Scrolling through Instagram, you might wonder how some profiles look so perfectly put together. These are what we call aesthetic Instagram accounts. They stand out, capturing attention with their consistent colours and carefully designed layouts.
Learning how to make your Instagram aesthetic can elevate your profile and keep followers engaged. Especially if you’re a brand trying to convert users into followers and eventually buyers.
Here’s everything you need to know to transform your Instagram from messy to aesthetic!
Read more: How Much Does It (Really) Cost to Advertise on Instagram
Why an Aesthetic Instagram Feed Matters
First impressions count, especially online. When someone visits your Instagram profile, your feed is often the first thing they notice. An aesthetic feed:
- Increases Engagement
People are more likely to follow and interact with visually appealing profiles.
- Builds Your Identity
A cohesive look reflects your style or brand personality.
- Boosts Credibility
A professional appearance can establish trust and authenticity.
If you’re serious about growing your Instagram, investing time into your feed is worth it.
Need help with your Instagram aesthetic? Reach out to us at +65 8341 3435 (Singapore) or +60 88-718 418 (Malaysia), or email us at wanting@weave.asia. Leave the brainstorming, planning, and execution to us – sit back and relax while we work our magic for your ‘gram!
Step 1: Choose a Theme
A theme sets the foundation for your Instagram aesthetic. It could be based on colours, moods, or subject matter. Here are some popular themes to consider :
- Minimalist
Clean, simple, and uncluttered.
- Pastel
Soft, dreamy colours.
- Bold & Vibrant
Bright and energetic tones.
- Monochrome
Black, white, and grey for a classic look.
To select the right theme, think about your goals. Are you promoting a calming lifestyle? A pastel theme might work. For a high-energy brand, bold colours make more sense.
Look at accounts you admire for inspiration and consider what aligns with your content and audience. Sticking to one theme ensures consistency and makes your profile visually cohesive.
Pro Tip: Create a Moodboard
A moodboard is a great way to visualise your theme before committing. Collect images, colours, and designs that inspire you.
You can use platforms like Pinterest or design tools like Canva to assemble your moodboard. This helps you refine your aesthetic vision and ensures all your content aligns with your chosen style.
Step 2: Plan Your Grid
Your Instagram grid layout is how your posts appear on your profile. A well-planned grid can create a seamless flow. Some layout ideas include:
- Checkerboard
Alternating colours or content types. An example below!
- Row by Row
Each row narrates its own story or aligns with a specific theme.
- Puzzle
Posts combine to form a larger image.
- Borders
Use frames to add a polished touch. Have a look at the example below!
Planning your grid ensures every post contributes to the bigger picture. For instance, a puzzle layout can create an immersive storytelling experience. On the other hand, a checkerboard design offers a structured yet creative feel.
Here’s another tip, use apps like Preview or Planoly to test different layouts before posting. This streamlines your process and lets you visualise how each post aligns with your feed.
Step 3: Stick to a Colour Palette
Colour is crucial for making your Instagram aesthetic. Choose a palette of 2-5 complementary colours and incorporate them into your photos.
Tools like Coolors or Canva can help you find the perfect palette. Here are some tips:
- Edit Consistently
Apply consistent filters or presets across all your photos.
- Natural Lighting
Shoot in daylight for soft and even tones.
- Avoid Clashing Colours
Stick to hues that match your theme.
For example, if your theme is minimalist, focus on whites, greys, and earthy tones. A pastel theme might include soft pinks, blues, and yellows.
Consistency in colour ties your feed together and makes it instantly recognisable. Additionally, consistent edits create harmony, even if the subject matter varies.
Look at how Dior stays consistent with their colours and filters (see the picture above). They use gold and soft lighting to create a luxurious and timeless aesthetic, blending warm tones with muted shades.
This cohesive colour palette reinforces their brand identity and adds a sophisticated elegance to their feed.
Step 4: Focus on High-Quality Photos
Blurry or poorly lit photos can ruin your aesthetic. Follow these basics for quality content:
- Use a Good Camera
If you don’t have access to a DSLR, smartphone cameras work great too! Optimise settings to get high-quality shots.
- Experiment with Angles
Unique perspectives make your photos stand out.
- Edit Thoughtfully
Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation without overdoing it.
