We’re all familiar with the popular photo editing/sharing app, Instagram. Even if you don’t use it, you’re guaranteed to see at least three people that do in your Facebook newsfeed every day. Now, big brands are starting to jump on the bandwagon and use the app for advertising purposes. Because people can “follow” your Instagram account, businesses can use the app to show followers pictures of their products or services instantaneously.

Starbucks and General Electric are two examples of prominent Instagram users who have figured out how to strategically use the picture service for social media marketing. Would you rather stare at a boring picture of a frappe sitting on a table or a vividly-colored, funky-framed picture taken with Instagram? It’s all about drawing in the consumer. Instagram provides businesses with a free way to amp up their pictures and grab your attention while you’re browsing Facebook.

According to a recent article by Business Insider, advertisers are even hiring average Joe Instagrammers who are considered to be influential and have large followings to take pictures for their accounts. Whereas once, professional photographers were the only ones taking the pictures, now companies are looking to consumers to capture moments that will connect with the audience.

There is little doubt that Instagram will continue to grow as a marketing tool for businesses as they learn how to take pictures that grab the essence of their product in a unique way. Who knows? Maybe if you start using the app and gain some popularity on it, you could be taking pictures for Starbucks one day!