How I Organize My Instagram Feed (August 2020)
Whew, it’s crazy how I wrote the first edition of this blog post dated back in 2017 and it still gets the highest amount of clicks to this day! Since you guys enjoyed reading this previous blog post so much, I thought I’d come back with a few tweaks, tips, and updates on how I organize my Instagram feed. By golly, three years is a LONGGG time and so much has changed on the Instagram platform since then so I wanted to keep y’all updated on the latest and greatest tips!
My current Instagram feed as of July/August 2020.
1. Establish a cohesive color scheme or “theme” that you are going for.
As this platform becomes more and more saturated with new users over the years, both influencers and everyday people are beginning to have more structured, cohesive themes when it comes to managing their overall Instagram pages. Honestly, I’m impressed with everybody’s Instagame these days because it truly shows just how creative we can get! In order to maintain a natural and effortless “Instagram flow” with your gallery of images and videos, you should ask yourself the following questions:
What colors do I LOVE and can’t get enough of?
What colors do I often wear and make me happy?
What type of colors am I able to showcase comfortably and maintain long-term?
Note: You are allowed to switch it up (you don’t need permission!) whenever you want to explore a new style and there are no rules against this. However, your audience WILL be confused if you decide to change themes every week.
Also, I’ve included some sample Instagram themes below in case you need a helping hand and some quick inspo regarding what may resonate with you!
Pastels (this is my feed theme!): Neutrals, cream, white, light blues, light greys, light pinks
Vintage: Burnt orange, various shades of brown, often filtered with added grain/dust
Warm: Oranges and red tones, increase the temperature in a photo editing app to achieve this look
Minimalist: Black and white
Earthy: Nature loving colors such as brown, green, blue, emits a calm and peaceful vibe
Wild/Colorful: Combining a mixture of loud, fun colors (ex: magenta, purple, bright yellow, red, dark blue, etc.) and ensuring each adjacent Instagram square showcases a different color to add contrast to the overall feed
2. Mix it up! Publish a variety of angles, compositions for a well-balanced feed.
I’ve included a few examples of what type of imagery you can include in your feed so it’s not the same selfie or “what’s-in-my-bag” post every goddamn square.
Full-body shot
Half-body shot
Flatlay or bird’s eye view shot
Tiltlay (angled or tilted flatlay)
Close-up details shot
Example: Multiple rings, purse details, necklace details
Wide angle shot (ideal for travel bloggers or if you want to capture picturesque scenery)
Selfies, makeup-of-the-day
Photo collages
Note: You can find fun Instagram story templates that also serve as Instagram feed templates (if cropped correctly) from free mobile apps such as Unfold, Storyluxe, Canva, and more!
Filler shots
Ex: Quotes on Pinterest, customized graphics, holding your morning coffee, breakfast in bed setup, hair inspo
When shooting, you want to definitely mix up the poses so you have more choice to choose from when uploading your favorite image to Instagram! There have been countless times where I have struck the same pose and have only liked THAT pose, and there’s nothing more boring than seeing Michelle pose in the same exact fashion for three consecutive posts. Just, no.
A quick tip for those who are nervous about shoots - since my personal brand is more down-to-earth, candid, and silly, I tend to just have fun during my shoots and mess around for a good 40% of the time. In other words, this 40% block of time actually provides me with a decent amount of images to choose from, as I tend to like the images where I’m more relaxed, throwing up a peace sign, laughing, or just straight up goofing off with friends. Sometimes, the silliest photos make for the best photos! ;)
3. Stay inspired! Read books/articles, watch YouTube videos, save & pin your favorite inspiration photos on Pinterest. There is always more to learn out there.
Recently, I’ve been obsessed with Pinterest when it comes to browsing home decor inspiration. However, I know a BUNCH of influencers who use Pinterest to keep their photoshoot inspiration flowing when they run out of photoshoot ideas or want a refreshing perspective on what else they haven’t tried yet. Even the talented Tezza uses Pinterest for photo inspiration to keep her Instagram game strong, and she is #Instagramphotographergoals!
Additionally, when I just need a little motivational boost, I like to watch YouTubers who know what they’re talking about to keep me well-informed and educated about the current social media scene.
Lastly, I’ve linked a few books below that have definitely helped me stay inspired when it comes to maintaining a cohesive and purposeful Instagram feed and/or blog.
Fun Fact: I bought the physical paperback copy from a friend who shipped it to me from the Phillipines!!! The fangirl inside of me was screaming because nobody in the US can purchase a physical book unless it’s through Kindle.
4. Organizational apps are a godsend.
I swear Instagram would be a strugglebus if Preview, UNUM, and Planoly never entered into this world. As far as I know, every Instagrammer uses a free mobile app that organizes one’s feed so that we have a better sense of visually organizing our entire gallery of images.
Speaking from personal experience, all of these mobile apps are amazing in their own ways. However, if I had to choose my top favorite, it would be Preview since I love its user-friendly layout. Pretty much, you can upload images to your liking on this FREE mobile app and with a simple click, you can move your image anywhere to effortlessly plan and organize your future Instagram feed!
What is your favorite type of Instagram feed? Who are your favorite Instagrammers?
Talk to me in the comments below - let’s chat!