According to The Verge, there are now more than 1 billion active monthly users of Instagram. The news, they say, was released at an in-office event last June, which would suggest there are more than a billion today as the number increases by around 200 million users annually.

While this isn't as high as main rival and stable mate, Facebook, which hit 2.3 billion monthly active users in March 2019 according to Statista, it is still an impressive number.

Tegalalang rice terraces, just north of Ubud are one of the most visited tourist attractions in the area. Image by Jamie Fenn on Unsplash.

For those that don't know, Facebook bought Instagram in 2012 for a reported USD 1 billion according to the New York Times. It's value in 2018? Closer to USD 100 billion.

Social Media in Indonesia

To suggest social media is popular in Indonesia is an understatement! As of March 2019, Facebook and Instagram combined had almost 175 million monthly users in Indonesia (Instagram was 54.5 million; Facebook was 120 million: Source: Statista). That's an incredible 65.5 percent of the 267 million population. And of that more than half is below 34-years old.

Bali Swings give amazing views and an adrenaline-fueled experience over river canyons and waterfalls. Image by Artem Beliakin on Pexels.

Even though the same people own Facebook and Instagram, they offer different services and work in different ways. Without going in to too much tech detail, Facebook is more of a 'social-community-sharing' platform, largely with people you know, while Instagram is pretty much all about the 'visuals' which are shared by those who have similar interests. It's a subtle difference, but it's one to be aware of.

Batu Bolong in Canggu has great surf breaks and a fast developing beach scene. Image by Alex Hanoko on Flickr.

The fourth most Instagrammable destination in the world

Big Seven Travel recently reported that Indonesia was the fourth most Instagrammable country in the world and Bali and Lombok claimed four out of the top seven most popular destinations between them.

While there appears to be little consistency around what makes a 'popular destination' there is no doubt Bali has a number of memorable options ranging from cafes, restaurants, hotels, resorts, villas, beaches, rice fields, mountains, day clubs, spas, waterfalls and temples.

Handara Gate is the entrance to a golf resort but the traditional Balinese style symbolizes the entrance from the outer world to serenity. Image by Oleksandr Pidavlnyi on Pexels.

The impact of Instagram

According to data published by Facebook's Insights, more than 80 percent of Instagrammers say they discover new products and services on Instagram. The study also reveals that by simply being on Instagram, brands can make a positive impression on potential shoppers.

There's nothing so spectacular as sunsets on Kuta Beach! Image by Adnandros on Pixabay.

Socialbakers suggest Instagram engagement is on the rise for brands and increased by almost 30 percent between October 2017 and May 2018. They argue Instagram helps 80 percent of their users decide to buy a product or service.

Uluwatu is one of the world's most famous surf breaks and views from the temple are spectacular. Image by Juan Antonio on Flickr.

And with that in mind, these are WILLIAMS MEDIA'S top seven Instagram picks for Bali:

1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalalang rice terraces, just north of Ubud are one of the most visited tourist attractions in the area.

2. Bali Swings

Bali Swings give amazing views and an adrenaline-fueled experience over river canyons and waterfalls.

3. Batu Bolong in Canggu

Batu Bolong in Canggu has great surf breaks and a fast developing beach scene.

4. Handara Gate

Handara Gate is the entrance to a golf resort but the traditional Balinese style symbolizes the entrance from the outer world to serenity.

5. Kuta Beach Sunset

There's nothing so spectacular as sunsets on Kuta Beach!

6. Uluwatu

Uluwatu is one of the world's most famous surf breaks and views from the temple are spectacular.

7. Ulun Danu Temple

The Ulun Danu Temple is one of Bali's most important temples and sits on the shores of Lake Bratan in Bedugul.

Image by Dave on Flickr.

Sources: Bali Tribun, eCommerce CEO, Pew Research Center, Sprout Social, Oberlo, Instagram, Website Hosting, Socialbakers, Facebook Insights, Statista, Flickr, Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash

Similar to this:

Canggu is paradise found for digital nomads and investors

Bali looks for holistic approaches to economic growth

Bali tops TripAdvisor's Best Destinations in Asia 2019