The 5 Instagram Trends You Need to Know in 2021
Align Your Small Business with the New 2021 Instagram Aesthetic
If you haven’t realized it by now, let me take a minute to tell you. Instagram trends are constantly evolving! You’d be lucky to be able to keep the same Instagram aesthetic for over a year, as this platform moves fast. Think about the last time you made a conscious effort to update your small business’s Instagram account. It’s time to say goodbye to the heavily filtered photo, the perfectly curated latte & avocado toast pic, and anything else that falls into the “annoying influencer” category. In 2021, Instagram trends favor humor, nostalgia, and informative content that will not only engage your audience but also provide value. Let’s take a look at the 5 Instagram trends you need to know to effectively promote your small business in 2021.
Instagram Aesthetic Trend #1: Really Fun Reels
Instagram Reels were introduced in mid-2020 and have taken the platform by storm. Reels are short videos that can range from 15 to 30 seconds in length. They’re inspired by (if not completely ripped off from) the TikTok platform, which generated a lot of buzz in 2020 for both fun dance videos and possible data breaches. (But, we won’t focus on that right now.)
Reels are intended to be humorous or offer quick bits of easily digestible information. Since this is a new feature, Instagram tends to push these videos out to users more, meaning increased discoverability for your account and your business. It is important to note that Reels emphasize all things fun. If your business is more formal and professional, it may initially not seem like the best fit. Try taking an informational approach or use this small segment to show off another side of your business brand.
Reel Example:
If you’re an interior designer, you could use a 30 second Reel to give a quick glimpse of a finished room, offer your hot take on a design trend, or showcase a fast how-to video.
Instagram Aesthetic Trend #2: Text Heavy Carousels and Captions
When it comes to Instagram in 2021, information is king! People are now using the platform to look up businesses like you would on Google. In fact, over 200 million Instagram users visit at least one Instagram business page a day to get information on new specials, shop products, look up sales, and explore service portfolios. Some users tend to trust information coming from a business’s Instagram page more because they believe it is more up to date and offers a behind the scenes look at the company.
When these users come for information, make sure you are supplying it! Instagram caption length is increasing, and people are looking to read more details not only in captions but also in text-heavy carousel graphics. In 2021, your Instagram caption should be at least 70 words. Say goodbye to one sentence captions and hello to full paragraphs! If your business struggles with captions, you may want to consider hiring a copywriter to craft engaging captions that capture your audience and deliver results.
Long-form Caption Example:
If you’re a restaurant, don’t just post a photo of the daily special and caption it with a string of emojis. Deliver information about availability, pricing, ingredients, and even recipe inspiration. Inspire your audience and entice them to try!
Instagram Aesthetic Trend #3: Nostalgia and OId School Charm
2020 was a rough year, and it left many people craving the nostalgia of yesteryear. Nostalgia and old school charm are making their way into the 2021 Instagram aesthetic. Now, nostalgia means different things to different people, so this trend has a range of aesthetics to choose from. The trends of the 90s and early 2000s are finding their way onto the platform in the form of interface graphics, polaroids, and retro-regrams. This look may work for some business brands but not all. Don’t worry. Retro-inspired black and white and grain filters are also spiking in popularity, as is the use of stills and gifs from vintage Hollywood movies. Have fun with this trend, but tread lightly.
Nostalgia Example:
If you’re an interior designer or architect, showcase vintage design from historic eras. Point out features of the trends and explain how they could be incorporated into modern styles.
Instagram Aesthetic Trend #4: Funny and Relatable Memes
Memes may not seem like the first choice for marketing your business on Instagram, but they have carved out space on the platform and are here to make waves in the 2021 Instagram aesthetic. Memes can range in style and include classic takes on internet trends like Grumpy Cat, out of context video clips with new captions, and even screenshots of Tweets. Memes gain traction because people love to share them, so they are a great way to brand your business and get discovered. However, they must be on-trend and land well to be successful. Consider hiring a copywriter or content creator who is up to date on the latest trends to help create this popular short-form content.
Shoutout to Black + White Creamery for this amazing idea.
Meme Tip:
Video clip memes are viral content and easy to make. When creating, imagine the clip as your reaction to everyday occurrences in your business or field. You could also take a popular pop culture image and photoshop it to promote a special in a humorous way.
Instagram Aesthetic Trend #5: Links to Information
As stated in trend #2, people are coming to Instagram more and more to get information on businesses. When strategizing for social media, I always encourage my clients to use the platform to drive visitors to their website, blog, and email list. Instagram is a rented platform that you don’t own, whereas your website and email list are all you. Use your Instagram posts like a billboard or flyer to encourage your followers to check out your website. A great way to do this is to link to more information. Use a story swipe up link or a link in bio to direct your visitors to find more information on your website, blog, or newsletter. Links will get them on your site, where you have more leverage to make a sale.
Information Link Example:
Post a photo along with an excerpt from your most recent blog post. Encourage visitors to continue reading by clicking the link in your bio to the full blog. Once invested, users will be more likely to continue reading to get more information. From your site, you can encourage them to subscribe, download more information, or purchase. If you need help creating long-form content like blogs, consider hiring a copywriter who can keep your blog updated and relevant. Make sure to post the correct number of monthly blogs on a consistent schedule.
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