Russia Have Introduced Instagram Follower Vending Machines
 |
It's been possible to buy fake Instagram followers and likes from fake accounts for years, but a like/follower dispensing vending machine was recently spotting in a shopping centre near the Kremlin. Obviously it doesn't physically vend anything, that would be insane, but with a few button presses you can buy followers for your account or likes for your posts. Seriously.
100 followers will set you back 100 roubles, or around £1.35/$1.75. That's a somewhat higher rate than you might find on some follower farm websites, but not significantly so. Presumably the thinking was that it was more convenient, but considering that most people are carrying the internet around in their pockets anyway, the only thing you can really say it saves you is a few pennies on your monthly data bill if you really are so minded to buy followers when you're out and about.
The machines were developed by a company called Snaptap, and thankfully they've been forward thinking enough to include a range of other features, the most prominent of which being the ability to print your Instagram photos straight from the machine. You can also use the same follower/like buying service for a few other social networks, Russian or otherwise.
They'll probably never become anywhere close to global, currently they're only available in nine Russian cities (and Prague) and potential customers have been warned that using them will result in an avalanche of spam, which suggests that they probably violate a number of advertising/data regulations elsewhere in the world.
Still, it's an interesting idea, and it's far from the only instance of a company trying to condense social media activity into a physical product. It usually doesn't extend further than a gimmick (unless you're Snapchat) and the real potential of 'social media hardware' has yet to be reached, but don't be surprised if some comparable iteration of the 'vend-a-follower' machine turns up a bit closer to home at some point.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Russia Have Introduced Instagram Follower Vending Machines
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Friday, June 09, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Friday, June 09, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.