Instagram Updates. How to use portrait photography.
As you currently scroll Instagram, you may notice that people post their images in several ways.
Obviously, we have the OG, the square. Users are also posting landscape images, which we see a lot in the property industry because of the professional photography that is being supplied. But more recently, Instagram introduced portrait images. (1080 x 1350px if you don’t already use them)
It seems there has been (MORE) testing to the app, and they are currently looking at a portrait grid to replace the squares.
These may just be that. Tests. However, the fact that accounts are starting to see this live, suggests that it may be in the pipeline and may be rolled out.
What does this mean for you?
Well, if you’re not already, I would suggest you start posting 1080 x 1350 images.
Of course, working in property you may be concerned about losing detail from your images. Particularly when using professional photography and being supplied landscape images. But I’ve been using them on clients for a while now, and it can work.
Resize your photos
Your photos can be resized quite easily on tools like Canva. I use Metricool for my clients. There is free and paid for versions. They make it super easy to resize the image before you post.
Brief your photographer
If you are really having problems, brief your photographer. Ask them to consider this, where possible when taking photographs. For example, can they add additional angles or take the front shot from further back? Try to make sure their focus is on the middle third.
Make use of carousels
You could split one landscape image over a number of carousel slides, so users can scroll through seamlessly. Create a new custom design in Canva. If you want to split one image over two posts, this should be 2160 x 1350px. For three images use 3240 x 1350 px and so forth. Once finished you can use something like Panorama Crop to split the design.
Use stories
Again, if you’re worried about missing out use your stories. Adam Mosseri did state that this has no impact on the algorithm or the growth of your page. But they are still being viewed. And, keeping them up to date ensures you are continuously showing off your properties. It also means you can add direct links to your website.
Just to caveat we don’t know if or when this is being rolled out. So, in the meantime, you still need to consider the square grid.
What I mean by this is, use the new sizes but continue to focus on the middle square.
In this example, the green area is what will show on the grid.
If you’re posting a photo of the team for example, be mindful that you won’t chop their heads off on the grid!
Also consider the fact that even if it’s rolled out on your account. It might not be the same for your audience. So, it is worth continuing this method for a little while until we know it’s completely rolled out
Free Canva template
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