For example, when photographing food, shoot in natural light near a window. For portraits, try golden hour for soft, flattering lighting.
Apps like Lightroom or VSCO allow precise adjustments. They help your photos look professional and cohesive.
Step 5: Incorporate Captivating Captions
While visuals grab attention, captions keep followers engaged. Write captions that match your theme’s tone, whether playful, inspirational, or informative. Don’t forget to:
- Include relevant hashtags to boost discoverability
- Use emojis sparingly to add personality
- Encourage interaction with questions or calls-to-action
For instance, if you post a serene beach photo with a pastel theme, your caption could describe the calmness of the moment. Ask followers about their favourite beaches and then use hashtags like #pastelvibes or #beachaesthetic. Captions add depth and personality to your posts.
A real life example is from Dior (see the above photo). The caption perfectly embodies the elegance and sophistication that Dior is renowned for.
By using evocative language such as “baroque dreams suspended in chiaroscuro” and “sensually glimmering,” the caption immerses readers in a luxurious narrative. Thus, creating a vivid visual and emotional connection with the jewellery collection.
It further highlights the artistic craftsmanship and heritage of the brand, mentioning details like “precious gems holding the light of distant stars” and the role of the designer, Victoire de Castellane.
This poetic storytelling elevates the perceived value of the collection. It’s appealing to Dior’s target audience who appreciate both beauty and artistry.
Additionally, the use of hashtags such as #DiorJoaillerie and #DiorMagazine not only enhances discoverability but reinforces brand identity.
The LEGO Family and LEGO collaboration post instantly catches the eye with its short and witty caption (see the above picture).
This creative pun complements LEGO’s playful and imaginative spirit, adding a festive touch that resonates with the holiday vibe.
The caption’s clever wordplay reflects LEGO’s knack for creativity and community spirit. Hence, making it engaging for audiences of all ages.
Combined with the vibrant and inclusive visual, it encapsulates the joy and connection that LEGO stands for, creating a heartwarming and memorable holiday greeting.
Step 6: Maintain Consistency
Consistency is key to making your Instagram feed aesthetic. Here’s how you can stay consistent:
- Post Regularly
Stick to a schedule to keep your feed active.
- Stick to Your Theme
Avoid random posts that disrupt your grid.
- Review Before Posting
Check how new content fits your feed.
For example, if your theme revolves around travel, ensure every post ties back to that idea. Even a picture of a coffee cup should connect to a travel story or mood. Consistency builds familiarity, which keeps followers returning for more.
Step 7: Add Creative Touches
Unique elements make your feed memorable. Experiment with:
- Reels and Stories
Add motion and personality to your profile.
Reels not only boost your reach but also add variety and movement. This keeps your Instagram from feeling static.
For your Stories, avoid plain colour backgrounds because they’re bland. Use high-quality images instead. Get creative with Instagram’s fonts and the ‘Link’ sticker to add a fresh, dynamic touch. And don’t forget to include a call-to-action (CTA) in your stories.
To help you paint the picture, have a look at the Stories examples below!
Read more: What Is a Call to Action & How to Write a CTA That Converts
- Typography Posts
Post quotes or important announcements using your theme’s colours. This is to create a cohesive and branded look for your feed.
- Highlights Covers
Design custom icons or images that represent each highlight. These can be pictures, symbols, or graphics that complement your brand’s colour palette. This adds a unique and cohesive touch to your profile.
For example, use highlights to organise your stories into categories like travel, food, or behind-the-scenes moments. Custom icons that match your colour palette give your profile a polished, professional look.
The real-life example above showcases how Rare Beauty uses colours that complement their brand palette for their highlight covers. This creates a sleek and minimalist aesthetic on their Instagram profile.
Another real-life example is Mejuri’s Instagram highlight covers. They use images that have been carefully edited to match and complement their brand’s colour palette. This not only creates a cohesive and branded look but also reinforces their minimalist, elegant aesthetic.
Recent Instagram Aesthetic Trends
Instagram aesthetics are constantly evolving. Staying updated with current trends can give your feed a fresh, modern look. Here are some recent trends:
- Retro Vibes
Nostalgic themes with grainy filters, muted tones, and vintage-inspired content. This trend adds a touch of sentimentality and charm to your feed.
