Instagram has grown rapidly since its release in 2010. As of June 2016, the photo- and video-sharing mobile app and social network had 500 million active monthly users across the world – an annual increase of 100 million!

An image is worth a thousand words

Much, if not most, of Instagram’s success can be explained by the app’s dedication to visuals.

Not surprisingly, many of Toronto’s top cultural institutions – from the Royal Ontario Museum to the National Ballet of Canada – are now using Instagram to showcase their offerings. Many of these institutions have adopted creative promotional tactics, from hosting contests to posting behind-the-scenes photos.

Below are 10 of my favourite Instagram accounts from Toronto’s culture scene.

1. Toronto International Film Festival (@tiff_net)

See promos and behind-the-scenes images on the TIFF’s Instagram account. TIFF is currently using the app to host its Shorts Festival contest. Smart!

#TIFFxInstagram Shorts Festival is a new digital shorts competition from @tiff_net and @instagram. We're calling all aspiring and established filmmakers from around the globe to share their original works. To submit your short: 1. Upload to Instagram by midnight on July 20th 2. Hashtag #TIFFxInstagram and, 3. Complete the form at www.tiff.net/shortsfestival. Finalists will be showcased on @tiff_net from August 8 to 17. Winners will be selected by our amazing jury, @priyankachopra, @jamesfrancotv, @directher @xavierdolan, @benrichardson, @nabildo and @rachelryle and will be unveiled on August 18th. Both lucky winners will be invited to #TIFF16 for a chance to network with filmmakers from around the world & more! #digitalshort #shortfilm #filmmaker #director #photographer #cinematographer #editor #film

A video posted by TIFF (@tiff_net) on Jul 6, 2016 at 7:16am PDT

 

2. Royal Ontario Museum (@romtoronto)

The Royal Ontario Museum’s Instagram account takes you through a journey of human and natural history.

What? You've never seen a fully articulated dinosaur puppet made from cardboard before? Huh. Here's Wendiceratops making friends outside of #FNLROM tonight! Genius work of @dcmism!!! @makerfestival

A photo posted by Royal Ontario Museum (@romtoronto) on Jun 17, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT

 

3. Art Gallery of Ontario (@agotoronto)

A frequently updated account with visuals as stunning as the artwork inside the Gallery.

The opening of #HarrisAGO, performances, activities, and poutine = #CanadaDay 🇨🇦 at the Gallery. Get out of the rain 🌧 and drop in 10:30am to 4pm today.

A photo posted by Art Gallery of Ontario (@agotoronto) on Jul 1, 2016 at 6:50am PDT

 

4. The Distillery District (@distilleryto)

This colourful account highlights the food, people and architecture that makes the historical Distillery District such a treasure.

#artfestoronto at #distillerydistrict is full #colour ! What a #perfectday to be outside! Come check it out all weekend!

A photo posted by The Distillery District (@distilleryto) on May 21, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT

 

5. Gladstone Hotel (@gladstonehotel)

Never been to the Gladstone, but I want to go after visiting this artsy and eccentric account.

Double tap if you'll be checking out the cherry blossoms this weekend in High Park!🌺 We love it there so much, the park is the centrepiece of one of our 37 artist-designed hotel rooms (featuring original photography from Christina Zeidler, taken in the fall) #HighPark #cherryblossoms #Cherryblossomtrees #Toronto #springinTO #spring #photography #nature

A photo posted by Gladstone Hotel – Toronto (@gladstonehotel) on May 6, 2016 at 7:01pm PDT

 

6. Canadian Opera Company (@canadianopera)

Though I think it’s still trying to find itself, this account will make you feel like you’re part of the production.

Huge thank you to the fantastic team backstage. I could never pull this off without my awesome dresser Raymond. This villain has some elaborate outfits. #villainsrock #villainstravelinstyle #thestyleofavillain #Maomettogram #COCMaometto II #COCTakeOver #maomettoII #rossini #lucapisaroni

A photo posted by Canadian Opera Company (@canadianopera) on Apr 25, 2016 at 7:17pm PDT

 

7. National Ballet of Canada (@nationalballet)

Definitely the most beautiful Instagram account out there! The person in charge of this account is an artist in their own right.

After a successful 2015/16 season, the company is on a much-deserved vacation before we head to New York with #TheWintersTaleNBC #NBoConTour. #GiselleNBC 📷 @karolinakuras

A photo posted by The National Ballet of Canada (@nationalballet) on Jun 21, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT

 

8. Ontario Science Centre (@ontariosciencecentre)

This account doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lots of education and fun. A total reflection of the Science Centre’s family-friendly brand.

If Home Alone 2 was set in the Ice Age. #MammothsTO #LostInScience #kevinmccallister #CreditCardYouGotIt #Repost @juliknob with @repostapp. ・・・ Checking out the Mammoth and Mastodon exhibit @ontariosciencecentre Watch out for the wildlife! #mammothsTO #mammothSelfie

A photo posted by Ontario Science Centre (@ontariosciencecentre) on Apr 1, 2016 at 2:14pm PDT

 

9. Pride Toronto (@pridetoronto)

How could Pride Toronto not have a awesome account. So many happy people, fun activities. And colour!

⚓️🌊 #PrideTO Photo: @shawngoldberg

A photo posted by Pride Toronto (@pridetoronto) on Jul 7, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

 

10. Nuit Blanche (@nuitblancheto)

I’m absolutely shocked… Shocked I say!… That this haunting, ethereal Instagram account has less than 5,000 followers.

Ripple at the Queens Quay Terminal…number 115 on the map. #snbto #snb15 #downtowntoronto #contemporaryart #lightinstallation #nuitblancheTO #nuitblanche #nuit #art #artists #sbnb15

A photo posted by Nuit Blanche Toronto (@nuitblancheto) on Oct 3, 2015 at 8:00pm PDT

 

What are your favourite Toronto Instagram accounts? Leave a comment below to further discuss!

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