Top 20 Companies on Instagram from @SocialMediaDel

Meredith Darling | @merdar When you see an artsy photo these days posted on Facebook or Twitter you can bet almost every time that it was taken with Instagram. Facebook didn't spend $1 billion on the app for nothing. Since its debut Instagram has been downloaded over 40 million times and it's causing people to ask: Is Instagram the new status message? The new text message? Is this all part of Facebook's plan to build a smartphone? Only time will tell. Until then, a special shout out goes to these companies who have jumped on the bandwagon as another way to reach out and connect to their fans. As usual, Top 20s are judged based on The Social Media Business Equation.

	Sharpie - @sharpie The best example in thinking outside the box. It goes to show that truly every kind of company can have a social media presence. Sharpie's photos are mostly drawings but also snazzy pictures and blasts from the past.
	Kate Spade - @katespadeny It's no secret that I'm a huge KS fan so it's taken all of my power not to include them on every single one of my Top 20 lists. I try to be as objective as possible, and this time there is no way they didn't make the cut. "Have courage" and follow.
	Starbucks - @starbucks The coffee giant now brings you "freshly brewed Instagrams." Recently, Starbucks used the feed as a way to encourage fans to join their Maroon5 Google+ hangout. The account is fairly new but is picking up the frequency of posts.
	Lipton's Brisk - @brisk While pretty much every picture contains a Brisk can/bottle, fans of the drink will still be entertained. I never knew iced tea could have a sense of humor. They also share great ideas and recipes like Brisk ice cubes and Crimson Tea.
	Tiffany & Co. - @tiffanyandco Tiffany's signature turquoise/blue color comes to life in their Instagram snap shots. From their Super Bowl trophies to heart pendant necklaces there's something for everyone. Who doesn't love a little sparkle in their life?
	GE - @generalelectric One of America's oldest companies has one of the oldest company accounts on Instagram. Their first picture was posted over a year ago- and they know how to keep it interesting. Most of their pictures get over 1,000 likes.
	Billboard - @billboard For a behind-the-scenes look at all of your favorite artists you need to go behind the scenes. Billboard's Instagram will take you there. Images come directly from the website and magazine's crew.
	Chobani - @chobani Bet you didn't know yogurt could take pictures did you? Chobani yogurt is a fan of traveling. Think of Travelocity's gnome. What I love the most about Chobani's Instagram is that they encourage you to take a shot of your yogurt and hastag it #chobanitime.
	The Olympics - @olympics Huge fan, right here. I succumb to the Olympic-watching cult every 2 years like most of the world. With this being the first "social" Olympics, it's no surprise the committee has taken over Instagram as well as Facebook and Twitter.
	CNN iReport - @cnnireport CNN brings you the news in pictures. Some are definitely more interesting than others but that's expected when it comes to the news. A kangaroo in a diaper?! How cute is that!
	Red Bull - @redbull It may be my caffeine addiction talking, but I find Red Bull's Instagram stream to be very energizing. And dare I say it gives you wings? If you say no, there are 281,000+ people who would disagree with you.
	Belvedere Vodka - @belvederevodka Sure most of their photos are of their own product, but when your own product is vodka you can get away with it. Especially when you post cooling summer drink recipes and fun slogans like "ice needs friends."
	Threadless - @threadless 197,880: the number of followers at the time I wrote this. Needless to say, Threadless is quite popular. The community-based company posts pictures on their feed as colorful and creative as their shirts.
	Target Style - @targetstyle The name really does explain it all. Target style. Target's style. The styles at Target. You get the picture... This is most likely the best way to stay current on the quick-to-sell-out fashions of the mega retailer.
	Southwest Airlines - @southwestair Welcome back SWA to our Top 20 lists! As always, this airlines is one of the first to adopt new social media sites. Many of their photos are of planes, airports, etc but you also see community and employee pics that make you feel the LOVE.
	GrandLife Hotels - @grandlifehotels This NYC-born hotel company gets its followers: ultra rich hipsters who love their Instagram filters. You can find the proof in how many times their pictures get the "like" of approval, an average of around 40 each.
	Levi's - @levis Levi's uber popular Instagram model search campaign in January has landed them over 13,500 followers. The best photos with the hashtag #iamlevis will make it into their fall advertisements. Beyond that, they do a great job of "keep it real" with their photos.
	Charity: Water - @charitywater Every day Charity water posts a picture that makes you want to drop everything and volunteer in a developing country. So far the non-profit has given clean water access to over 2,500,000 people. Truly touching photos.
	Volvo - @volvocarsus While I'm not personally interested in headlights and bumpers, I can see why car aficionados would be following Volvo's pictures. The auto brand is creative in what they snap pictures of which images ranging from live events to historical markers.
	Petco - @petco Puppies, puppies, and more puppies! I challenge you to find a picture on their Instagram feed that isn't of an animal. Good thing that is what followers want to see. When you need something to put a smile on your face, this is where you need to go.