“Instagramming”: it might not have made it into the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a “verb” just yet, but it’s a daily to-do for us millennials. We’re constantly snapping, editing and posting. For some, like myself, the process might unapologetically repeat itself a few times within a given day.
Admittedly, I’m a meticulous poster; I get an undeniable thrill from the entire process, from the initial photo-taking click to the much-thought-over editing stages and everything in between.
Here are a few of my “millennial musts” when it comes to top-notch content on Instagram:
1.) Take advantage of iconosquare.com; it’s inexpensive, easy to use and more widely used than you’d think—whether your friends admit it or not.
Iconosquare essentially provides Instagram users with analytics for only $4.90/month. The service used to be free but recently switched over to a paid membership requirement for its more advanced offerings. For those looking to take their social media to the next level, though, it’s worth the expense.
Iconosquare gives users a look at everything from their most liked and commented-on content to their “best times to post” for maximum community engagement. The site also serves a look at users’ most loyal followers and those who don’t follow back. The service even offers a daily, weekly or monthly email report, to keep users informed without having to constantly sign into their account online.
2.) Have a reliable photo editing app for “the basics.”
When it comes to any close-up, social photo featuring yourself, friends or family, you need a reliable app for blemish-fixing, slight airbrushing (if you’re into that) and maybe even a little bit of subtle teeth whitening. My recommendation: “Photo Editor-,” it’s free, easy to use and helps you avoid that over-edited, glossy look. For scenic, outdoor shots, I rely heavily on “Camera Plus,” especially its “Scenes” tab. Offering adjustments, including but not limited to, “Clarity,” “Night,” “Shade” and “Sunset, the app adds the extra intensity to a nature photo that the regular iPhone camera can’t.
3.) Know your aesthetic.
Take the time to think about how you want to brand yourself on Instagram. Whether that means finding your personal trademark in out-of-the-box, artsy close ups, panoramic nature shots, urban fashion street photography or just a feed of selfies (no shame in that), it’s all about keeping things consistent. Doing so will help you build a social media following, and feed, you’re proud of. With that being said, don’t limit yourself in the name of “staying true to your brand.” You need to have some variation in your content, because every post should serve as a pleasant surprise to your followers.
4.) Filter with caution.
As I see it, filters make or break a picture. Under-filtered photos, unless they’re of extreme quality, often fall flat in your follower’s newsfeeds. At the same time, over-filtered photos feel careless and tacky, with no real artistic intent. Finding an app that allows for adjustments in the severity of a given filter is the best way to avoid either end of this posting catastrophe. I’ve found that VSCO is one of the few apps that allows for changing the severity of filters and offers a wide range of contrasted and faded looks for varying aesthetics. While VSCO specificaly fits my Instagram’s overall vibe, explore apps that add the appropriate flair to your photos, too.
5.) Don’t underestimate the power of Instagram’s editing options.
I’ve found that the best filters are homemade ones. Surprisingly, I came to this realization by accident, playing around with Instagram’s editing options. Usually, by adjusting the “Tool” tab’s options to their most visually appealing level, I find that creating a homemade Instagram filter is more effective than an off-the-app look.
Specifically, I’d recommend focusing on the photo’s brightness, contrast, saturation, highlights, shadows and fade.
After playing with these adjustments, try and stick to the “Clarendon” or “Lark” filters on minimal levels for a finishing touch, as they’re the least drastic options and least likely to ruin the work you do in the “Tools” tab.
6.) Post carefully.
I’m an offender of double posting or, embarrassingly, triple posting at times. I’ve learned that limiting yourself to a maximum of one post per day is necessary for the utmost community engagement. Followers don’t want their feeds bogged down with too much of one account’s content, so spread your desired postings out over the week—it’s much less work for you anyway. Also, keep in mind who your audience is. If the majority of your followers are college-aged 20-somethings, consider that classes take up the majority of the weekday’s morning and afternoon, so the early evening might be a good time for posting. At the same time, drinking takes up the late night and early morning hours on the weekends, so it’s important not to post too late.