Tag: #media

Top Platforms for Growing Instagram Followers in 2026

Being popular on Instagram in 2026 is not the same as it used to be. The algorithm is getting better, the competition is getting tougher, and people are being more picky about who they follow. Posting regularly and hoping for the best doesn’t usually work anymore, whether you’re a solo creator building a personal brand, an influencer trying to get better partnerships, or a business trying to get more customers. Accounts that are really growing over time are the ones that are working smarter by using dedicated platforms that do more than just queue up content.

The conversation around social media growth tools has matured significantly over the past couple of years. Early tools were clunky and often dangerous – mass-following bots, engagement pods, inflated metrics that disappeared within weeks. Today’s better platforms operate on a completely different premise. They focus on data, micro-targeting, and distribution to ensure you get in front of the right people who will care about your content. This has had a noticeable impact on the way growth is being achieved and, more importantly, sustained.

Why the Platform You Choose Actually Matters

Not every tool promising Instagram growth delivers the same thing. Some are more about analytics and scheduling, helping you better understand what’s working. Others go out of their way to get your profile in front of the right people, via targeting, network distribution, or AI distribution. And the newest generation of platforms is offering both services in a unified process.

The ones to watch are the ones that are clear about how they work, don’t need your Instagram details, and are in line with Instagram’s terms of service. This is not only good for your conscience, but it’s good for your bottom line. Shadowbans and account flags can potentially undo months of hard work, and it can be a lengthy process to recover from them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Platforms Making a Real Difference Right Now

These platforms have different features – some for the target audience, some for analytics, some for making the whole process more strategic. All are a little different – so it’s about where you’re starting and what you want to achieve.

PathSocial

The app uses AI-powered audience targeting to help you reach people who are most likely to be interested in your content – based on niche, hashtags, demographics, and the overlap with your competitors’ accounts. It then promotes your account through influencer accounts, targeted email newsletters, and promotional services, without requiring your Instagram password.

Plans start with basic subscriptions at roughly 1,000 followers per month to deluxe subscriptions of up to 3,500 per month, with higher subscriptions coming bundled with an account manager and enhanced analytics dashboards. These reports on follower engagement, sources, and performance by content type are actually helpful insights for developing strategy, not just growing numbers. The guarantee of growth is also impressive: if you don’t see the growth promised within a set time, you get a refund.

Later

Later has come a long way from its beginnings as a scheduling tool. By 2026, it will support planning and creating visual content, managing link-in-bio features, organising hashtags, and providing analytics that can be used to make decisions. What it does best, though, is helping creators understand the most profitable content – not just the posts people like the most, but the content that draws people to their profiles and converts them into followers. This is a crucial point if you want to understand what’s working versus getting “likes” that aren’t leading to conversions.

Sprout Social

Sprout Social is more geared towards brands and marketers than individuals, but its robust capabilities can’t be overlooked. Social listening features give brands the ability to track conversations and discussions relevant to their industry that are trending, which in turn informs better content strategies. The engagement tools unify comments, direct messages, and mentions across multiple accounts, and while the impact of being consistently responsive to your audience may be less now that Instagram’s algorithm favours the most engaging content, it still matters.

Kicksta

Kicksta grows profiles through engagement, rather than distribution. The tool employs AI to interact with people who match your target audience – users following your competitors and people who engage with content in your niche. The theory is that such interaction gets you noticed organically. Instagram growth on Kicksta is slower than with distribution platforms, but it’s likely to lead to better retention rates, and retention is more important in the long run than sheer quantity.

Pairing Platform Support with Your Own Creative Output

There isn’t just one way to grow your Instagram account in 2026; it’s a combination of different strategies. Using a platform to get targeted audiences while also putting money into the quality of your content, how often you post, and real community engagement creates a compounding effect that neither element can achieve on its own. People follow you, and good content keeps them. Most successful accounts find their footing by using growth tools as a supplement to their creative strategy, not as a replacement for it. This is also where the kind of growth that lasts over time starts.

KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator 2026 opens for entries

KPMG in Ireland has opened entries for the 2026 Global Tech Innovator (GTI) competition. Now in its sixth year, KPMG is inviting ambitious Irish technology and tech‑enabled companies to compete for the chance to represent Ireland at the global final in Lisbon this November.
Commenting on the 2026 launch, Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at KPMG said:
“Dublin healthtech company Akara’s achievement in Lisbon was one of the competition’s strongest years for Ireland. Akara finished as first runner up at the 2025 global final and it showed the world that Ireland punches well above its weight in
technology. We now want to find the next Akara, an ambitious Irish tech founder ready to compete on the world stage.”
Reflecting on last year’s journey, Niamh Donnelly, co-founder and CTO of Akara, said:
“Winning the Irish competition validated years of hard work and confirmed that what we’re building at Akara genuinely matters. But representing Ireland on the global stage and finishing as first runner up out of 21 of the world’s most promising tech startups has opened doors we couldn’t have imagined. For Akara, this competition wasn’t just an award, it was a launchpad.”
Who can enter?
The competition is open to pure technology or tech enabled, tech driven, or tech led businesses which have operated for seven years or less, have generated revenue of between USD $1–15m, or have raised at least $500,000 in equity, and are registered and based in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Shortlisted entrants will pitch their innovations and present their growth ambitions to a panel of judges – including successful entrepreneurs and investors – for the chance to be crowned Ireland’s winner and to compete at the global final.
Applications must be submitted by 22nd of May 2026 and you must be available to appear in-person for the Ireland final, which will be held in Dublin on the 30th of June 2026.
Benefits for the Irish winner include:
  • National and global exposure: Showcasing your innovation to industry experts, investors, partners, and customers; boosting local profile via media and social coverage. The Irish winner advances to compete globally in Lisbon in November.
  • Networking opportunities: Connecting with fellow tech innovators, join local and global peer networks, collaborating, and gaining insights from seasoned professionals.
  • Mentorship and growth: Accessing KPMG mentors and advisors for guidance on scaling; receiving ongoing feedback from judges and peers to refining your innovation and presentation skills.
Previous Irish finalists
Ireland’s track record Irish finalists and winners to date reflect the breadth of the country’s innovation, from Niamh Donnelly of Akara (2025 Irish winner) and Emma Meehan’s Precision Sports Technology (2024 Irish winner) to Conor Sheridan’s AI powered hospitality platform Nory, Barry Lunn’s accident prevention firm Provizio, and Terry Canning’s Belfast based CattleEye, the world’s first hardware independent autonomous livestock monitoring platform.
To enter, find out more about the competition and watch all the previous Irish finalists’ pitches, visit www.kpmg.ie/GTI

One in three young people learn about money on social media

One in three (34%) post-primary students now learn about money on social media, and one in seven (16%) don’t feel comfortable asking for help with money-related questions or concerns, according to new research published by MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service). The findings will be presented today at a Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) event at Croke Park, to open Global Money Week.

The CCPC, as the national coordinator for Global Money Week, will bring together educators, students and representatives from the world of finance to recognise and celebrate the valuable work being done to build financial skills in young people.

MABS will present the findings of their Money Matters Survey, which found that while young people continue to demonstrate strong digital engagement and a growing sense of responsibility towards their personal finances, important gaps remain that require sustained attention from policymakers, educators, and researchers.

  • Over a quarter (26%) of students don’t know how to use an ATM
  • TikTok has strengthened its dominance as the primary social media platform used for financial information/learning (72%), however,
  • Parents and family members remain the primary source of financial learning (73%)

More than 150 students and their teachers from 20 schools across 13 counties will also attend the launch event to share their innovative financial literacy projects, which were sponsored by the CCPC’s Our Money, Our Future programme.

