You have probably seen the new(ish) trend of captions reading “Instagram vs. Reality” showing a beautiful image that is #goals next to a real life moment. It’s so easy for everyone involved in social media to feel as if everyone else’s life is always picture perfect. As a social media user I know it is refreshing to see more candid moments mixed into a curated feed. But also as a creative I look towards social media for inspirational and aspirational content, too.
I have seen many Instagram story polls with results showing that the curated feed is out and real life moments are what users care about. Well, I might be in the minority here but I feel like I have to stand up for those of us who also appreciate the hard work that goes into creating beautiful and cohesive content. When blogging, Pinterest and Instagram started it was all about creating and sharing beautiful imagery. People started their accounts as a creative outlet, not with intentions to monetize.
So with that being said, there are accounts that were created with different intentions. If you use Instagram as a platform to share your #ootd and your personal style then I think it is less important to worry about your overall cohesion. These accounts don’t include “filler” photos because their audience isn’t interested in that. Right? We follow our favorite style accounts for outfit inspiration. They wouldn’t be who I look to for creative inspiration.
My favorite accounts to follow are full of beautiful architecture, flowers, cohesive editing and images that make me want to jump on a plane and go explore. Sure, those are the accounts that could be considered less authentic but that’s where I think we’ve got it wrong. Think of it this way… when someone posts a picture of a beautiful building or a fresh bouquet of flowers, they are sharing something that inspires them. It’s not a picture with an affiliate link to shop, it is purely meant to inspire! Before Instagram was shop-able it was a platform to share an image that you loved with your followers. What’s more authentic than that?!
In my opinion there is no right or wrong way to use Instagram. It might be true that the we like to see more “real” moments rather than feeling like everything is staged. But I think you can still enjoy beautiful images and a curated feed as long as the voice behind the content is authentic.
I know quite a few creatives who feel like they have to move away from the curated feed to appeal to a larger audience. My thoughts on this are stay true to who you are and share what speaks to you. I love that I have a community of people with similar interests to mine. Social media is about connecting with other people. So if you are like me and enjoy the creativity behind photography and editing, just know that there is still a place for us too! xo Bryn
Exactly what I hoped you would say and couldn’t agree more!! Always love your take on things ❤️
– Mary
Thanks Mary! I knew we would be on the same page! Xo Bryn
YESSSS!!! Thank you for pointing out something so obvious that I completely overlooked. Curated feeds are more holistic and not focused on solely pushing product.
xo Sam
Right?! That’s why I love following accounts that share a range of things that are inspiring in addition to their personal style! Xo Bryn
I agree! My purpose on IG is to share what I like and inspires me as well. I post things I find beautiful. I’m not sure what is seen “from the other side”, however, it’s what I try to relate. I love your post, and I love your IG feed!
https://www.bloomingmagnoliasblog.com/fashion/gingham-shirt-dress
I love that! And that’s how it should be! Thanks so much! Xo Bryn
Yes Bryn! I totally agree with your sentiment here – if I change up my feed it’s going to be because I’m a person who has had her creativity pulled in a new direction, not because I feel I HAVE to do it to stay relevant.
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
That’s a great point! I totally agree it should be about creativity! Xo Bryn
Amen sis, keep speaking up. People need to hear your truth!
Thanks so much Karissa! Xo Bryn
YES! I was talking with friends the other day about how everyone sees social media as this unhealthy evil in our lives, but that I find it to be such a force of good. I think it goes back to exactly what you’re saying – you have to find the right way to use Instagram for you. If it’s following those with a feed of inspirational highlights that’s great, but it’s just as great if you want to see those real life moments (and the same goes for sharing either type of content!)
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
So true Caroline! I think we all need to remember what Instagram is for and enjoy it for the creativity and the connection it provides. Like you said there is no right or wrong way to use it! Xo Bryn
Great points! Balance in everything, right?
I personally feel too much pressure to have a curated feed, so I don’t bother. And, I really appreciate authenticity in the people I follow! If not a bts picture, at least the caption can contain something of substance underneath a posed photo.
Yes I totally agree! People can show authenticity in different ways! Xo Bryn
I totally agree with your points here! I prefer to have a curated feed because for me, it is like creating art each time, rather than just talking blatantly about my cardigan or shoes. For some, that works, but for me, I love beauty and I love to create beautiful things!
– Jessica
Miss Moore Style
I couldn’t agree more with you, since I love photography and fashion, I like to follow people who inspire me and I really don’t care if the post contains many links, however I just don’t like when the pictures have a lot of editings/presets/filters running away from the original image and place and then you see that it’s absolutely unreal.
By the way, I really liked your Instagram feed, so lovely! ❤
xoxo,
Jessica | whattostyle.blogspot.com |
Instagram @ what_to_style