Why are people making their Instagram and Twitter photos black — and how to do it

Impact

The inconceivable happened — Donald Trump was elected as the President of the United States.

"This is painful, and it will be for a long time, but I want you to remember that our campaign was never about one person or even one election," Hillary Clinton said in her profoundly moving concession speech on Wednesday. "It was about the country we love and about building an America that's hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted."

In what feels like one of America's darkest hours, users are taking to social media to peacefully protest. They are posting blackout photos on Twitter and Instagram for solidarity and safety.

The hashtag #blackout or #twitterblackout and a black square in place of a profile photo are often accompanied by the hashtags #TrumpIsNotMyPresident, #ImStillWithHer and other variations of these sentiments.

How to make your profile picture black

To join the blackout movement on social media, simply save an image of a black tile — just try searching the word "black" in Google Images — upload it as your Twitter photo and header, and tweet out #blackout to show your support for those feeling scared, dispirited, disenfranchised and unsafe by the outcome of the election.