Instagram is riddled with tons of content to keep you entertained one second at a time. Waiting for the bus? Scroll through to see a sale for your favorite clothing brand, pics from your coworkers BBQ you bailed on, some stupid selfie from that girl you went on one Tinder date with…the possibilities are endless.
What may be missing from your Instagram feed are photos that inspire you to travel, contribute, and engage; we can help with that.
These motivational social media accounts are diverse in their movements and their owners. An NYC comedian who turned his unassuming rescue dog into a model? We’ve got that. A businessman who ditched his high paying government job for a life committed to camping? Have that too.
Check out these outstanding Instagram accounts that are not only expertly curated (great pics, moving words) but are presented by people who really give a damn. Next time you’re scrolling at the bus stop, something may just catch your eye that spurs you to change the world. Or, just be nice to that cyclist who nearly ran you over on the curb.
Also: INSPIRED | Style: April Roomet
Social Inspiration
Instagram's finest: motivational social media accounts worth following, because they may just inspire you to do something big.
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@DudeBeNiceLA
Dude Be Nice is the first lifestyle and clothing brand that represents more than sports culture or great branding on good apparel. Dude Be Nice is about a movement. Based in Ventura, CA, their message and clothing is not about standing against anything, but rather for one simple thing: just be nice.
The initiative is aimed at our youth, but it's a lesson that's important for all of us. After all, "Not a compliment nor a smile costs you a damn thing". (Said by the smartest person I know, my mom.)
Dude Be Nice was founded by artist/designer Marcus Alexander, LA native, and visionary who is striving to bring this simple (yet under acknowledged) message to the masses.
Follow the crew @DudeBeNiceLa.
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@DesktoDirtBag
@DesktoDirtBag, or Ryan, formerly worked on Capital Hill. There's actually a pretty great of photo of him on hte House floor, intently reading his Blackberry. (Yes, Blackberry. This was a few years ago.) Ryan's boss decided to retire, and he did too. (Keep in mind Ryan's boss was retirement age; Ryan on the other hand, not so much.)
But not wanting to spend one more day as a drone, Ryan got inspired, packed up his truck, and hit the road to seeing the world.
What's one to do out in the great outdoors running a solo excursion? Write a book, curate an Instagram and inspire others.
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@PohtheDogsBigAdventure
You should know DJ Neil Armstrong from his awesome mixtapes. You should know DJ Neil Armstrong as the touring DJ for Jay Z from 2008-2010, and the subsequent record, DNA of the Blueprint. You now should know DJ Neil Armstrong for what he's doing for his dog.
Anyone who's been a fan of Armstrong knows one of his closest family members is his rescue dog, Poh. Well as life inevitably flies by, Poh has gotten up there in age. And Armstrong wanting to show his beloved pup just what his companionship has meant, embarked to take Poh on the adventure of his life.
@PohtheDogsBigAdventure took the family from NYC all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back, and with lots of stops along the way. And the trip isn't over. While Armstrong, his girlfriend and Poh are back at home in the big city, Poh is still hanging in there, venturing out on day trips on the reg. The story is an inspiration to show the ones you love just how much they mean. Oh, and definitely adopt a dog. (Or cat.)
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@wilderness_culture
@wilderness_culture may just prove that great photos aren't about the camera, the moment, even the weather - they are all about the location. @wilderness_culture takes us for a moment a day to some of the most beautiful spots in the world, all in the name of adventure.
But how do they keep the lights on? Or, rather, a strong wi-fi connection and the ability to travel the globe? They've taken their passion fro the great outdoors, mastered an ability to capture these exotic places, and now offer media services. Oh, they sell t-shirts too.
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@ToastMeetsWorld
@ToastMeetsWorld was a puppymill rescue. @ToastMeetsWorld is now a model. It's quite the transition this toothless little pup has taken.
But how did this whirlwind career happen? It all started when NYC comedian @FatJew (Josh Ostrovsky) rescued the dog from a puppy mill in 2011. Like all good pet owners, he took to social media to show off his new endearingly goofy looking pooch. But he was pretty darn good at it, and @ToastMeetsWorld stocked up the fans, and more fans, and famous fans. This ultimately lead to..wait for it.. a modeling contract. @ToastMeetsWorld was the face (with the fur) for Karen Walker sunglasses.
Beyond being a provoker of awee's, @ToastMeetsWorld has a platform: the majority of pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills, with deplorable conditions. Instead, adopt from a rescue. (Lots of purebreads in there, we've met them!) And per Toast, "If you are a heartless monster <and insist on buying from a pet store>, at least make sure to go to a breeder who does so responsibly."
