Imagine this. You’re on your lunch break and are scrolling through Instagram, checking out your favourite accounts. From fashion bloggers to food enthusiasts to travel extraordinaires, they all have feeds that make you want to see more. Though they all have different subject matter, every account will have the one ingredient needed to keep you scrolling: an Instagram theme.
If you are new to Instagram, or would like to take your Instagram account to the next level, you should definitely consider choosing a theme for your feed. Read on for tips on how to create an Instagram account that will help you gain and maintain a following that inspires fans from across the globe.
What is an Instagram theme?
A theme’s main component is visual consistency, which includes the use of certain patterns and colours. By staying consistent with your account’s aesthetic, you can create a theme for your Instagram feed that shows your personal style and is instantly identifiable.
Why is a theme important?
Have you ever scrolled through your favourite Instagram feed and noticed a cohesiveness to their profile? Top Instagrammers work with consistent colour palettes and use similar lighting, angles, and staging for their photos. Even if they feature products of different colours, they will always maintain similar tones. The photos do not have to necessarily match, but rather complement each other and give the audience something to expect.
Tip: Need some inspiration for colour palettes? Take a look through Designer Jessica Colaluca’s website Design-Seeds.com and get inspired.
Sometimes, it’s tempting to take a photo and use a filter without really thinking about it. Many people scroll through filters and use one that happens to make the photo look better, without thinking about it fitting into their overall aesthetic. Though your photos may look good individually, they might look inconsistent and messy when seen together. By staying consistent, your account will become more distinct and recognizable to viewers, and you will develop a visual brand voice and identity. Brand identity isn’t just about the physical or visual elements that represent your organization, but also the feeling that people get when viewing your feed. Your brand is how your audience perceives you or your company.
How to develop a theme
There are many ways to develop an Instagram theme. The best way to begin is to gather inspiration from your favourite feeds. Are there certain elements that draw you in? What do you like about them?
Here are three ways to develop your theme:
- Consider the brightness, colour scheme, and saturation of your photos. Once you choose your ideal level of brightness, make sure you stick to it. If some of your photos are bright and colourful and others are grey and dull, your feed will not be as visually appealing to viewers. The same idea can be applied to the use of filters.
- Make sure that your photos are cropped the same way. Whether you choose to add a border, or use classic squares, keep them consistent.
- Before you post a picture, consider whether it fits into your theme. If it doesn’t, consider saving it for another social media platform. You may also decide to post pictures of the same subject, which can include anything from your outfit to your dog’s latest antics
Which Apps Should You Use?
Planning Apps
Unum allows you to schedule, edit, and theme your Instagram. This free app will make it easier to curate your Instagram story and design a consistent theme.
Planoly allows you to schedule content and draft captions in advance, and sends reminders to your phone when it’s time to post. The app also allows you to curate user-generated content from your community.
Editing Apps
VSCO is a free photography app which allows you to create an account and upload or take photos, edit and add filters, and share them on social media. The camera includes advanced manual controls, and the photo editor has a wide selection of adjustment tools and filters. After you edit a photo on VSCO, it saves it in the app in a similar way to Instagram, in rows of three, which makes it easy to visualize what your feed will look like after posting.
SnapSeed is a professional photo editing app developed by Google. The latest version of the app allows you to choose from blending models that are inspired by analog film techniques, as well as digital image processing. You can also change the pose of portraits based on three-dimensional models.
If you want to post a selfie but are worried about small imperfections, FaceTune is the app for you. The app is an effective portrait and selfie photo editor that allows you to retouch your photo with an added artistic flair. It is also an essential tool if you are aiming for a theme that is primarily white. You can use FaceTune to whiten your teeth, remove blemishes and dark circles, or to add natural makeup.
Lidow is a photo editing app that offers features such as Insta Square, Selfie Cam, and Collage Maker. If you prefer to use classic squares, you may decide to use this app for narrow images that you can’t crop.
For more information about helpful apps that will make your feed stand out, check out the following:
Want to learn more about digital media? Check out our recent blog on Facebook cover videos.
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