Top 14 Instagram photo trends in 2024

Instagram has a massive user base of more than 2 billion active monthly users. As a result, the platform has evolved from a simple photo-sharing social media tool to a powerful platform for personal expression, promotion, and significant social media influence. 

Therefore, keeping up with Instagram photo trends is integral to curating engaging content for your target audience.

New photo trends emerge each year, reflecting technology, culture, and user preferences changes. In 2024, Instagram’s photo trends are about authenticity, creativity, and leveraging new technologies. 

This blog post will explore the top photo trends dominating Instagram in 2024. 

Trend 1: Authentic and unfiltered content

The era of overly polished and perfected Instagram feeds is fading. In 2024, authenticity is king. Users are craving genuine connections and relatable content. This trend is about embracing imperfections and showcasing real life as it unfolds. 

You can build a stronger connection with your audience by ditching the filters and embracing spontaneity. People are drawn to content that feels genuine and relatable. The trend encourages a healthier relationship with social media, reducing the pressure to present an unrealistic, curated life version.

So, don’t be afraid to show your true self and let your personality shine through. Consider adding candid shots, unedited selfies, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your Instagram world.

Tips and example

• Capture real moments: Instead of setting up a perfect shot, focus on capturing spontaneous moments. This could be anything from a candid laugh with friends to a quiet moment of reflection.
• Minimal editing: Resist the urge to over-edit. Use minimal filters and adjustments to maintain the natural look of your photos.
• Storytelling: In the caption, share the story behind your photo. Authenticity isn’t just about the image itself and the story it tells.

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Trend 2: Minimalistic aesthetics

“Less is more” is a famous mantra for social media platforms and strategies, including Instagram photo posting. Following minimalistic aesthetics means having clean lines and simple designs that emphasize the primary subject of the image. 

It is important to remember that minimalism doesn’t mean boring; it’s about highlighting the essence of your image. 

You can create a powerful and impactful visual statement by stripping away unnecessary elements. This trend is perfect for showcasing products, capturing architecture, or creating a serene mood.

Tips and example

• Simple backgrounds: Use plain or subtle backgrounds to keep the focus on the subject.
• Limited color palette: Stick to a few complementary colors to create a cohesive and serene look.
• Negative space: Embrace negative space to highlight your subject and create a balanced composition.

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Trend 3: Vintage and retro

In the last few years, vintage and retro-inspired photos on Instagram have also gained a lot of attention. These images are created either with existing filters or through color editing. 

However, the vintage look cannot be achieved on all types of images. You must understand your subject matter and the impact of different temperature effects to ensure you can convey your desired message to the target audience. 

Remember that retro pictures are about having fun with various colors and bringing old-school vibes to your photographs. So, to benefit from this trending photo editing trend, you should experiment with different color combinations and editing tools.

Tips and example

• Popular filters: To achieve this look, use apps like VSCO, Huji Cam, or Instagram’s retro filters.
• Analog vibes: Experiment with light leaks, grain, and faded colors to enhance the vintage feel.
• Themes: Consider creating a consistent vintage theme for your profile by using similar filters across all your photos.

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Trend 4: Bold and vibrant colors

While minimalistic aesthetics and vintage-style pictures are quite popular on Instagram nowadays, this does not mean that all of your photos should have dull colors or a monochrome style. In fact, bold and vibrant colors never go out of fashion on social media or traditional prints. It all depends on your account type and brand on social media. 

Using a unique blend of colors and textures can help you stand out from the crowd on social media and increase engagement by attracting more users. Vivid colors can grab the users’ attention when scrolling through their Instagram feed and encourage them to check out your profile. 

Remember that when using bold colors, you should still pay attention to your branding and remain consistent to establish an attractive brand identity. 

Tips and example

• Color pop: Use bright colors sparingly to highlight key elements in your photo.
• Contrast: Pair bold colors with neutral backgrounds to make them stand out even more.
• Editing tools: Use editing apps to enhance and adjust colors to achieve the desired effect.

Here’s an example of an Instagram carousel that combines the photo trend of posting nature shots in bold and vibrant colors.

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Trend 5: Regular photo dumps

Photo dumps are another popular Instagram trend. They are popular on both personal and professional accounts. There are no hard-and-fast rules regarding using the photo dump trend on your Instagram account. 

