For years, Instagram was the undisputed champion of art sharing—where artists built careers, made sales, and connected directly with fans. But now, in 2025, many artists are questioning if Instagram's golden age is finally coming to an end.
Instagram’s algorithm shifts, emphasis on video reels, and increasingly crowded feeds have made organic growth challenging for many artists. Engagement is dropping, and frustration is rising. What strategies are artists adopting instead to thrive beyond Instagram?
1. Embracing TikTok’s Video Power
Artist and illustrator Fran Meneses (@frannerd) recently explained in a YouTube vlog, "TikTok allows artists to build community faster and reach audiences Instagram doesn't seem to anymore." Short-form content, such as artist Tiffany Tan's (@apple.cheeks) drawing tutorials, have helped her amass millions of likes, driving higher engagement and attracting substantial brand partnerships.
2. Building Communities on Discord
Artist Loish (@loisvb) has embraced Discord to deepen community engagement. Her server provides an exclusive space for sharing works-in-progress, receiving direct feedback, and hosting live Q&A sessions. "Discord creates real interaction, which Instagram simply can’t replicate," she shared in a recent online panel.
3. Leveraging Pinterest for Traffic and Sales
Pinterest's resurgence has significantly benefited artist Jenna Rainey (@jennarainey). In her recent podcast episode, Jenna noted, "Pinterest has become my main source of traffic and sales, far surpassing Instagram. People come ready to engage and purchase."
4. Direct-to-Collector Newsletters
Artist Emily Jeffords (@emily_jeffords) emphasizes the power of direct email newsletters. "Emails bypass algorithms completely," she mentioned in her art-business course. By sharing exclusive updates and early access to new collections, Jeffords maintains strong, independent relationships with her collectors.
5. Exploring Web3 and NFTs (with Caution)
Artists like Beeple (@beeple_crap) and Pak (@muratpak) continue leveraging NFTs. Despite skepticism, digital artist Jonathan Wolfe (@jonathanwolfe) recently expressed cautious optimism on Twitter: "NFTs, when done responsibly, still offer significant opportunities for artists to monetize their work creatively."
6. Local and In-Person Events
Illustrator and muralist Lisa Congdon (@lisacongdon) emphasized the value of face-to-face connections in a recent webinar: "Physical events build deeper, lasting relationships. They also diversify income streams in ways social media alone can't achieve."
While Instagram faces challenges, artists clearly aren't powerless. Embracing platforms that foster authentic engagement, community building, and diversified connections gives artists greater autonomy than ever.
Is it time to rethink your Instagram strategy?
