February 16th marks the most important traditional holiday of the year for China and other Asian countries: Chinese New Year. This year is particularly special because it celebrates the Year of the Earth Dog.
For this reason, a well-known Chinese high-tech multinational specialized in research, electronic production, and communications, has developed a very interesting study that has caught our attention.
The study, focused on Europe, analyzes the presence of ARISTODOGS on their ARISTOPARENTS' social media. 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, more than friends, family, or partners, is Italy, with 62%. Followed by Germany and France with 60% respectively. Our country ranks fourth, with 56%. This rise in pets may be related to the love we feel for them, as well as the fact that in many cases we prefer their presence 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 might not get likes; or a kiss between you and your partner might not excite your followers too much; perhaps the menu of your last dinner at a Japanese restaurant won't generate much enthusiasm... But the moment a dog appears... the likes skyrocket. And if the photo is well-composed and beautiful... what more could we ask for!
In fact, 76% of participants in this study admit that to get the ideal photo, that captivating photo that gets many likes... they dress up their dog. This involves grooming them (the least they can do), but also dressing them up (a sure bet) or adorning them with accessories that we find funny (hats, sunglasses, collars... the options are endless), although we would have to see what they think of all this.
Additionally, 43% openly admit to making their dog pose for photos. Yes, pose. As if they were models or Instagrammers. And it's true, catching your dog from a bad angle is not the same as getting their good side. Or making them look particularly flattered. Or particularly funny. Because with pets, the snapshots that are a hit are those that catch them with a comical, scared, or angry expression... The more anthropomorphic their expression, the funnier the post. Hence the great success of pets like Grumpy the Cat or Marnie the Dog. They might not be the prettiest pets, but they are undoubtedly the funniest and most photogenic... in their own way.
The strategy for success on social media also includes, of course, the locations. A pet in a particularly beautiful setting... guaranteed triumph. People know this. That's why 28% confess that they look for locations to make their photos or stories even better. A photo of you walking your dog in the neighborhood park might get likes. But if you go to the forest and it has snowed... and your dog is wearing an ideal doggy coat and puts on their best face... Then you'll really succeed. And if you include ten hashtags in the post, you'll be a sensation.
Finally, 52% of ARISTOPARENTS are considering creating a profile for their dog on social media. An exclusive profile for the dog, that is. The reason? As we have been saying, it is evident: we are at a time when dogs are liked almost as much or more than people. And if you have the vision to manage their profile, luck, and determination... you can end up being very successful thanks to your pet.
The debate, therefore, is open. That's why we insist that we love it when pet photos are successful on social media, as long as it is done with respect, responsible ownership, and unconditional affection.