Cool things and ideas you didn’t know you can do on Instagram in 2022

• You can create quick responses (ready to go answers e.g. greeting etc) on Business account: go to your profile > click on Menu (3 horizontal lines top right corner) > select Business > select Quick Replies > tap New Quick Reply > type the message (can also create a shortcut) > when finished, tap the check mark in the top right corner of the screen.
• You can see a Story longer time when you press your finger down on the screen
• “Instagram Rage Shake” – If you have a problem you want to report, then you can simply: open the Instagram app > shake your phone > “Instagram Rage Shake” is activated > report your problem Note!!! It doesn’t work with all the phones.
• Watermark your work: It’s necessary when people share or reupload your content, so you won’t be the unknown and still get the credit. Now, be clever and put your watermark inside the picture. It means, when you put it in the corner or in the sides of your picture or video, it’s easy to crop it out and somebody might claim your work as theirs. It’s better to put your watermark somewhere where it can’t be cropped out, align it with your bodyparts or product, drawing etc. It’s already better, if your watermark is not horizontal or vertical, so it’s more difficult to cut out.

• Diagonal grids – spiraling content

  And here’s where things get complicated. Because yes, I took a chance and showed you the simple-to-make but not-so-wow ones first. They’re a great start if you’re not an editing expert. I’m not either.

  But what truly turned the Instagram world upside down are some crazy grid combinations that make me look through the green glasses. Why didn’t I think of it first? But enough with this jealousy, this is the diagonal grid.

  Looks complicated? Well, it is not that hard to maintain this consistency. All you have to do is pick one kind of photo or video and one color. Then drag them to form a diagonal. 

  The tricky part? You have to plan your grid beforehand because you’ll constantly need magnificent trios of photos with the same content and color.

  Example time. Look how Naomi created a diagonal grid using photos of sweets with a brown accent:

Row by row grids – classy, yet in trend

This creative layout makes me think of some sort of reinvented comic book. Want to tell a story in more than one photo with zero words? Then this is your perfect type of grid. Basically, you’ll use each row to create a story or one chapter of the story. Brand storytelling at its best!

Honestly, I’ll use that only because when I take my cat’s photos, I can’t pick only one to post. Jokes aside, I’ve seen pretty spectacular stories created using this type of grid. And it’s easy to make because it doesn’t need much planning. Its only disadvantage is you have to publish three posts at a time or you’ll break the flow. But the sacrifice is worth it.

Rainbow grids – color is everything

Not a fan of routine? Then this grid is for you. Because you’ll probably get tired of using the same colors or the same backgrounds over and over again, the rainbow grid will allow you to play with colors like no other grid. But spectacular details don’t come easy. 

The rainbow grid requires a lot of planning, special tools, and creativity. Basically, you’ll use the row by row technique, but every row should be connected with the one above and the one below. Are you committing to find transitions every time? You’re my hero.

The rhythm is usually of 3, 6, or 9 photos for each color. But who’s counting anyway? 

Puzzle grids – infinite storyline

And now, for the grid of the grids, creme de la creme, the best of the best, we’ll talk about the puzzle grid. It may sound simple, but really, it is the most strategic, painful and beautiful form of art you can find on Instagram. It works great with videos too.

And I’ll tell you why: puzzles have a background that is continuously evolving. Each post should be connected with all its neighbor posts. Easy? Think about how when you post a picture, you also have to include elements of the picture that will come above it. And what happens if you don’t post the pictures in the correct order?

Squares grids – back to the basics

Now you’re probably thinking: “Wait a minute, Luciana, what’s there to talk about squares?”. What can I say, we live in weird times where squares are actually a thing. 

We can’t miss the minimalist type of grid. The first type of grid that looked messy back in the day made Instagrammers transition to a minimalist layout where they focused on one or two colors positioned in the center of the picture, while the rest of it is just plain background. If you’re not all rainbows, then this grid may be the one for you. 

Mixed grids – your own magic formula

Can’t stick to one type? Me neither! Don’t worry, there’s something for us too. Mixing and matching is also a type of layout and some Instagram accounts are slaying with creativity.

How to mix the grid? Try the line in the middle with a puzzle, or row by row with borders. In the end, you have to be yourself, so don’t necessarily stick to the rules.

 Instagram Grow Helps In 2022

Good apps/softwares (editing, automation, followers etc)

The list is still enclosing.