In 2024, the CCPC launched the Our Money, Our Future programme, which invites post-primary schools and Youthreach Centres to apply for sponsorship up to €1,000 to support students in developing their own financial literacy initiatives and resources, based on topics and themes relevant to them. Over 10,000 students from 23 counties around the country participated in the programme in the 2025/26 school year.

Brian McHugh, Chair of the CCPC, said:

“Students in Ireland today are showing a real sense of financial curiosity; we can see this in the research conducted by MABS and through the high-calibre projects that students are creating through the Our Money, Our Future sponsorship programme. However, important gaps remain. It’s up to policymakers and educators to try and close these gaps, which is why events like the Global Money Week launch – that bring together so many groups from the world of finance – are so important.”

Karl Cronin, North Connacht and Ulster Regional Manager at MABS, said:

“The insights from this year’s Money Matters research show that young people have strong financial curiosity, growing digital engagement, and a real sense of responsibility for their finances. When that curiosity is supported with early, practical financial education, it builds confidence that lasts into adulthood. The results also highlight gaps that need continued focus, and MABS is committed to helping bridge those gaps by supporting initiatives, such as Global Money Week, that strengthen financial learning for young people across Ireland.”

The launch event at Croke Park will be attended by representatives from the world of finance also involved in Global Money Week, including An Post, Association of Teachers of Home Economics, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Brokers Ireland, BSTAI, Central Bank, Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Department of Finance, Department of Education and Youth, Euronext, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Institute of Banking, Insurance Ireland, Insurance Institute of Ireland, Irish Funds, Irish League of Credit Unions, Junior Achievement Ireland, Life Insurance Association, Maths Week, Money Advice & Budgeting Service, Oide, Revenue.

For more information on the Our Money, Our Future programme, please see here.

1 in 10 job postings now reference AI

New research from Indeed shows that one in ten (11%) job postings in Ireland mention AI, leading ahead of the US, UK, France and Germany. This trend is reflective of the tech sector’s sizable footprint in the Irish economy.

Job postings which mention AI are most frequently seen in tech-related categories, led by data & analytics (56%). That’s followed by software development (48%), IT systems & solutions (37%) and IT infrastructure, operations & support (29%). However, several non-tech categories also have significant shares of AI postings, including arts & entertainment (24%), human resources (20%) and sales (19%).

The research also shows that remote and hybrid work mentions have reached a new high of 19.4% by the end of December 2025 – more than four times higher than pre-pandemic levels. The occupations with the highest share of remote or hybrid mentions include software development (47%), media & communications (44%) and data & analytics (43%).

Indeed’s report shows that while job postings in Ireland are well down from peaks seen in early 2022, they still remain 7% above their pre-pandemic baseline as of January 2026. The level of postings has also remained relatively stable since May.

Other key findings in the report include:

  • Salary transparency growth has stalled: The share of Irish job postings which include salary information has dipped recently to around 34%, its lowest since late-2022. The report highlights how the Irish Government’s transposing of incoming EU legislation will result in increased transparency.
  • Benefit offerings have levelled off: The share of Irish job postings mentioning at least one benefit has levelled off over the past 18 months, after rising steadily since 2018. Standing at 48% in November, the share was unchanged from its level in May 2024.
  • Foreign interest in Irish jobs remains high: The Irish labour market remains attractive to foreign workers. On average in 2025, around 13% of searches for Irish jobs on Indeed originated outside Ireland. That was broadly in line with 2024 and higher than seen in recent years since at least 2017.
  • Posted wage growth remains solid: Tight labour-market conditions continue to translate into strong pay pressures in Ireland. At 4.1% in December (on a three-month average basis), wage growth as measured by the Indeed Wage Tracker remains well above the euro area average (2.5%).

Commenting on the report, Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said:

“Ireland enters 2026 with the economy in good shape. Growth is set to slow slightly after a strong 2025, but lower interest rates and continued government spending mean the outlook remains broadly positive: jobs are still being created, unemployment remains low, but pay pressures haven’t gone away. For workers and employers alike, this year’s labour market story is one of ongoing change and adaptability.

