To start this off, I’d like to say that I’ve been debating whether or not to write this post for a couple of days now. I wasn’t sure whether or not I could stretch this out into a full-length post, or, quite honestly, if I really wanted to. But seeing as Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms out there, I figured this would be a worthwhile post to write.
My primary goal for these Sunday posts is to start conversation. I like to think of this as a sort of weekend chat time, especially since Sundays are typically when I typically respond to blog comments. That being said, I’d love to know how you feel on this particular subject! So, if you’re in a mood for a chat, don’t hesitate to stop by that comment section. 🙂
Anyways, let’s talk Instagram themes. Can we just take a moment and remember the simplicity of Instagram before themes took over? A time when we didn’t use the word aesthetic every ten seconds, or spend any time editing our photos. I remember in 2012 and 2013 when people would take pictures and then post them straight to Instagram. It didn’t matter if the photos were grainy or blurry, or in fashion with the other pictures in your feed. Ahh such simple times.
When I first launched my Instagram page for Currently, Lately, I knew how I wanted it to look. I had the idea of a very sleek, minimal aesthetic in mind (there I go with the word aesthetic), which I quickly started incorporating in my photos. My feed and photo-taking abilities evolved over the months, but even as my photography process changed, I kept that overall look. That was until about a week ago.
If you follow me on Instagram (plot twist: this post is just one giant self-promotion), you may have noticed that I recently quit my white and marble theme. Although I genuinely loved that look, I had honestly been wanting to get rid of it for a while. Today I thought I would share a couple of the main reasons why I decided to switch it up on Insta. If you have a theme (or have ever had a theme), hopefully you’ll be able to relate.
So. Many. Limitations.
Maintaining an Instagram theme places tons of limitations on what you’re able to post. If your feed is entirely one color, it forces you to eliminate so many good photo opportunities. In the time I had my theme, there were so many instances where I had taken a picture that I really liked, but didn’t post it because it didn’t fit in with the overall style of my feed. I found this very frustrating because I felt like it was making it tough for me to make my Instagram feel personal. For example, there was one time when I really liked the shots from a fashion blog post I had just put up, but I didn’t share them on Instagram because they didn’t mesh with marble. Not only did my theme stop me from getting good use out of my photos, it almost prevented me from promoting my blog post on social media.
Something else that’s also irritating about the limitations of an Instagram theme is that it makes it hard to post on a consistent basis. Since you’re so limited in what content you can put up, it’s nearly impossible to post pictures regularly without getting repetitive. Obviously you don’t want to put up too many shots of the same thing in a row, but it becomes pretty difficult not to when there’s so few things you can photograph. And with Instagram’s strange algorithm, it’s more important than ever to post consistently.
Limited resources
If you’re a blogger who takes a lot of flatlays, I’m sure you have your set of go-to blog props. For me, that set includes fun notebooks, fake flowers, and lots of candles. I love buying new blog props and even using things I find around my house, but with a theme, the process of obtaining new props becomes so much more challenging. There are only so many items you can use an item before it becomes redundant. And it’s not exactly practical to go out and buy new things all the time just so you can photograph them. Having limited resources at your disposal makes having a restrictive theme even harder to keep.
For those reasons, I think it’s best for me to have dropped my Instagram theme. While it was lovely to look at, it was beyond frustrating to maintain. And when it comes down to it, I don’t want to be putting that much effort into one social media platform when there are many others to run as well.
I’m seriously curious to hear what you all have to say on this. How do you feel about themes? Do you love them? Do you hate them? Do you have any care at all? Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments!
Do you have an Instagram theme?
Sincerely,
Currently, Lately 
If you scroll way back in my Insta feed, my first 6 photos or so were with a theme, but I decided I’d rather post what I want. I love themes, but they are definitely too restricting!!
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That’s how I feel about them too! They’re so pretty to look at, but I’d rather be able to post what I want to without having to worry about keeping up a certain aesthetic!