- Neon Highlights
Bright neon accents against dark backgrounds. It creates a bold and eye-catching contrast, perfect for nightlife or urban themes.
- Collage Feeds
A mix of images, text overlays, and graphic elements. This scrapbook-like style adds a creative and personal touch.
- Film-Style Photography
Photos with a film-like appearance, including light leaks and soft blurs. It gives a timeless, artistic feel.
- Maximalism
Opposite of minimalism, this trend embraces bold patterns, busy layouts, and vibrant colours for a lively, chaotic aesthetic.
- Eco-Themed Feeds
Focus on nature, sustainability, and green living. Earthy tones and outdoor imagery dominate this trend. They appeal to environmentally conscious audiences.
Incorporating these trends can help your feed stand out. Choose ones that align with your personal style or brand identity. Keep trying different approaches to discover what clicks with your audience.
Tools to Perfect Your Aesthetic
Creating an aesthetic Instagram feed is easier with the right tools. Some popular options include:
- Canva
Design templates and highlight covers.
- Snapseed
Free and beginner-friendly photo editing.
- Later
Schedule and preview posts.
- Unum
Plan your grid layout visually.
Each tool serves a specific purpose. Canva helps with design, Snapseed enhances photos, and Later ensures your posting schedule aligns with peak engagement times. Check out these tools to simplify your content creation journey.
Tie Your Instagram Feed Aesthetics with A Bio That Complements!
Now that your Instagram is aesthetic, it’s time for your bio to have a makeover! Ensure your bio reflects your aesthetic theme. If your feed has a minimalist vibe, keep your bio concise and clean.
If you lean into bold and vibrant themes, use fun emojis and playful language. A cohesive bio reinforces your overall Instagram aesthetic and attracts the right audience.
Look at how @whitneyhansonpoetry writes her bio (see the above picture). The little statement “poetry isn’t a dead language” attracts target audiences who are into poetry. It also hints that her Instagram is a space where poetry is brought to life, showcasing her books, audiobooks, and creative work in a modern, relatable way.
Rhode, on the other hand, takes an intentional approach with their bio branding. With a short and concise introduction to their brand and minimal use of emojis, their bio complements their minimalist style. This reinforces their brand identity and aligns perfectly with their overall aesthetic.
Here’s an extra tip! Make sure to include SEO-friendly keywords in your Instagram bio. For example, if you’re a travel blogger, mention specific keywords like “adventure travel” or “budget-friendly trips.” This helps users discover your profile when they search for those terms.
Read more about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): What is SEO?
Returning to Rhode’s bio, they’ve included keywords like “skincare” and “dermatologist-developed,” which users are likely to search for when looking for skincare solutions.
Also, don’t forget to add a short CTA to direct visitors to your links! Marshall (refer to the above picture) keeps it short and to the point with the simple “Shop now:” prompt. It ensures users can take action effortlessly.
If you need help with all your SEO woes, we’ve got you covered! We’ll help you weave your brand into the Asian market with SEO strategies that will drive growth. Whether on social media or on the SERP, we’ve got the tools to help!
Call us now at +65 8341 3435 (Singapore) or +60 88-718 418 (Malaysia). You can even send us an email at wanting@weave.asia. This is your chance to step up your brand game and be seen!
Ready to Make Your Instagram Aesthetic?
Crafting an aesthetic Instagram feed takes planning and effort, but the results are worth it. A visually appealing profile can boost engagement, grow your following, and enhance your personal or brand image.
Start by choosing a theme, planning your grid, and sticking to a colour palette. Combine these steps with quality photos, creative touches, and consistency for a feed that stands out.
Remember, your Instagram feed is a reflection of your unique style. Have fun experimenting, and watch your profile transform into an aesthetic masterpiece.
And yes, your Instagram aesthetics can evolve! You don’t have to stick to one look forever – refresh your style seasonally or whenever inspiration strikes.
Now that you know how to make Instagram aesthetic, it’s time to turn your ideas into reality!
Need help? We’re here to answer your SOS! Feel free to contact us at +65 8341 3435 (Singapore) or +60 88-718 418 (Malaysia). Let’s discuss how Weave Asia can transform your Instagram into a true reflection of your brand identity!