For jobseekers, AI is rapidly reshaping how work gets done, with a clear expectation emerging for workers across all sectors to be comfortable using AI tools, even in roles that aren’t traditionally tech-focused. Those who adapt to these skills will have a competitive edge, as employers increasingly seek ways to integrate AI into their processes.

From an employer perspective, hybrid and flexible working have moved from a perk to an expectation in 2026, and they will need to keep this in mind when recruiting. The organisations that will stand out will be those offering not just competitive salaries, but transparency, flexibility and support for employees navigating a rapidly changing work environment.”

Virgin Media and Eir: The best fixed-line Internet performances in Ireland 2025

Virgin Media and Eir share the leadership of fixed-line Internet in Ireland for 2025, according to the annual nPerf barometer. This edition reveals sustained competition across all performance indicators with year-over-year improvements for four out of five operators.

Virgin Media ranks first ex-aequo with a score of 125 926 nPoints. With speeds of 308.2 Mbps in download bitrate and 69.2 Mbps in upload bitrate, the operator leads in both metrics. Top performer in video streaming (84.0%), it delivers smooth viewing experiences ideal for HD content and rapid file transfers.

Eir shares the first position ex-aequo with 123 938 nPoints. Speeds reach 208.3 Mbps in download bitrate and 56.1 Mbps in upload bitrate (2nd place). Leading in browsing (86.9%) and video streaming (84.4%) ex-aequo, the operator ensures quality user experience with well-controlled latency of 26.0 ms.

Sky completes the podium with 118 407 nPoints. The operator delivers the best latency in the sector (22.0 ms), perfect for gaming and real-time applications. Sharing first place ex-aequo in browsing (86.1%) and video streaming (83.5%), it guarantees fluid navigation.

Vodafone ranks fourth with 117 947 nPoints. With speeds of 231.1 Mbps in download bitrate (2nd place) and 54.8 Mbps in upload bitrate (3rd place), the operator supports demanding uses. Leading in browsing ex-aequo (86.8%), it demonstrates strong performance across key metrics.

Three positions fifth with 82 946 nPoints. The operator achieves 69.3 Mbps in download bitrate and 24.7 Mbps in upload bitrate.

Measurements based on 15 332 tests conducted via the nPerf website and the nPerf app on Android and iOS.

Seven in ten don’t trust social media companies to protect them from fraud

Seven in ten social media users do not trust social media companies to protect them from fraud and nearly three-quarters (73%) distrust the ads they see on these platforms. Research commissioned by Bank of Ireland for its latest fraud awareness campaign also reveals that 91% believe social media firms should be banned from profiting off fraudulent ads, while 90% say that financial service advertisers on social media should be required to prove their legitimacy.

Bank of Ireland is also issuing a warning about ‘pump and dump’ WhatsApp investment scams. Fraudsters lure victims via fake social media ads to join an investment WhatsApp group. Posing as a financial investment expert, the fraudster then spreads misleading information to group members about particular companies/stocks. Group members then buy the stock, the price is pumped up due to the increased demand and when the price peaks, the scammers sell (dump) their holdings at a profit, and disappear.

Bank of Ireland fraud research (conducted by Red C, August 2025) reveals:

 

  • 83% of consumers believe that fraud is a big problem in society today
  • 76% say that the risk of fraud scams makes them wary when they shop online
  • 69% of social media users don’t trust social media companies to protect users from fraud
  • 73% of those who use social media now don’t trust adverts on social media
  • 86% of those seeing fraudulent content on social media platforms saw it on Meta platforms
  • 91% feel social media companies shouldn’t be allowed generate revenue from fraudsters placing ads on their platforms
  • 90% feel that companies that advertise financial services on social media platforms should have to prove that the ads are genuine and the company is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Social media platforms have become a lucrative hunting ground for fraudsters and consumers are paying the price while technology giants gain revenue. As we launch our new fraud awareness campaign highlighting scams originating via social media, a new spate of ‘pump and dump’ investment fraud is spreading fast, mainly using WhatsApp.

