1. Take photos without posting them right away.
You can also utilize this trick to double filter your photos. Read the step-by-step instructions here.
2. Download the Look Birdy app if you're frequently Instagramming kids or pets.
View this photo on Instagram
Choose from different chirping noises to go off when you're about to take a photo and say hello to getting your little subjects attention (for maybe the first time)! Get it here.
3. Find out the best times for posting with Iconosquare.
Iconosquare uses optimization tools to analyze your engagement. Sign up to monitor your average number of likes, the exact time of day you should be posting, follower growth, and much more.
4. Use the grid feature to help compose your shots.
View this photo on Instagram
On your iPhone, go to Settings, select Photos & Camera, and slide the Grid feature on. Then start practicing the Rule of Thirds.
5. Catch #nofilter frauds in the act with Filter Fakers.
Simply copy the link to the photo here and click "check!"
6. Adjust the photo brightness before playing with filters.
It's the easiest way to improve the photo without drastically changing it. Some bloggers solely rely on the brightness and saturation tools for editing their Instagrams.
7. Stop using the front-facing camera for selfies.
View this photo on Instagram
It's convenient, yes, but the rear-facing camera (the one on the back of your phone) takes pictures at a way higher resolution. Bye-bye, grainy images.
8. Utilize your earbuds for more than just music.
Plug them in, open the camera app, and press the “up” volume button to snap pics. It’s a great tool if you’re using a tripod too.
10. If you're 'gramming food frequently, consider the FoodShareFilter app.
View this photo on Instagram
For just $1 to download, you're supporting the fight against world hunger. Get it here.
11. If the lighting can't easily be fixed, try black and white.
View this photo on Instagram
Sports Illustrated photographer Brad Mangin suggests converting a picture to black and white in low-light situations.
12. Rather than posting similar pictures separately, make a collage with Diptic.
Download it here.
13. Take epic videos with Instagram's Hyperlapse app.
It turns shaky home movies into professional-looking, high-quality time-lapses...and it's free! Download it here.
14. Make sure the image is really sharp.
Play around with tapping in different places to see what looks best. It will also adjust the lighting!
15. Make a GIF, filter it, and put it on Instagram with Party Party.
Buy it here for $1.
16. Be consistent in what and how you're posting.
Especially if you're looking to gain more followers, people like being able to gauge what your page is about pretty quickly. Treat your Instagram like a curated collection of your life.
17. Download Layout from Instagram for cool effects.
You can now easily combine multiple photos into a single image. Download it here.
18. Stand on a chair to take foodie 'grams.
View this photo on Instagram
You can fit more of those amazing brunch plates in the shot and rest assured your photos won't come out like these.
19. Follow @Instagram and participate in their #projects.
View this photo on Instagram
If Instagram takes notice of your account and adds you to their "suggested users list" get ready for thousands of new followers.
