Here's How to Create High-Quality Instagram Content

1. Why is quality content on Instagram so important?
2. How to: Interactive content on Instagram - the theory
3. How to: Interactive content on Instagram - the practice
4. What happens after you've created your Instagram content?
5. Conclusion on the creation of Instagram content

With over 500 million daily users, Instagram is one of the largest platforms for visual content. But what actually makes good Instagram content and why is it so important?

Everything you see on social networks is usually one thing: the result of many steps of work, feedback loops and time. Each Instagram post, every reel and every Instagram story is nothing more than the tip of a large iceberg and it is highly likely not created with the ease it conveys. But don't worry - with some planning and structure, you will soon be the kings and queens of content. We'll show you what to consider when creating high-quality Instagram content.

Why is quality content on Instagram so important?

Instagram is no longer just a pastime on the side. Especially in the business area, your profile serves as a digital business card and enables others to get a first impression of you. This impression can then decide whether or not an interaction takes place.

But what is good Instagram content actually?

As with music, films or books, this question cannot be answered universally. However, there are some criteria that quality content should meet:

1. A heart for grammar

There is hardly anything more unpleasant to read than a text full of errors. Make sure to create your Instagram content error-free - in simple, as understandable language as possible. Of course, an occasional typo is not the end of the world, but too many mistakes can make you look unprofessional very quickly.

2. The red thread

Good content is of little value if it flutters around on your page without any context. Of course, not all your Instagram posts need to be directly related, but a chaotic jumble of topics is usually wasted potential. What goal do you want to achieve on social media and who is your content aimed at?

As a rule, it is worthwhile to start with an analysis before planning content. You can find out exactly how this works and why you should carry out social media analysishere.

3. The personal touch

It should be well known by now that plagiarism and bad copies do not go down well on social networks. Even though many trends can be implemented and duplicated in different ways, no one wants to watch the hundredth version of an Instagram reel from last week. Even if the wheel cannot be reinvented, it is worthwhile to give your Instagram content a personal touch that gives it recognition value.

4. Added value is more valuable

Whether in the form of entertainment, information or amusement - many users are looking for added value. Engage with what your target audience wants and try to offer what your consumers are excited about.

5. The mix makes the difference

A picture means more than a thousand words? Quite possible. On Instagram, it's often the mix of both - without a meaningful picture, a brilliantly written caption is rarely read, without a substantive caption, a picture can become meaningless for many. Here too: Engage with what your community wants to see and try to find a middle ground for your content on Instagram. A funny meme certainly doesn't need 50 lines of text, a photo of your new product may need some supportive lines.

How to: Interactive content on Instagram - the theory

On your marks, get set - wait a minute. Before you start creating content, it's important to deal with the goals and strategies of your Instagram account. We have summarized for you in a separate article how you can develop a successful social media strategy in 7 steps.

Goals of a successful Instagram appearance could be:

• More followers
• Community building
• More attention for you and your brand
• Advertising for (new) products
• Redirecting from social media to your company page

Only when the strategy is in place does it really make sense to think about your content. The following 4 tips will help you create interactive Instagram posts for your content marketing:

1. Get to know your audience

Who do you want to reach on Instagram and how? Content should always be aimed at the (desired) target group. How do your (future) followers use Instagram? What other accounts do they follow and what do they expect from your channel?

Tip: It often pays off to engage directly with the community and, for example, to find out specifically using a survey what your followers want on or from your Instagram account.

2. Stay consistent

A high recognition value in content processing is important to stay remembered on Instagram - ideally, users can recognize the content creator without reading the username. Make sure to follow a red thread not only thematically, but also visually: brand colors and fonts, a consistent image style and a strong visual language are essential for good Instagram posts.

3. Provide variety

Even though it's important to stay consistent, nothing is boring in the long run like watching the same format all the time. Try yourself out and not only create picture posts with meaningful captions, but also dare to show your creativity in stories, reels or the short-lived content format live video. How to create Instagram reels, we show you step by step in a separate article.

We have also put together an overview of the current Instagram formats for you.

4. Create an editorial plan

Good planning is half the battle. In order not to lose track of all the tips and things to consider, it is advisable to create a social media editorial plan. Here all your topics and contents are organized.