Photo/picture editing:

• PicsArt – basically, you can go beyond the filter and touch-ups, very creative. Many use it to for example easily change the background e.g. add clouds, sparkle, flames etc (free trial available).
• Canva – has a collection of designs, templates, photos, icons – create whatever you want – resume, Instagram Story, slides etc (free to use, some features cost if you don’t want a watermark on them)
• AfterLight 2 – has an extensive library of natural filters and powerful editing tools, one of the best photo editing software, awesome price quality ratio
• Photoshop – one of the best imaging and graphic design software – photos, videos, illustrations, 3D artwork, website and mobile apps’ design. Pretty advanced and might be difficult for a newbie (free trial available).
• Facetune 2 – photo editor that offers a collection of the best pro retouching features (“freemium” business model – free, but if you want to use all the features, you have to buy a lisence)
• VSCO – offers presets and editing tools on mobile to make beautiful photos and videos
• Preview – schedule, editing and hashtag tools, analytics. Can visually plan your Instagram feed with it (free version available).

Video editing:

• InShot – you can trim and cut video/movie, blur background and no crop, add music and video effects. Also offers collage and photo EditorWorks on mobile (free to use, but offers in-app purchases).
• Lumafusion (also LumaFX) – powerful video editing app on mobile, offers special effects, music, filters etc ($19.99 and offers in-app purchases)
• Boomerang from Instagram – create captivating mini videos that loop back and forth (like a GIF) on mobile. Free to use.

Automation:

• Buffer – you can plan and publish your content for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, all from one simple dashboard. It saves time and helps to schedule your uploads. Offers a free plan.
• Later – Similar to Buffer. You can visually plan, schedule and publish Instagram posts. Offers a free plan.
• Combin – helps to manage and grow your Instagram safely and organically. Has a free plan.

Questions about hashtags

How many hashtags can I use per post?

You can use up to 30 hashtags per post. If you are not yet that well-known, then I suggest using less popular hashtags in between 100 000 to 500 000 post shares and some more popular ones, like hashtags with 10+ mil post shares. Hashtags should also be relevant to your post.

Should I use all 30 hashtags?

If you are a new account or not that well-known, then you should use all of them. They will help to get noticed. If you are already a bigger account, then it’s not that important anymore.

What are good hashtags?

A list of good hashtags that would always suit for every account doesn’t exist, sadly. The only way to find good hashtags for your account is to do some research. Although, it’s always fool proof to use hashtags that are relevant to your post. Also, look which hashtags your “competitors” are using. It can give you a better idea and help to start searching best hashtags for you.

How to find relevant hashtags?

1. Look what your competitors and/or colleagues are using
2. If you’re still in baby shoes, use hashtags between 100k to 1M post shares, if you’re a bigger account, use hashtags between 1M to 999M post shares 😀
3. Google relevant hashtags: If you are, let’s say, a fitness account, then use hashtags that fitness lovers would search. Google some fitness related hashtags.
4. Use relevant hashtags for your specific post: If the post is about your delicious morning cappuccino, then use coffee, cappuccino, maybe also morning, breakfast and some #delicious kind of related hashtags.
5. Create your own hashtag: Especially great for brands
6. Use trending, topical and/or seasonal hashtags: for example use Christmas related hashtags during Christmas etc

Can I add hashtags to an Instagram Story?

Yes, you can!

Can I tag hashtags on a picture?

Which hashtags are banned on Instagram?

Many hashtags are banned for their own reasons. Here’s some of them, you can’t believe are banned: #adultlife #alone #asia #attractive #beautyblogger #besties #books #babe #beyonce #desk #date #easter #followforfollow #girlsonly #happythanksgiving #mustfollow #newyears #newyearsday #single #valentinesday #woman #women etc

What happens if I use a banned hashtag?

If your post contains any of the banned hashtag, then you are hidden from hashtag searches (all your hashtags stop working, even though they are not banned) and explore pages – basically, your post doesn’t like exist. You might also get flagged for spam. Multiple flags could lead to shadowbanning, blocking or account removal. Instagram is banning hashtags to take action against hacking, spamming etc. Some seemingly harmless and common hashtags are banned for that reason.

What is shadowbanning?

You might get shadowbanned if you use banned hashtags when posting. Shadowbanning is somewhat secret – many won’t even know that it’s happening. If you notice your content is receiving fewer likes and comments, or aren’t appearing in hashtag searches at all, you might be shadowbanned.