If you’re anything like me, you’re probably a little too obsessed with Instagram. I have spent an unhealthy amount of time scrolling through beautifully curated feeds, admiring the carefully crafted aesthetics. That got me to thinking, what makes a good Instagram feed? I think it boils down to three essential parts: content, editing, and planning. “But how do I do that?” you might ask. Here are seven essential apps to help you up your Instagram game.
1. Boomerang
Everybody has seen a cute Boomerang video at some point. Boomerang creates tiny videos that loop back and forth and are the perfect adorable addition to any Instagram feed.
2. Hyperlapse
Instagram’s Hyperlapse is an essential for anyone who wants to create a flawless timelapse. Unlike other time-lapse apps, Hyperlapse removes shaky frames to create a smooth end result.
3. Snapseed
Created by Google, it’s one of the best photo editing tools in the game and it’s free. Snapseed allows you to fine-tune your photos with more precision and effects than VSCO or Instagram.
4. VSCO
If you want more filter options and control and Instagram offers, but more simplicity than Snapseed, VSCO will be your friend. The range of unique filters, you're sure to find something that fits your aesthetic.
5. BLACK
I love me a good black and white photo but most filters just don’t cut it for me. BLACK is cool because it mimics specific black and white film, like Kodak TRI-x 400 and Fuji Neopan 400. You can also adjust shadows, vignette, and curves. Best of all, it’s easy to use.
6. Captiona
Let’s be real, who else struggles to come up with good captions? That’s where Captiona comes in. Instead of googling “Drake lyrics for insta captions,” use the searchable database of captions by typing in a keyword.
7. UNUM
I don’t know about you, but I struggled for a long time to figure out how to post things to create a cohesive aesthetic. How was I supposed to know what pictures would look good next to each other in my feed? Then I found UNUM. UNUM’s grid system allows you to plan your feed before you post it. It also provides analytics that tell you the best posting times, best hashtags, and engagement information for your posts.
