How Instagram ban affected Turkish content creators

The access ban on Instagram, a popular social media platform, has caused social, economic, and legal upheavals in Turkiye.

From casual users to those who earn their livelihood through the platform, millions have been affected by the Instagram ban.

Content Creators Speak Out

Social media content creator Gizem Kaya said the Instagram ban came at a time when creators' incomes were already dwindling.

"Imagine waking up one morning to find yourself jobless, completely unprepared and without any infrastructure. For instance, I have collaborations with brands that I can't publish right now. This uncertainty makes me feel insecure," Kaya said.

"Since the ban, I assume my reach has dropped to a third. Normally, you need to produce content regularly. You must be active on Instagram to keep your engagement high. The drop in engagement will, of course, affect our work."

Kaya expressed concerns that if the ban continues, content creators' incomes could be permanently jeopardized.

"Even if the ban lasts two weeks, I might have to rebuild my business model from scratch. I pay my 'social media content creator tax' every month. Despite paying taxes diligently, I became a victim of the system. Although I do everything I should, I experienced this hardship," she added.

Kaya also mentioned the uncertainty among content creators following the ban.

"We Sustain Our Lives with This Income"

Content creator Zeynep Sürmeli noted that while the Instagram ban jeopardizes their income, some users mock their situation, which she finds disheartening.

"People still don't realize that content creation is a real job and that certain people sustain their lives this way," Sürmeli said.

"We are in a situation where we cannot deliver our work and have no clear information about when it will reopen. Due to the ban, content sharing has stopped. If the restriction continues, it will significantly affect not only our income but also sustainability since it's a platform where you need to interact constantly."

Sürmeli also highlighted the platform's importance in daily life.

"In daily life, it could completely disrupt our social balance, positively or negatively. When we hear each other's names, we first search on Instagram. This platform serves as a portfolio and a first impression of our lives. It's a place where many people share excitedly to show and tell something to others. Its absence has impacted social and daily life far more than expected," she concluded.