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Love your planner in your picture!! Where is it from??
https://anastasiagregory.com/
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Thanks! It’s from TJ Maxx 🙂
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Themes are pretty but it’s just not something I could stick to. Like you say, you’re kinda limited. I prefer to post what I want. Mine is also my personal Insta so it’s quite varied. xx
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They definitely are pretty, but way too restrictive! I prefer posting what I want as well
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I stopped my Instagram theme because of the restrictions too haha. Great post, it’d mean a lot if you checked and liked my recent post too! X
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I follow both your blog and Insta. Totally agree on the creative constraints of a “theme.” How about life? The moment?? Looking forward to seeing where you go now!
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I agree so much! And thank you 🙂
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I have noticed that you’ve stopped sticking to a theme on your Insta, and I love it!! I use Instagram as just a visual diary of sorts, and just post what I want. There’s so much more freedom that way 😀
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Such a good post ❤️ I always mess around with a theme then change my mind and want to post my life, not just a particular colour of something 🙂
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Thank you! And I’m the same way! 🙂
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I restarted my Instagram because it was all over the place but I don’t have a theme, kinda. My background for my photos is just plain white, that way I can post other photos as well without it looking ridiculous. I also have 1 or 2 fake plants and some style/makeup books to add to the photos sometimes but that’s it. It’s so much better and not as stressful for me! I’ve never been one to go all out with props and aesthetic backgrounds.
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I like looking at themes but I find they serve no other purpose than make your feed look pretty. If you look at the photos one by one, it becomes repetitive and boring. So i think themes are nice but I find it’s best to alternate it or do it in multiples of 3 so that you can switch it up. ❤️
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I like other people’s themes (there’s a bit of comfort in having an idea of what you’ll get when you give that follow), but I personally can’t handle the commitment. I travel a bit too much for the consistency and I haven’t really gottten my instagram footing down, so I like to be a bit experimental.
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I do not have an Instagram account. My only experience with themes is right here on WordPress. I’ve used both WP.org and WP.com. The first gives you more freedom because you can write code and add plugins. The second confines you to the theme, but most allow for some customizing. I’m just returning to my blog. Keeping up with social media is time consuming, so I don’t think I’ll be adding Instagram. Good luck!
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Yeah, too restricting and stressful
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Definitely!
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Wow! Thanks for sharing! I DO remember the “original IG” days when themes didn’t matter….lol I actually think “themed” IG pages look pretty cool… they look ‘organized’…lol. But I guess if it’s supposed to be a reflection of our lives, then yeah perhaps we should loosen up a bit on the ‘themes’ and ‘Just Live!’ Thanks for being so honest about this! As a newbie blogger and IG-er I’ve always felt a little ‘challenged’ with keeping a theme…lol .. So this post is relieving! lol. Thanks!
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I do have an instagram but never had a theme set! I do love themes but I love being able to post what I want even more.
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No!! I don’t have instagram theme and thanks for being this much honest.
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Your theme was gorgeous but there are so many bloggers now using marble/rose gold – which is a combo I LOVE btw – that it’s hard to make yours original and stand out.
I like a natural instagram with ‘real life’ included.
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Sometimes I miss the old Instagram! Posting what you want makes everything more real! I try to have a good mix on my account because at times I do prefer it looking “cohesive”. However, I totally understand where you’re coming from!
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I don’t like themes. I always feel bored looking at them. I don’t use a theme and sometimes I get nervous that I’m hurting myself and my brand because I don’t ‘theme’ my feed and instead just live. If I like a picture I like it. If not I don’t post it. This was helping and hopefully help me to just relax
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Love the post… Thanks for sharing 🙂 ❤
https://outfitsandmakeupblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/10-biggest-fashion-trends-this-fall-2017/
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I just post what good pic there is. I like taking scenery, it is an appreciation of the beauty of the world. I also like group pics, it’s sonething to look bacj later in life. When I started insta, I didn’t think themes were a thing. I love taking pics but I am not the type of person who take pics to have something to post.
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Thanks for sharing! I’ve always thought themes looked pretty and perfect but never thought I’d be able to maintain one. You are right they are very limiting. I don’t think I could keep up with it-making sure the color scheme was perfect would drive me crazy lol. Mine is made up of my blog post pics, quotes, nature and food. And I like it this way. 😊
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