National Geographic Surpasses 1 Billion Likes, 17 Million Followers on Instagram; Top Non-Celebrity Account on Social Media Network

Followers from every country in the world; over 75 percent are millennials

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May 04, 2015, 04:45 ET

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Geographic's Instagram account, @natgeo, is officially the top non-celebrity account on social media and the only media brand among the 20 most popular Instagram accounts. Recently surpassing 17 million followers and 1 billion likes, National Geographic's account has followers in every country in the world, with over 70 percent from outside the United States. Additionally, more than 75 percent of National Geographic's followers are millennials.

"The @natgeo account represents the best of Instagram, with images that instantly transport you to some of the most unique and remote places in the world. With its team of photographers, National Geographic has embraced the storytelling possibilities of Instagram and built an enormous following with a diverse, new generation of people who can explore the world through its imagery," said Amanda Kelso, director of community at Instagram.

"One of the keys to our success on Instagram has been the incredible collaboration between our photo team and some of the best photojournalists in the world. By handing over the keys to photographers who are out in the field, we've been able to give our Instagram followers immediate and intimate access to the tremendous work National Geographic is doing every day," said Rajiv Mody, National Geographic's vice president of social media. "Now, we're excited to expand our efforts on Instagram by launching new accounts to further engage our community and expand our overall presence on the platform."

National Geographic has recently launched two new Instagram accounts: @natgeoyourshot, drawing on spectacular images from National Geographic's Your Shot photo community, and @natgeoadventure, which is an extension of National Geographic Adventure and features the world's best outdoor adventurers and photographers.

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SOURCE National Geographic Society