Lifestyle

The Growing Need of GIFs in Modern Culture

Published

4 years ago

May 18, 2021

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, it has been estimated that more than about 70% of people, particularly millenniums, who live in the United States make use of use of stickers and GIFs when it comes to their daily online conversation. This goes to show just how popular these forms of communication have become in modern times- and there is a very good reason for that too.

GIFs, also short for Graphics Interchange Format, may seem like a new concept for most people. But in reality, what most of us don’t know is that GIFs have actually existed for around 30 years, from way back when it was introduced in 1987. And it is finally a matter of time when GIFs are finally gaining popularity in today’s fast-paced digital world.

GIFs Make Conversation Worth Enjoying

Animated images have become the promptest way for people to express their emotions more accurately, if not better.

Many social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram have integrated GIF search engines, allowing their online users to utilize GIFs to make their conversations much more interesting than words ever will be.

Showcases a Sense of Identity

Since GIFs carry pop culture references, we are open to choosing any reference we wish, which expresses our emotional response and represents our personal taste in pop culture.

This way, we have been able to create our identity online, and it has allowed us to meet with people who identify with these references and share similar tastes as us.

Aid in Promoting Events or Products

We have also witnessed that GIFs are the ideal tools you need to market your business online as it allows you to show a close up on products to meet the interest of their target audience.

Moreover, GIFs are also used to explain a complicated procedure- for example, if you are providing a service or a product with complex instructions, animated customized GIFs can help explain it step by step via its visual representation that highlights its best features for further attraction purposes.

Increasing Audience Retention

Jakob Nielsen stated that online users only tend to read about 28% of words that get published on a website. This means that people are more prone to avoiding written content and instead find more appeal in visual forms of the conveyed information.

Written information is often ignored so that the user does not overload themselves with information overload- which is why they can only remember less than half of the written portion, which is not accompanied by any visual images. Consequently, many marketers are now using GIFs in their strategies and publishing visual images to advertise companies and effectively capture their audience’s attention.

And to help out these marketers, many platforms( particularly Conversation Media platforms), are providing their unique set of products and services to help achieve this goal. Since Conversation Media is a father term used to describe every visual form of online communication such as stickers, GIFs, emojis, animojis, and avatars, they have been aiding various platforms by offering customization services and making use of it as a form of entertainment.

Furthermore, they are also known for advocating the appeal of visual communication forms and the importance of their role in modern culture.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

11 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.