Why Modelling Agencies Are Turning to Instagram for Trendy Tots

With the rise of the smart phone, and instant access to the Internet, there has been a huge increase in up-and-coming starlets taking to social media, using high-tech tools and modeling agencies to self-promote their personal brand and aesthetic to an ever-receptive, always on-line audience. But there's a rising group of models gathering their fair share of the action, particularly on Instagram, namely baby models!

For ambitious musicians like Lily Allan, social tools like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat have been invaluable in creating awareness of their modelling talents. Self-publishing tools offering real-time, instant access to fans around the globe have allowed rising stars to build their brand, create a personal and Instagram followers identity, and led to a strong army of online followers who hang on their every move.

For the Kardashian-Jenner crew et al, this has translated into a constant fascination with their daily wardrobe, make-up, hair and accessories. With audiences fully engaged with the latest star looks online, it becomes easy to monetise their social media presence via endorsements and sponsorship deals. The smartest high fashion brands are clamouring to dress social media stars, promoting their goods to fans desperate to emulate the latest trends - often before they've even hit the catwalk.

With this tried and tested method winning the twenty-something modeling pack contracts with the fashion houses, and grabbing media headlines around the world, another group of aspiring models is jumping on the social media bandwagon - many before they've even got the motor skills to do so.

The latest trend on social media is the rise of the instamom - self-styled social media stage mums - using Instagram to increase their youngsters' baby modelling profiles and find modelling jobs. And so far it seems to be working.

With the most successful Instagram baby models like 4-year-old London Scout boasting more than 105,000 followers and Alonso Mateo with a staggering 600,000 followers, high fashion brands are bending over backwards to have these little trendsetting models showcasing their latest lines. Indeed, young Alonso recently attended his first Fashion Week in Paris, grabbing the headlines at the Dior show.