‘With results from the Latest REC C survey, seven in ten consumers now distrusting social media companies to shield them from fraud, and over 90% demanding an end to platforms profiting from scam ads, the message is clear – the public wants protection. It’s time for increased accountability, not just algorithms’

Bank of Ireland’s new fraud awareness campaign launches with the theme ‘Not all social is social’, highlighting the threat of fraud originating via social media platforms. The Bank’s consumer and business fraud education campaign for 2025 focuses on key fraud themes: Investment scams, CEO fraud, invoice redirection, smishing and fake online purchases.  The digitally-led media campaign provides actionable advice from Bank of Ireland’s fraud prevention experts and international cyberpsychologist, Professor Mary Aiken, to protect customers’ financial wellbeing.

Through extensive public affairs and PR activity, the Bank has been campaigning for a change in legislation to better protect consumers from fraud originating on social media channels.

Professor Mary Aiken said: “Fraud online is now an industrialised, platform-enabled phenomenon. Scammers leverage the same targeting and engagement tools legitimate advertisers use; the difference is that families and businesses bear the cost.

“Bank of Ireland’s findings, which show that seven in ten users distrust platform protection and over 90% want an end to profits from scam ads, reveal an overwhelming public appetite for reform. ‘Not all social is social’, much of it is commercial, algorithmic and adversarial. The solution is safety by design, verifying financial advertisers, building friction and warnings into investment journeys, and enforcing clear accountability when systems enable harm. If platforms can target us to buy, they can target protections to keep us safe.”

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

CCPC and ASA sign data-sharing agreement to strengthen social media influencer regulation

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has signed a new data-sharing agreement with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which will enhance regulatory oversight of social media platforms.

The agreement will enable the ASA to share information it receives through its online reporting portal while remaining in line with data protection laws. This will give the CCPC greater access to reports from the public of potential breaches of the law.

Under consumer protection law, social media influencers must not mislead consumers through unfair practices such as hidden or mislabelled advertising, or they could breach consumer protection law. This means they must clearly label posts that are commercial in nature.

A social media post may still breach consumer protection law even if it is properly labelled if the content is false or misleading.

The new data-sharing agreement means ASA will have the ability to share information regarding suspected breaches, which the CCPC may investigate further.

The CCPC, as a statutory body, has a range of enforcement tools to ensure that consumer protection law is adhered to, including compliance notices, fixed payment notices, undertakings, prohibition orders and prosecution.

Patrick Kenny, commission member at the CCPC, said:

“Consumer law protects consumers when engaging with the commercial content posted by online influencers. Commercial content from influencers must be clearly labelled as such and must also not be misleading. With the ASA, we have produced guidance for influencers to help them follow the law. This year we issued our first compliance notices against two prominent influencers.  We continue to monitor this sector closely and will act where we see breaches here.

“The new data-sharing agreement allows the ASA to share reports from the public and will support us in protecting consumers when it comes to social media advertising.”

Orla Twomey, chief executive of the ASA, said:

“We are delighted to formalise this data-sharing agreement, which marks a significant step towards enhancing regulatory outcomes for consumers in Ireland, ensuring a strong, responsive and resilient framework for the future. Social media advertising has been a key area of our focus, and this agreement is a further strengthening of cooperation between ASA and CCPC.”

Anyone concerned about suspected false or misleading advertising can contact the CCPC directly.

The agreement follows the publishing of new guidelines for influencers and social media advertisers by ASA and CCPC in October 2023.

Rewiiind: Groov-e’s latest retro entertainment tech for physical media lovers

Groov-e, one of the UK’s leading consumer tech brands is taking us back to the 90’s with the launch of its latest products, including a Retro Cassette Player & Recorder, DAB Boombox, Retro Vintage Turntable, and DVD player.

