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Instagram has released data today showing that young Australians are using the social media platform to find businesses and services.
The figures showed that 67% of Australian users between the ages 18-34 use Instagram to find new products, services, businesses or organisations.
The social media platform, which was initially made to follow the lives of family, friends and celebrities has now proven itself as a feasible e-commerce channel.
Instagram says that 44% of average Australian users have purchased something that they originally saw on Instagram.
The platform also claims that followers are influenced by what people are sharing and as a result, one in four Australian businesses are receiving daily interaction on the platform.
The most popular way for businesses discovery on Instagram is with the assistance of user generated content, with posts from businesses using this strategy reaching 64% of daily Instagram users.
Instagram claims businesses who use the 'Stories' feature to communicate with their followers have proven the most successful.
Users of the platform appreciate the fact that they are able to discover small businesses and many users have admitted to visiting a restaurant because of something they've seen on the platform.
Travel and hospitality businesses are thriving as a result of their use of the social media platform, with popular hashtags including 'regionalflavours' and 'foodphotography.'
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