TOP 5 INSTAGRAM AESTHETIC TRENDS FOR 2021

Instagram aesthetic trends are constantly evolving — but what are the top trends for your feed in 2021?

From the rise of Instagram Reels to visual brand storytelling, your Instagram feed is about to be more creative and engaging than ever before.

Discover our Top 5 Trends to watch out for on Instagram in 2021, as well as how to use them to grow your business or brand:

The Rise of Reels

Instagram Reels are one of the hottest trends on Instagram right now, and they’re everywhere. There’s even a shortcut to discover Reels on the main Instagram navigation menu.

But what does this mean for the Instagram aesthetic? In essence, things are about to get a whole lot more creative — with fast, fun, and engaging video clips taking centre stage.

Thanks to Instagram Reels’ advanced editing tools, it’s now easier than ever to create professional-looking videos with perfectly-timed text overlays and special effects.

In terms of visual aesthetic, Reels can be filmed with any filter from Instagram’s huge library. And for those concerned about disrupting a perfectly curated grid aesthetic, you can add a custom cover image before you hit publish. However, having a perfect aesthetic is less important when it comes to Instagram Reels.

The focus should be on creating engaging content that captures your audience’s attention and delivers *reel* value.

Visual Brand Storytelling

In 2021, your brand’s Instagram profile is as important as your website.

More than ever before, potential customers are using the Instagram app to search for brands and businesses rather than Google and it’s true that first impressions count. This is why so many brands are investing in their branding and visual storytelling on Instagram as it’s one of the best ways to build a large and engaged following.

To make more of this trend, take a look at your profile image, Instagram Stories Highlights covers, and the top 9-12 Instagram posts. Are they all working together to tell a clear and consistent story about your brand? If not, you could be missing an opportunity to convert visitors into followers, and followers into customers!

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusivity should never be a “trend,” but there is a positive shift happening on Instagram right now — and one that shouldn’t just be status quo in 2021, but forever.  Brands are stepping up and actively representing their communities through their content, whether it’s by diversifying the imagery they share or making posts more accessible with subtitles and alt text.

Being inclusive is also one of the best ways to strengthen the sense of community around your brand.

Sharing content that reflects your audience can help members of your community to feel represented, which can also be a powerful way to show you’re here for all of your followers regardless of demographic.

The No-Edit Edit

Long gone are the days of harsh edits and pumped up saturation — the “no-edit edit” is the trend everyone is talking about in 2021.

Think tiny tweaks, a hint of colour change, and saying goodbye to unrealistic edits. Minimal edit trend is the way forward going hand-in-hand with the rise of authentic content on Instagram.

We’re seeing tons of brands and businesses getting on board and showing a more honest and vulnerable side to their brand.

Text-heavy Carousel Posts for Cause Advocacy

More than ever before, people expect the brands they support to have a clear stance on social causes on Instagram.

Over the last 12 months, brands have taken to Instagram to inform their communities on issues ranging from politics to social justice, often using text-heavy carousel posts. When done right, brands can make a real difference to a movement they care about — while also building their brand identity and values.

However, it’s imperative that brands approach supporting a social cause with sensitivity and careful consideration.

Brands that succumb to tokenism can face a negative backlash, especially if their corporate actions don’t align with their stance on social media.