The Retro Vintage Turntable delivers serious nostalgia, with its classic 33/45 RPM speeds, sleek rotary volume control, but also features a modern Bluetooth V5.4 connectivity for added convenience. Available from BHF, Amazon, and Groov-e for only £59.99, you can stream your music to your wireless speakers/headphones or jam out to vinyl through the turntable’s speakers. The launch of this product couldn’t be better timed, with UK vinyl sales rising by 10.5% in 2024 to £196 million, the 17th consecutive year of growth.

 

 

A new addition to their ever popular boombox range, the DAB Boombox features a CD player, DAB+/FM radio, Bluetooth, and a sleek backlit display. With dual alarms, 60 preset stations, and portable battery operation, it’s your all-in-one retro entertainment companion. The Boombox is available for £49.99 and will be available to buy on Amazon, Groov-e.

 

Groov-e’s compact DVD Player is the perfect companion for movie nights and marathons. With its 4-digit LED display, multiple output options, and a remote control, you can enjoy all your favourite DVDs, CVs, and USB files with crisp 1080P upscaling via HDMI. This one is just £29.99 and will be available on Amazon, Groov-e, and independent stores across the UK & Ireland.

 

The Retro Cassette Player & Recorder combines vintage charm with modern convenience. Enjoy up to 7 hours of playtime, a built-in microphone and speaker, auto-reverse functionality, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity. Whether you’re revisiting your favorite tapes or streaming music wirelessly, it offers the best of both worlds. The cassette player is £29.99 and available to buy from Amazon and Groov-e.

See our Groov-e reviews 

IFA 2025: Ticket sale for private visitors open now!

IFA Berlin, the world’s largest event for home & consumer tech, has officially opened the ticket sale for private visitors for its 2025 edition: ifaberlin.seetickets.com. The event will take place from 5 to 9 September 2025 at Messe Berlin. 

This year’s ticketing model introduces new access times and an adjusted price structure – with a clear focus on comfort, inclusivity and value to enhance the visitor experience across all audience groups. Furthermore, select exhibition halls are under renovation during the event, and the updated entry structure is designed to ensure better crowd management and smoother operations.

New ticketing structure. Same WOW. 

IFA 2025 places greater emphasis on accessibility, comfort, and value. The updated ticketing model reflects how most guests plan their time at the event, while enabling more focused access to exhibits, activations and features.

The opening hours of IFA 2025:

  • Private visitors:
    Friday, 5 September: 12:00–18:00 
    Saturday to Tuesday, 6–9 September: 10:00–18:00

  • Families, school groups & visitors with disabilities:
    Daily, 5–9 September: 10:00–18:00

  • Trade visitors, professionals & media:
    Early entry with access to the Trade Visitor Lounge from 08:00 via “Messe Süd” entrance, exhibition access from 09:30.

These adjustments ensure a safer, more relaxed and comfortable experience during peak times – particularly on Friday mornings, which continue to be reserved for political, media and business delegations as well as for families, school groups and visitors with disabilities. To avoid missed moments, major public programming will start after 12:00 on Friday.

Fair pricing that prioritises experience 

Following the special pricing during IFA’s 2024 centenary, ticket prices have been adjusted for 2025 to reflect a fair balance of access and experience.
Visitors who book in advance online save up to 22%:

  • Adults: €19.50 advance / €25.00 on site
  • Students: €12.00 advance / €14.00 on site 
  • People with disabilities: €12.00 advance / €14.00 on site (free companion ticket)
  • Kids: Free admission for children aged 15 and under
  • School Group: €39.00 (2 teachers + up to 33 students) 
  • Family: €39.00 advanced / €50.00 on site (2 adults + up to 3 children)

Meanwhile, the IFA Sommergarten will once again host concerts and live programming, with separate tickets available for all IFA visitors. Each IFA Sommergarten ticket includes same-day admission to IFA.

Join them in Berlin from 5 to 9 September 2025 – where inspiration, entertainment and next-gen tech come together. More information at ifa-berlin.com.