If you follow the latest social trends, you’ve probably made an Instagram collage. No, we are not talking about paper, scissors and glue. Think Instagram Top Nine. Or the “LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter” meme.
But brands have used the crafty art form for more than just memes. Instagram collages can combine multiple photos to show different product angles and features, even before and after shots. Add frames and borders for a scrapbook-style event summary. Or collect multiple pieces for gift guides and seasonal mood boards.
All this and more can be done without paper cutting and superglue snafus. A number of free Instagram collage apps make cropping and styling easy and hassle-free.
Are you feeling bad? Read on for the tips, tricks, and tools you need to make collages a part of your Instagram business strategy.
How to make a collage on Instagram?
Follow these steps to learn how to create a collage on Instagram posts and Stories.
to feed
Here’s how to make a collage on an Instagram post:
- Download the layout and open it.
- Tap the pictures you plan to add. You can choose up to nine. A checkmark will appear next to each image you select.
- Select your preferred layout from the top of the screen.
- Tap any picture to edit it. Use the blue handles to resize.
- Mirror or flip each image according to your desired result.
- Add borders if you want.
- Press Save.
- Share to Instagram or save to your camera roll.
Fly: Instagram Layout offers only basic editing features. If your photos require work on them, be sure to edit them first and save them to your camera roll.
stories
Here’s how to make a collage in Instagram Stories. The language may be slightly different depending on the device you are using.
- Open Instagram.
- Tap the camera icon in the upper left corner or swipe right.
- Take a photo.
- Open the pen tool. It’s the squiggly line icon second from the top right.
- Choose a background color. Press and hold the image until the color fills over the image. Shot.
- Leave Instagram and go to your camera roll.
- Select a photo you want to include and select copy.
- Open Instagram and wait Add Stickers seem. Tap and place it where you want it to appear.
- Repeat until you’ve added all the photos you plan to add. Add illustrations, stickers, text or labels.
- Press share.
Still new to Instagram Stories? Here’s how to use them.
Instagram collage tips
Mix up your social game with these Instagram collage tips.
Start with a concept
All Instagram collages must be purposefully created. Don’t make collages just for that.
And they need to fit into your overall Instagram marketing plan.
Before you start creating a collage, consider why a collage is the best choice over a single-image post, carousel, or other option.
Your answer will lead to your collage concept. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
Use split screen to show multiple options
Show a new collection, product line, or product options
Encourage feedback and engagement
Create a step-by-step, how-to or before and after
Use multiple images to guide a narrative
Choose the right image mix
A good Instagram collage should never overwhelm the viewer. The choices you make should always be to convey a message or idea as clearly as possible.
For example, there are some situations where high volume is desired to convey the size or diversity of a community. The rest of the time, use images carefully and deliberately.
Stick to simple visuals with a clear focal point. Images that are too detailed or zoomed out lose their impact when paired with others and reduced in size.
Avoid color clashes by creating a complementary palette. If that’s not possible, try adding tints or treatments to match the photos.
Go black and white when all else fails or to set a mood.
Improve your visual content skills with these 12 tips.
Shape your collage
Sometimes all you need is a simple mix of images. But there are times when a little more “zhuzh” is called. And there are several ways to take your collage a step further.
From classic movie edges to flowers and stunning graphics, here are a few examples.
Frames can give a series of photos a vintage vibe or photo booth effect. They can also bring order and clarity to a cluttered image.
Textures and shapes can add both dimension and harmony.
Patterns can add flair and intrigue to a range of images.
Text boxes can cover anything from product information to positive reviews.
Add stickers and labels
Stickers and hashtags make your Instagram Stories and posts engaging and shoppable. And collages are no exception. In the best case, collages can even open up new ways to use these features.
If your collage includes multiple influencers, partners, or fans, be sure to tag them. This can get more engagement to your post or campaign.
For gift guides, summaries, or collages with multiple products, shoppable tags allow people to learn more about the item that stands out. Instagram allows you to tag up to five products per post, so make the most of it. Currently, only one product sticker can be added to Stories.
