Meghan Markle creatively announced her much-anticipated return to Instagram with a beach video that revealed some production errors.
Eagle-eyed viewers spotted signs of multiple takes in her Instagram post, generating buzz and rapidly boosting her follower count, Mail Online reported.
On a bright Wednesday morning, Meghan revived her Instagram presence using the handle @meghan. She made her first post on the account since its creation in June 2022. Running barefoot along a Californian beach, she drew the year "2025" in the sand, symbolizing fresh starts.
Prince Harry filmed the video, capturing a personal and relaxed moment. However, fans noticed more than just the picturesque setting. Some sharp-eyed viewers identified an earlier attempt to write "2025" in the sand, along with extra footprints around the number.
These details revealed that Meghan likely completed several takes before posting the final version. Social media platforms quickly lit up with discussions about the authenticity of seemingly spontaneous social media content.
After posting the video at around 8 AM Montecito time, Meghan's follower tally skyrocketed to 659,000 in less than 24 hours. This sudden surge in interest also led to her account receiving a verified blue tick the following day, affirming its authenticity and significance.
The revival of Meghan's social media activity comes despite earlier statements from the couple about stepping away from social media due to online abuse. Meghan had previously deactivated her accounts in January 2018 following her engagement to Prince Harry.
The decision to return to Instagram was hinted by Meghan in a 2023 interview with The Cut, where she teased, "Do you want to know a secret? I’m getting back...on Instagram." This statement set the stage for her recent social media resurgence.
Instagram's policies on verified accounts are strict to ensure the credibility of public figures and celebrities on their platform. According to Meta, verification is granted based on active participation across products and the provision of necessary documentation or information.
The platform stipulates that once an account is verified, changes such as username modifications are restricted to maintain the account's integrity. This is crucial to prevent impersonation and to uphold community standards, as per Instagram’s guidelines.
Meghan's account @meghan has reportedly undergone a username change since its creation, which is an interesting point regarding its verification status. This aspect adds another layer to the discussion about celebrity use of social media and their interaction with platform norms.
Prior to marrying Prince Harry, Meghan was an active social media user with a considerable following. A Kensington Palace source in 2018 commented on her decision to close these accounts, noting her gratitude for the engagement and support she received over the years.
This engagement included a vibrant online presence that she decided to step back from as she transitioned into her role within the Royal Family. Her choice underscored the complexities that come with maintaining public and private personas for figures under constant media scrutiny.
Now, with her return to Instagram, Meghan seems to be setting a new precedent for how she wishes to interact with the public and manage her online presence amidst ongoing discussions about the impact of social media on mental health and privacy.
The implications of Meghan's return to social media are vast, impacting discussions from digital etiquette to celebrity culture's intersection with online platforms. As this story continues to unfold, the public's focus remains on how Meghan will navigate her restored digital identity and what messages she chooses to amplify.
Regardless of the minor hiccups observed in her comeback video, Meghan's Instagram activity highlights her ongoing influence and the public's unwavering interest in her life.
This scenario underscores the power of social media in shaping public narratives and offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics between public figures and their audiences in the digital age.