How to: Interactive content on Instagram - the practice

A high recognition value, varied content and an organized editorial plan make sense in theory, of course. But how exactly can all this be put into practice now?

Especially in image editing and graphic creation, there are many different options today to give your Instagram content a special touch. Applications with a large range of functions that offer you many options in one tool are the easiest:

1. Adobe Photoshop Express

When it comes to image editing in the Instagram world, Adobe can't be missing. Photoshop Express allows you to beautify your content with little time and turn them into true masterpieces. An expanded photo edition from Adobe offers Lightroom.

Handy: In addition to the full version, the applications are also available as a mobile variant. With Lightroom, you also have the option of creating your own presets and presets that can be easily applied to your pictures - as already mentioned: consistency is key.

2. VSCO

The VSCO app (iOS, Android) is mainly known for its multitude of filters and effects. In addition, parameters like contrast, saturation or grain can be set and changed. If you're interested in features like video editing, you can also sign up for a membership for 22 euros a year.

3. Unfold

When it comes to designing Instagram stories, Unfold is one of the most popular apps (iOS, Android). With the help of over 400 templates, graphics from picture, text and video can be created in a short time - in the form of collages, with frames, icons and much more. Unfold becomes particularly exciting when you use some plus features. The prices of the app start at 21 euros per year.

4. Canva

One of the most popular applications in content creation for social media marketing is Canva Pro – a web-based design program that works on the drag-and-drop principle. On the platform, you not only have access to over 75 million photos, videos, audios, and graphics, but also more than 420,000 templates and format suggestions that you can customize as you wish. The best part: you can even add and use your own fonts, colors, or other branding materials. Canva allows you to create compelling Instagram content that looks good even without design skills.

After a free trial period of 30 days, Canva Pro costs 109 euros per year.

You can also find an overview of the best alternatives to Canva Pro on OMR Reviews.

What happens after you've created your Instagram content?

You have worked out your social media concept, created an editorial plan and the finished content for Instagram is ready to go? Perfect! Now all you need is the right management tool. Social media tools help you manage your profile - you can schedule and automatically post your Instagram posts, analyze your posts and evaluate your subscribers' activities. This way you can not only measure your success, but identify trends, adjust your Instagram content and get to know your target group better.

1. Later

Later is an Instagram marketing platform that allows you to plan, post and analyze your Instagram content. You can insert and plan posts into a calendar using the drag-and-drop principle, cut or slightly edit content afterwards, and analyze and evaluate after successful publication.

The free version of Later can be used by one person and includes the planning of 30 Instagram posts per month. In the paid version, on the other hand, depending on the level (starter, growth or advanced), several users can be stored and an unlimited number of posts can be planned.

2. Planoly

With the social media tool Planoly you can also plan, publish and analyze your content. The platform also allows you to sell and create content. In addition to the desktop version, there is also an app for iOS and Android.

Like Later, Planoly offers a free version that allows you to manage your content for Instagram and evaluate it in a simplified analytics version. From 7 dollars a month, the application equips you with additional features like advanced analytics or various editing functions.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a platform for visual marketing, audience engagement and analytics. With Buffer, you get a clear dashboard with various reports and insights to evaluate and continuously improve your social media presence. You can plan and publish your content, create drafts and organize multiple accounts in just one application. Handy: Buffer provides daily updates and personalized reports that you can easily export as a PDF or image.

In the free version of Buffer, you can plan up to 10 posts for 3 different channels. Additional features, like up to 100 posts on a total of 8 channels, are available from 15 US dollars, premium or business plans from 65 or 99 dollars per month.

More tools to create Instagram content

Canva Pro

Later

Buffer

Hootsuite

Facelift

Facebook Creator Studio

Falcon.io

Swat.io

On OMR Reviews, in the social media category, you'll find more social media tools with real user experiences.

Conclusion on the creation of Instagram content

There will probably never be perfect content for Instagram - but with a few tips and tricks, you can largely optimize your content and align it with your target group. However, you should keep one thing in mind: Social media is fast-moving.

What was still a trend today may be forgotten the day after tomorrow. So it will never be boring, but it can occasionally be depressing when the desired goals are not achieved. Don't let your head hang - no master has fallen from the sky yet. Stay on the ball, stay authentic and try not to lose the fun of social media.