Instagram moved into comScore's top 50 web properties for the first time in August, continuing the rapid growth it's maintained throughout the year.

Last month, Brafton highlighted data from comScore that named Instagram as the top gaining web property for July. The site continued its growth in August, moving into comScore’s top 50 properties on the web for the first time. Landing at No. 48 positions the company as a premier social network, which marketers can use to add more visual content to their presences on other sites.

The summer has been a busy one for Instagram. Despite the inevitably hectic issues surrounding its acquisition by Facebook and subsequent push for FTC approval, Instagram has continued to roll out new features for users and marketers. While six social networks ranked ahead of the site on comScore’s list, becoming one of the top 50 web properties demonstrates the growing popularity of the network.

For many marketers, Instagram’s lack of a branded profile options may slow adoption. However, Brafton highlighted data from Simply Measured that found 40 percent of top brands currently use Instagram. As more users flock to the site, companies will inevitably follow to bolster their social media marketing strategies with visual content.

Adding images, infographics and other visuals to social content across all networks help companies drive more engagement and expand visibility for their brands. Brafton recently highlighted data from Buddy Media found Tweets that include images result in twice as much engagement. Instagram’s integration with Twitter makes it easier for companies to populate their brand profiles with images. 

Joe Meloni is Brafton's former Executive News and Content Writer. He studied journalism at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has written for a number of print and web-based publications.