With Instagram embracing Reels and turning into TikTok, Vero social media app looks better and better for photographers. And recently, Vero added one more reason.
A brief look at Vero
In many respects, the Vero app seems like, well, a better version of Instagram. They were initially launched in 2015 as an alternative to Facebook and Instagram. In March 2018, you might remember a surge in popularity. This was fueled largely by the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal in which the personal data of millions of Facebook users were collected without their consent.
Vero’s popularity surged again in September 2022 due to Peter McKinnon discussing it on his YouTube channel, which has 5.82 million subscribers.
What makes Vero good?
Vero has some features that separates them from Instagram and Facebook. They have no ads, no algorithms, a chronological feed, a dark background which is flattering to photos, and are attempting to build a community.
And now, they’ve added another interesting feature.
Discovery page
Vero recently added a Discovery page. This is an “explore page” that allows you to discover new photographers easily … or be discovered yourself. This too has no algorithms.
This also seems to be a good sign. With the new surge in sign-ups, the Discovery page is almost a way of rolling out the doormat to new photographers. This means that without ads or algorithms, you can post photos instead of Reels and stand the same chance of people finding you without having enormous followings. This also means that you can discover new artists based on the quality of their work.
Weary of Instagram
Instagram has basically said that they want to turn Instagram into a digital shopping mall, fill it with ads and focus on videos. If you are discouraged by that, it’s worth giving Vero a shot. They have emphasized having a community as well.
Despite having existed since 2015, Vero still seems like it is developing. But with the features I’ve described above, it feels like they are on good footing.
I have no plans to drop my Instagram or Facebook account. Even if you are planning on keeping your accounts, Vero offers another platform for you to share your photos and join a community.
Joining Vero
Currently, Vero is free to join. I joined in March 2018 although I have not been active until very recently. Since that time, I have heard that they will eventually introduce a paid subscription model. However, they have not done so yet.
If you wish to connect with me on Vero, please say hello!
I’ve really been enjoying the content and community on Vero for the last few months, after a lull in use for a few years. I hope it gains momentum
I just began again after not posting on it for probably around four years, and am enjoying it quite a bit too. And I got a bit smile when I woke up this morning and saw that Ayman Hariri, the CEO and co-founder of Vero, thanked me for this article and said he was excited that I was enjoying the new Discovery Feature.
That’s interesting that we both had a big lull in usage. Like you, I hope they continue building it. So far, so good. Thanks!
Currently, my only complaint about Vero is that the entire app, and website, are in “dark mode”. I don’t prefer reading a lot of text this way. I hope they introduce a regular/daytime version, with dark text on a light background.
Preferences are always a personal thing! That’s one of the things I love about it! The photos look better in dark mode, and I had always wished that IG would offer a dark mode. Do you have a more challenging time reading the text that way?
IG should be turning to dark mode if you have your phone set on dark. At least, it happens on my iPhone. I don’t think you can only change IG, though.
My eyes ache slightly if I read too much dark mode text for too long. Even though my past few eye exams have all been fine. It’s not as bad if the light around me is dim, i.e. in a bedroom at night.
Robin, you are right. IG turns to dark mode if you set an iPhone to dark. I have been able to do that with my iPhone SE 2020. Sorry your eyes ache with that. I think it probably is harder to read even though I have my Kindle and iPhone set for that anyway. Thanks!
Do you maintain ownership of your photos on Vero? Or can Vero use or sell your work without permission?
You maintain ownership of your content. “This license is not being used by Vero to sell your User Content to third parties or otherwise profit off of your User Content in any way that would be unrelated to Vero providing and promoting the Service, and it does not give Vero any rights to own your User Content or limit your ability to use your User Content however you wish outside of the Service.” https://vero.co/terms-of-use/