated with Trends

Platforms, especially TikTok, have trending challenges or themes. You can choose to participate in these trends to stay relevant and visible.

Or at least stay tuned for what is trending so you can refer back to what’s currently hot in the platform.

10. Avoid Giveaways

Giveaways will give you followers who never wanted to follow you. They just wanted something free.

As soon as the giveaway is done, get ready for a mass unfollowing and your engagement dropping. It’s best to go slow, but consistent and true.

Final Thoughts on Social Media Platforms for Photographers

In the digital age, photographers possess more than just a keen eye for capturing moments; they have a world of social platforms at their fingertips to magnify their reach and influence.

By smartly navigating the waters of social media, from strategically hashtagging on Instagram to hopping on trends in TikTok, photographers can not only showcase their artistry but also build a robust, engaged community around their work.

So, whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or a budding lens enthusiast, leverage these platforms wisely and watch your digital presence develop as beautifully as a well-composed photograph.