Generally, users post multiple pictures monthly and name them a photo dump of that particular month. If you take many photos and want to share them with your followers, you can do it weekly. 

Similarly, if you recently went on a trip, you can post the images in a carousel to ensure users can see your photos in the same place. 

Tips and example

• Mix and match: Combine various photos, from candid selfies to snapshots of your surroundings.
• Casual captions: Keep the captions light and casual to match the laid-back vibe of the photo dump.
• Themes: Even within the randomness, you can create mini-themes (e.g., a weekend trip or a day in the life) to make the collection cohesive.

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Trend 6: Blurred photos

Have you ever spent much time fixing a blurred photo and clarifying it? If so, you don’t have to. Blurred and out-of-focus pictures have become a popular trend on Instagram as they can evoke a sense of nostalgia, mystery, and even a touch of magic. 

This trend is about embracing imperfection and using blur as a creative tool to add depth and dimension to your photographs.   

Tips and example

• Motion blur: Capture movement using a slow shutter speed or moving your camera slightly during the shot.
• Selective blur: Use apps to blur specific parts of the photo while keeping the subject in focus.
• Artistic expression: Embrace the abstract nature of blurred photos and use them to evoke emotions or tell a story.

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Trend 7: Patterns

Patterns tend to attract people both digitally and offline. They add noticeable structure, rhythm, and interest to your Instagram feed. Whether geometric shapes, natural textures, or repeating motifs, patterns can transform ordinary photos into eye-catching works of art. This trend is all about embracing repetition and creating visually stimulating compositions.

Tips and example

• Repetition: Look for repeating elements in your surroundings, such as tiles, windows, or rows of trees.
• Symmetry: Capture symmetrical patterns to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing image.
• Contrast: Use contrasting colors or textures to make patterns stand out even more.

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Trend 8: Monochrome

Monochrome photography, often associated with classic elegance, involves images composed entirely of shades of a single color. While black and white is the most common choice, monochromatic photos can also be created in other colors, such as sepia or blue. This trend simplifies the visual composition and highlights textures, shapes, and contrasts.

Tips and example

• High contrast: Experiment with high contrast to create dramatic and striking images.
• Textures and shapes: Focus on capturing exciting textures and shapes that stand out in monochrome.
• Edit thoughtfully: Use editing tools to adjust the tones and highlights of your photos to enhance their depth and mood.

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Trend 9: AI-powered photography and editing

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing photography and editing. AI-powered tools can enhance your photos in previously impossible ways, making it easier to create professional-quality images.

From intelligent camera features to advanced editing capabilities, AI is all about using new possibilities for photographers and content creators. 

In 2024, the role of AI in photo editing trends cannot be ignored. So, it is recommended that Instagram users take advantage of AI-powered editing features to post unique and exciting content.

Related Read: 10 best AI tools for social media

Tips and example

• Editing apps: To enhance your photos, use AI-powered apps like Adobe Photoshop Express, Luminar AI, or Prisma.
• Auto-enhance: Take advantage of auto-enhance features that adjust lighting, color, and sharpness with a single tap.
• Creative filters: Experiment with AI-generated filters that can transform your photos into works of art.

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Trend 10: User-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) is any form of content created by users rather than the brand itself. This typically includes photos and videos followers share on Instagram featuring a brand’s product or service. UGC is a powerful tool for building authenticity, trust, and community.

Tips and example

• Encourage participation: Run contests or ask followers to share their photos using a specific hashtag.
• Give credit: Always credit the original creator when sharing UGC.
• Engage with your community: Interact with users who contribute content to show appreciation and build stronger relationships.

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Do you know you can also become a UGC creator? 

Trend 11: Carousels

Instagram carousels allow users to share multiple photos or videos in a single post. This format offers a dynamic and engaging way to tell stories, showcase products, or provide step-by-step tutorials. 

Carousels have become increasingly popular because they capture attention and encourage deeper engagement. To create, post, or schedule a carousel for your Instagram account, you can use ContentStudio and enjoy streamlined social media management. 

