Remember the days when Instagram was just a cool app that you used to add a filter to your photos? It feels like forever ago, but in reality, the photo sharing platform has changed drastically, as has the way we use it.
If you scroll back far enough in any user’s Instagram, chances are the first few posts you’ll come across are slightly grainy and over-filtered. Instagram, in it’s early days, was just another way to share a cute photo. Now it’s used to build brands and personal identities, and with their latest algorithm, having great Instagram content is important to ensure that your followers actually see your posts. While creating great content has always been an Instagram goal, not it’s almost pretty much a must.
Enter the Instagram Theme.
The idea behind an Instagram theme is that when a user scrolls through your profile, all of the photos on your grid look cohesive and match. They use the same colour palette or the same framing, typically with the same editing style or features. Photos that are posted following an Instagram theme are typically easily identifiable; photos are edited to match the theme, which then helps identify a brand. For example, Zayn Malik started posting the majority of his photos in black and white. Not the most creative Instagram theme, compared to others, but it will do.
Now, if you’re thinking this sounds like a lot of work the truth is: it is. Having an Instagram theme means you can’t share pictures of your mac and cheese if they clash with a picture of your latest outfit. Instagram instantly become more curated and require more thought and planning.
Thankfully, like everything, there’s an app for that. Now you can give your Instagram pics a test run to see how they match up against your older posts and even plan posts for the future. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites to share with you to make this whole thing a little easier.
UNUM
UNUM is an app that makes Instagram grid planning super simple. The app uploads your current photos and gives you free square spaces to plan out the rest. It even lets you set reminders on when to post and what to post. Easy as 1, 2, 3.
Planoly
Planoly is the serious blogger or social media coordinator’s dream. Their desktop platform or iOS app not only allows you to visually plan out for your grid, but also shows you analytics and metrics. In these trying algorithm times, knowing what posts perform better than others is crucial and Planoly gives you all the info you need and at a glance.
Later
Later is another amazing tool, especially for those who use their Instagram for business or marketing purposes. Later allows you to plan, schedule, and measure your posts for engagement. Over 60,000 top brands and influencers use Later for their Instagram planning needs, so you might want to jump on board, too.
Did we miss your favourite Instagram planning tool? Or do you just think the whole Instagram thing is ridiculous? We gotta admit, we think it has its benefits. Plus, it looks so darn cute.
Diana Pasgas is a writer & social media addict. She is kind of short & is often seen wearing red lipstick. She’s also a grey sweater enthusiast. In her spare time she enjoys playing the ukulele & searching for new brunch spots.
