In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram remains the best place to showcase your personal branding and tell visual stories. In 2024, the aesthetic appeal of your Instagram feed still plays an integral role in attracting (and retaining) followers. A cohesive, visually pleasing Instagram grid not only captures the attention of your audience but also communicates the personality of your brand. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of planning your Instagram feed in 2024 and for inspiration on grid layouts that can transform your profile taking it from meh to marvellous!
Is Planning Your Instagram Feed Still Important in 2024?
First, let’s talk about the importance of planning out your Instagram feed. While having the perfectly curated Insta feed might be a thing of the past (that moment has passed!), the importance of having a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed remains. It's not just about the individual posts, but how they come together to tell a story, convey a mood, or reflect a persona. Planning your Instagram feed is akin to curating an art gallery where each piece complements the other, and when displayed together, it creates a harmonious visual experience for your followers.
Not sure how to create a beautiful Insta feed that not only reflects your brand but speaks to your target market? We got you! Here are 7 Instagram layouts that will inspire you and help make your grid pop and stand out from everyone else on the gram!
Example 1: Vertical Lines
One timeless layout is the vertical lines grid, where you align your posts to create vertical lines across your feed. This can be achieved by posting quotes, solid backgrounds, or consistent subjects in every second or third post. The vertical lines layout introduces rhythm and continuity, guiding the viewer's eye down the page in a pleasing manner. We love this example from @imsabahasan:
Example 2: Checkerboard
The checkerboard layout alternates between two post types, creating a checkered pattern that pops! This could be alternating between photos and quotes, different color schemes, or contrasting subject matters. The checkerboard layout is perfect for those who wish to incorporate varied content without sacrificing feed cohesion. We love these examples from @mahacopyco & @bossgirlgram.
Example 3: Consistent Filter & Color Scheme
It’s no secret that colors influence our feelings, emotions and even our decisions, and are super important when it comes to marketing. When creating and editing your Instagram images, maintaining a consistent filter and/or color scheme across your posts can unify your feed and evoke certain feelings in people. This approach is ideal for brands or individuals looking to establish a brand image where aesthetics are key. By sharing content with similar colors & filters, you create a visually cohesive experience for visitors to your page. We love how @renskincare & @lailaletterweddings use consistent color schemes, tones and overall vibe to tell their story and conjure up certain feelings and emotions.
Example 4: Puzzle Grid
The puzzle grid layout takes planning to the next level, where multiple posts come together to form a larger image. This layout requires meticulous planning and execution but results in a striking and interactive feed. Each post, while part of a bigger picture, should also stand on its own to ensure your feed remains interesting post by post. How cute is this example by artist @ikigaicreations?
Example 5: Alternate Grid
An alternate grid layout involves alternating between two types of content while maintaining a consistent theme or aesthetic. This could be achieved by alternating close-up shots with wide-angle shots, or alternating product photos with lifestyle shots. This layout keeps a feed dynamic and versatile, but also looking neat and tidy. In these examples, @confidentwomencorner & @ambitiousher share simple quote graphics alternated with reels (using thumbnails from the reel as the cover). Simple and effective!
Example 6: Horizontal lines
We see this trend a lot and we really like it! It involves splitting an image or graphic into three vertically and posting them consecutively, so they create one image when viewed on a page. This layout particularly cool when the posts are pinned to the top of a page – making it stand out at the very top of a page. Great for promoting a key message or offer! @rayofsocial uses this grid layout to showcase how people can work with her and @thesocialbritif uses it to promote her current offer.
Example 7: White Borders
Anyone who remembers old school Instagram filters will appreciate this one! This grid layout involves sharing images with white borders which when viewed on a page, makes the images stand out. The borders make you focus on the image and also can help keep a page looking consistent and on-brand even if the images aren’t the same aesthetic. @lady.austin’s page demonstrates this perfectly!
Tips for Creating the Perfect Instagram Feed
- Brand Identity: ensure you have a strong brand image that reflects your personality and attracts your target audience.
- Plan Ahead: Use planning apps (like rapidely) to visualize your grid before posting.
- Stay Consistent: Whether it's through filters, colors or fonts - consistency is key.
- Tell Stories: Instagram is all about telling stories. Plan a feed that tells the story of your brand both visually and through words.
- Engage Your Audience: Create content that encourages interaction and really speaks to your target market both visually and in the messaging.
- Analyze and Adjust: Use your insights to review what content and visuals are working to understand what works and refine your strategy accordingly (read more about what insights to track here).
In 2024, Instagram remains a powerful platform for connecting with people, building a community, and visually expressing your brand identity. By thoughtfully planning your feed using these grid layouts, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive profile that captivates and grows your audience. You can use a tool like rapidely to create, plan and schedule your content (it has a handy grid previewer so you can visualize and adjust your feed accordingly). Remember, the best feed is one that reflects your unique style and story. Happy posting everyone!
