Design
5 min read

10 Tips for Creating Stunning Instagram Post Designs

Published on
December 5, 2023
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Contributors
Leah Camps
Marketing Executive
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Instagram has become more than just a platform for sharing photos. It has evolved into a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike to showcase their creativity and reach a wider audience. With millions of users scrolling through their feeds daily, it's essential to stand out from the crowd with stunning Instagram post designs. In this article, we will explore ten tips that will help you take your Instagram design game to the next level.

Table of Contents

  1. Why is social media design so important?
  2. The role of aesthetics in social media marketing
  3. How Instagram post designs can boost engagement
  4. The foundation of great Instagram posts
  5. Utilising Instagram's built-in design features
  6. Incorporating branding into your Instagram posts
  7. Consistency in design for brand recognition
  8. Incorporating your logo and brand colours
  9. The art of creating visually appealing content
  10. Balancing elements for a harmonious design
  11. Using negative space effectively

Why is social media design so important? 

Visual aesthetics play a significant role in social media marketing. With Instagram being a visual platform, users are naturally drawn to captivating and eye-catching post. Investing time and effort into your Instagram post designs can significantly boost your engagement and make your content more memorable.

The role of aesthetics in social media marketing

When it comes to social media marketing, aesthetics matter. Your Instagram feed is like a virtual shopfront, and the design is what catches the attention of potential customers or followers. In a sea of endless content, a well-designed post can make all the difference in standing out and capturing the attention of your target audience.

Imagine scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing a beautifully designed post that immediately grabs your attention. The colours, typography, and overall layout are so visually appealing that you can't help but stop and take notice. This is the power of aesthetics in social media marketing. Not only do well-designed posts catch the eye, but they also convey a sense of professionalism and credibility. When your content looks polished and visually pleasing, it gives the impression that you take your brand or business seriously. This can help build trust and attract more followers or customers.

Aesthetics can help create a cohesive and consistent brand identity. By using consistent colours, fonts, and visual elements in your Instagram post designs, you establish a recognisable and memorable brand presence. This can help users associate your posts with your brand, making it easier for them to remember and engage with your content.

How Instagram post designs can boost engagement

Engagement is the name of the game on Instagram. Well-designed posts can increase likes, comments, and shares, ultimately driving more traffic to your profile and increasing your reach. By creating visually appealing and engaging content, you create a lasting impression that will make users want to come back for more.

Think about it - when you come across a post that is visually beautiful and captures your attention, you are more likely to engage with it. Whether it's double-tapping to like, leaving a comment, or sharing it with your friends, well-designed Instagram posts have a higher chance of eliciting a response from users.

Well-designed posts can also encourage users to spend more time on your profile. When they see one visually appealing post, they are likely to explore further and check out your other content. This increases the chances of them following your account and becoming a loyal follower.

Another way professional Instagram post design can boost engagement is by creating a sense of anticipation. When users see consistently well-designed posts from your account, they will start to look forward to your future content. This can lead to increased engagement as they eagerly await your next post and actively seek out your content.

Investing time and effort into your Instagram post designs is crucial for social media marketing success. Aesthetically pleasing posts not only catch the attention of your target audience but also boost engagement, increase brand recognition, and create a lasting impression.


The foundation of great Instagram posts

Before we delve into advanced design techniques, let's start with the basics. Getting the fundamentals right sets a solid foundation for creating stunning Instagram post designs.

When it comes to designing Instagram posts, there are a few key elements to consider. One of the first things to think about is the dimensions and layout of your posts. Instagram offers various options, including square, landscape, and portrait. Each of these dimensions has its own advantages and can help you showcase your images or videos in the best possible way. For example, square posts are great for creating a clean and symmetrical look, while landscape posts are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots. On the other hand, portrait posts are ideal for vertical images or videos that need more vertical space.

Dimensions for Instagram posts:

  • Profile Picture: 320 x 320 pixels (displayed at 110 x 100 pixels but image file stored at a larger size)
  • Square Image: 1080 x 1080 pixels
  • Landscape Image: 1080 x 566 pixels
  • Portrait Image: 1080 x 1350 pixels

But choosing the right dimensions is just the beginning. To keep your Instagram feed visually interesting and diverse, it's important to experiment with different layouts. You can try alternating between single-image posts, carousel posts, and even collage-style posts. By mixing things up, you'll be able to engage your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Example of a carousel post layout


Utilising Instagram's built-in design features

Instagram has built-in design features that can enhance your posts without the need for external editing tools. These features are easy to use and can elevate the visual appeal of your content. Features like crop and rotate can be useful when posting to your grid, and there are a wealth of additional design features available for Stories that can help make your stories more engaging for users. Utilise features like the link stickers, different fonts for text overlays, quizzes, polls or hashtag links.

When it comes to creating captivating content on Instagram, it's good to make the most of the platform's built-in design features. These features not only save you time and effort but also allow you to add a unique touch to your posts without the need for external editing tools.

Don't underestimate the power of Instagram's editing tools. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation can make your images pop and stand out in a crowded feed. Take the time to explore and experiment with the available editing options to enhance your visuals. Imagine you're a food blogger sharing a mouth-watering recipe on Instagram. By using the editing tools, you can enhance the colours of your dish, making it look even more appetising. Adjusting the brightness can help bring out the vibrant hues of the ingredients, while increasing the contrast can add depth and dimension to the photo. These subtle tweaks can make a significant difference in the overall visual impact of your post.

Experimenting with Instagram's editing tools is a great way to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your posts.

Incorporating branding into your Instagram posts

Branding plays a vital role in creating recognisable and memorable Instagram posts. By incorporating your brand elements into your designs, you can establish a cohesive identity that users will associate with your content.

Consistency in design for brand recognition

Consistency is key when it comes to branding on Instagram. Use consistent colours, fonts, and visual elements to create a recognisable style for your posts. This consistency will make your content instantly identifiable and strengthen your brand presence.

Incorporating your logo and brand colours

Don't forget to include your logo and brand colours in your posts. Placing your logo strategically can enhance brand visibility, and using brand colours consistently adds a professional and polished look to your content.

The art of creating visually appealing content

Creating visually appealing content is an art form that requires a balance of various design elements. Paying attention to these elements will help you create captivating posts that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Balancing elements for a harmonious design

Balance is crucial in design. Consider the placement and size of your visuals, text, and other design elements to achieve a harmonious composition. A well-balanced design will provide visual comfort and make your posts more aesthetically pleasing.

Using negative space effectively

Negative space, also known as white space, is the empty space around your design elements. Don't be afraid to embrace it. Utilising negative space effectively can make your content appear less cluttered and more refined. It allows your visuals and text to breathe, making them stand out and grab attention.

By following these ten tips, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning Instagram post designs that captivate your audience and elevate your brand presence. Remember, consistency, creativity, and attention to detail are the keys to success in the world of Instagram design.

Contributors
Leah Camps
Marketing Executive
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By subscribing you agree to be contacted by us inline with our Privacy Policy.
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Need help with design work?

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