Tips and example:

• Plan your carousel: Determine the story or message you want to convey and organize your content accordingly.
• Create visual interest: Use a variety of image formats, sizes, and styles to keep viewers engaged.
• Write compelling captions: Each slide should have a concise and informative caption to guide the viewer through the story.
• Use a clear call to action: Encourage viewers to take the next step, whether purchasing, visiting your website, or engaging with your content.
• Experiment with different formats: Combine photos and videos or use interactive elements like polls or questions.
• Multiple uses: Many brands and individuals effectively utilize carousels on Instagram to showcase products, demonstrate before-and-after transformations, tell a story, or for how-to guides. 

Related Read: Master Instagram carousels with these 10 engagement tactics

Trend 12: Instagram grid layouts

An Instagram grid layout refers to the overall visual appearance of your profile when viewed as a collection of nine-square posts. 

A well-curated grid can create a strong visual identity and leave a lasting impression on viewers. This trend emphasizes the importance of planning and consistency in your content creation.

Popular Instagram grid layout layouts

• Checkerboard: Alternating between two types of content or colors to create a checkered effect.
• Rows: Keeping each row consistent regarding color, filter, or content type.
• Columns: Maintaining consistency down each column of the grid.
• Diagonal: Creating a diagonal pattern across the grid with similar images or colors.
• Border: Using white borders around images to create a clean, gallery-like appearance.

Tips and example

• Plan ahead: Visualize your grid before posting to ensure consistency and cohesiveness.
• Choose a theme: Decide on your feed’s specific style, color palette, or theme.
• Use grid planning tools: Various apps and websites can help you plan and visualize your grid.
• Experiment with different layouts: Don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works best.
• Consider your audience: Ensure your grid aligns with your target audience’s preferences and expectations.

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Trend 13: Nature shots

There’s a growing appreciation for the natural world’s beauty, and Instagram reflects this trend. The most important part is that posting nature photos can aid conservation efforts. 

Nature photography encompasses a wide range of subjects, from breathtaking landscapes to intimate close-ups of flora and fauna. It’s a genre that allows photographers to connect with their audience on a deeper level and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment.

Tips and example

• Golden hour: For the best lighting, capture nature during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon).
• Macro shots: Get up close and personal with flowers, leaves, or insects to reveal intricate details.
• Landscapes: Take wide-angle shots of landscapes to capture the grandeur of natural settings.

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Trend 14: Engaging text posts with pictures

While Instagram is predominantly a visual platform, the power of text cannot be overlooked. This Instagram photo trend combines compelling written content with visually appealing images to create engaging and informative posts. It’s about balancing the written word and the visual element to captivate your audience.

P.S. Learn how to generate captions with Instagram caption generator for free?

Examples

• Quotes with images: Pairing inspiring or thought-provoking quotes with visually relevant photos.

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• Educational posts: Combining informative text with visuals to explain complex topics in a simplified manner.

• Storytelling: Using a combination of text and images to create a narrative.

• Behind-the-scenes content: Sharing insights and stories with accompanying visuals.

• Product descriptions: Combining product details with visually appealing product shots.

Conclusion

Continuous evolution and adaption are vital for both individuals and businesses to make their mark on Instagram. In 2024, there has been a rapid increase in creativity and experimentation on Instagram. Hence, new photo trends are emerging regularly. 

Whether embracing authenticity or mastering AI-powered photography and editing tools, the latest photo trends offer exciting opportunities to capture attention and engage audiences.

By understanding and implementing these popular Instagram photo trends, you can expect to expand your following on Instagram by building a solid visual brand identity and connecting with your followers on a deeper level. 

ContentStudio is a powerful social media management platform that can help you streamline your content creation and scheduling, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the latest trends. You can sign up for a completely free trial of ContentStudio and see how it can improve your Instagram business potential. 

FAQs

What kind of pictures are trending on Instagram?

Authentic and unfiltered content, minimalist aesthetics, nature shots, vintage and retro vibes, blurred photos, and bold, vibrant colors are currently trending.

How do you trend photos on Instagram?

To trend on Instagram, use relevant hashtags, engage with your audience, post consistently, and create high-quality, visually appealing content.

Are photo dumps still a thing in 2024?

Yes, photo dumps are still popular in 2024. They offer a casual and authentic way to share multiple photos at once.   

Which photo is most liked on Instagram?

As of August 2024, the most liked photo on Instagram is of Lionel Messi celebrating the 2022 FIFA World Cup win.