Brands have used stickers in their Instagram Story collages to great effect. French jewelery designer Louise Damas uses the poll sticker to see which pieces people like the most. Netflix uses this to get viewers to vote for the best dressed entrants. Ring.
Mix with multimedia
Instagram collages can combine images, videos, music, and text into a single post.
But doing this well can be difficult. Posts with a lot of media can appear cluttered or chaotic.
It all comes back to having a strong concept and a clear message.
Dove uses a collage to break beauty stereotypes with a grid of alternating portraits. Notice how only one image changes in each frame, at a rate that allows viewers to absorb everything.
Coachella’s “you might like” series combines an image with a video to provide a snapshot and sound of artists your followers might like. The framework of the campaign is super slick and straightforward.
Try advanced collage techniques
Collages can be a good way to cram everything into one post. But there’s no reason to limit yourself to just one. Expand an Instagram collage into a multi-post carousel or Story. Or, post this to your feed.
Learn how to use individual pictures and other Instagram tricks to make a bigger picture.
Keep feed aesthetics in mind
Technically, your Instagram feed is a collage of every post you post. Adding a collage post to the mix can seem busy if you’re not strategic about it.
Make sure your Instagram collage fits your feed aesthetic. If you frequently use certain Instagram filters or presets, a collage should not be an exception. Use in collage too.
Plan ahead with a content calendar like Moyens I/O Planner so you can see how the collage will look alongside other content before you hit the post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHuQs56muHU
Just because you’ve spent extra time on a collage doesn’t mean you should spend less time elsewhere. Keep in mind the ranking signals of the Instagram algorithm before posting.
7 Instagram collage apps
Use these Instagram collage apps to speed up your workflow and add some pizzazz.
1. Layout
As the official Instagram collage app, Layout fulfills your basic collage needs.
Add up to nine photos and position them in different layouts. Save posts as frames; this means they are good for grid, but not always ideal for Instagram Story collages.
Check out the options below for photo editing and more fancier templates.
Download: iOS and Android
2. Open
Unfold is one of the most popular Instagram collage apps available. In fact, the app is so popular that brands like Tommy Hilfiger have even created branded templates on the platform.
Numerous customizable options are available for both posts and Instagram Stories. And new layouts for special events or trends are added to the mix regularly. It’s free to use, but monthly members have access to a wider selection of stickers, fonts, and features.
Download: iOS and Android
3. A Design Kit
From the creators of A Color Story and Filmm, A Design Kit offers creators a kit and booth of free Instagram collage tools. Think cute and crafty, these stencils, brushes and stickers make it bright and fun.
This tool is good for posts and Stories with monthly subscription.
Download: iOS
4. Story luxury
As the name suggests, this Instagram collage app specializes in Story format. More than 570 photo and video templates are available, along with backgrounds, filters, branding and styling tools. It is available for free or for a monthly subscription.
Download: iOS
5. Magic
Mojo sees itself as a video stories editor for Instagram. New templates and fonts are added monthly to its library of over 100 templates. Each one is 100% editable so you can brand and customize it as you see fit. Did you accidentally shoot your video horizontally? No problem. The makers of Mojo have a few fixes for the common video redirect glitch.
Download: iOS and Android
6. SCRL
With access to Unsplash’s library of over 30,000 photos, SCRL makes it easy to create Instagram collage layers. These stock photos can add high production value to your content without the high costs.
This application stands out especially in panoramic carousels. In other words, you can use their tool to reveal a collage in a series of posts. This is a popular approach to wardrobe capsules, event summaries, and narrative concepts.
Download: iOS
7. Sorcerer
Magisto is a video editor that lets you create video collages or photo slideshows. The free app includes thematic templates, access to a music library, as well as filters, effects and stabilization fixes.
The Professional and Business plans offer access to a large library of stock photos and videos.
Download: iOS and Android
Looking for more Instagram apps? Here are 17 of them that will take your posts to the next level.
Save time managing your Instagram presence using Moyens I/O. From a single dashboard, you can schedule posts and post directly to Instagram, engage with viewers, measure performance, and run all your other social media profiles. Try it for free today.
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