The keyword "Instagram" primarily functions as a proper noun. As the specific, trademarked name of a social media service and application owned by Meta Platforms, it refers to a unique entity. This classification as a proper noun is its foundational grammatical identity, similar to other brand names like Google or Twitter.
Beyond its core function, the term's grammatical role expands based on its context within a sentence. It is frequently used as a noun adjunct (or attributive noun), where it modifies another noun and functions adjectivally. Common examples include "an Instagram post," "the Instagram algorithm," or "an Instagram influencer." In these cases, the word specifies the type or platform associated with the noun it precedes. Additionally, through the linguistic process of anthimeria, "Instagram" has been adopted colloquially as a verb. In this usage, "to Instagram" means to post content onto the platform, as in, "He decided to Instagram the photo."
Therefore, the definitive part of speech for the keyword is contingent on its application. For an article, identifying this function is critical for grammatical precision. While its default classification is a proper noun, its most frequent use in analytical or descriptive text is likely as a noun adjunct. The selection of its roleas the subject/object (noun), a modifier (adjective function), or an action (verb)must be determined by the specific sentence structure to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone.
