On February 16, China and other Asian countries celebrate the most important traditional holiday of the year: Chinese New Year. This year is also particularly special because it celebrates the Year of the Earth Dog.
For this reason, a well-known Chinese high-tech multinational specializing in research, electronics manufacturing, and communications has conducted a very interesting study that caught our attention.
The study, focused on Europe, analyzes the presence of ARISTODOGS on their ARISTOPARENTS' social media accounts. The countries analyzed are Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, and Belgium. Let's look at some results.
The country where owners photograph their dogs the most, ahead of friends, family, or partners, is Italy, at 62%. Followed by Germany and France at 60% each. Our country ranks fourth, at 56%. This rise in pet popularity may be related to the love we feel for them, as well as the fact that in many cases we prefer their company to that of other humans. But it may also have to do with the fact that pets are a hit on social media, especially on Instagram. They are the true stars, with influencers' permission.
An artistic photo may not garner likes; a kiss between you and your partner may not excite your followers much either; perhaps the menu from your last dinner at a Japanese restaurant won't thrill them… But the moment a dog appears… the likes soar. And if the photo is carefully composed and looks good… what more could you ask for!
In fact, 76% of the study participants admit that, to get the ideal photo, the one that captivates people and earns lots of likes… they make their dog look good. That means brushing and grooming it (the bare minimum), but also dressing it up (a sure bet) or adorning it with accessories that we find amusing (hats, sunglasses, collars… the options are endless), although we would have to see what they think of all this.
Furthermore, 43% openly admit that they make their dog pose for photos. Yes, pose. As if they were models or Instagrammers. And, of course, it's not the same to catch your dog from a bad angle as to photograph it from its best side. Or looking especially flattering. Or especially funny. Because when it comes to pets, snapshots that capture them with a comical, frightened, or angry expression… are a huge hit. The more anthropomorphic their expression, the funnier the post. Hence the success, to a large extent, of pets such as Grumpy the Cat or Marnie the Dog. They may not be the most beautiful pets, but without a doubt they are the funniest and most photogenic… in their own way.
The strategy for taking social media by storm also includes, of course, locations. A pet in an especially beautiful setting… guaranteed success. People know it. That's why 28% confess that they look for locations so their photos or stories will be even better. A photo of you walking your dog through the neighborhood park may earn likes. But if you go to the woods and it has snowed… and your dog is wearing the perfect dog coat and puts on its best face… That's when you really hit the jackpot. And if you add ten hashtags to the post, you'll be unstoppable.
Finally, 52% of ARISTOPARENTS have considered creating a profile for their dog on social media. An exclusive profile for the dog, of course. The reason? As we've been saying, it's obvious: we're at a point where dogs are almost as popular as, or even more popular than, people. And if you have the vision, dedication, and determination to manage its profile… you could end up becoming very successful thanks to your pet.
For that very reason, the debate is open. That's why we insist that we love seeing pets' photos succeed on social media, as long as it is done with respect, responsible ownership, and unconditional affection.