A man taking a photo of a woman.

How To Get The Full Picture On Instagram: Seeing The Bigger Picture

In the world of Instagram, achieving the perfect picture often feels like chasing something only famous people and influencers can get, right? Have you ever wondered how to get the full picture on instagram?

We’ve all been there – tirelessly crafting a stunning landscape or portrait only to find it cropped upon upload.

But fear not, our friends Instagrammers, ’cause there’s a way to see the bigger picture – literally.

Imagine a feed where every image tells a complete story, uninterrupted by the constraints of square frames or aspect ratios. Sounds great, right?

Well, it’s time to break free from the conventional understanding of Instagram growth and explore the untapped potential of the full picture. From mastering post-sequencing to leveraging third-party apps, there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored. 

Read this article to learn how to get the full picture on Instagram and discover how seeing beyond the frame can transform your social media presence!

Looking for more Followers?

Instagram’s Image Size & Aspect Ratios: Why Does Instagram Crop Your Pictures?

Instagram app and Instagram full pictures.

Let’s start with that obvious question:

Why Does Instagram crop your pictures?

Let’s find out why things like that happen so often.

Basically, Instagram imposes specific picture size and aspect ratio requirements to maintain a visually cohesive feed and optimal user experience, a.k .a. UX.

The platform mostly favors square images (1:1), landscape images (1.91:1 to 16:9), and portrait images (4:5 to 9:16). These constraints aim to create a harmonious browsing experience for users across various devices.

But why does Instagram crop your pictures, and how does it decide which parts to trim? Well, the platform employs an algorithmic approach, analyzing the dimensions and content of your image to determine the most suitable cropping.

Factors such as focal points, composition, and overall aesthetics influence Instagram’s cropping decisions.

For instance, if your picture exceeds the prescribed aspect ratio, Instagram may crop the sides or top and bottom to fit within the designated frame. Similarly, if your image contains crucial content near the edges, Instagram may prioritize preserving those elements while cropping less vital areas.

While Instagram’s cropping algorithm aims to enhance the visual appeal of your feed, it can sometimes lead to frustration and disappointment, especially when essential details get lost in the process.

However, instead of viewing cropping as a limitation, consider it an opportunity to innovate and experiment with unconventional compositions.

How? Well, first, try to experiment with unconventional aspect ratios, such as long vertical pictures or panoramic shots, to captivate your audience’s attention and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

How To Make A Picture Fit On Instagram: 2 Methods You Can Try

Instagram image size app

The two methods you can rely on are:

  • Instagram’s bult-in tools
  • Using a third party app

Here’s a step by-step guide:

Leverage Instagram’s Built-In Tools 

Uploading portrait photos on Instagram.

As mentioned, when it comes to sharing your moments on Instagram, ensuring your picture fits perfectly within the frame is crucial. So, Instagram offers built-in tools to help you achieve just that. 

Now, let’s explore two methods you can try to make your picture fit seamlessly on Instagram – “adjust” and “expand.”

1. The “Adjust” Option:

  • Step 1: Select the picture you want to upload and tap on the “Next” button.
  • Step 2: On the editing screen, tap on the “Adjust” option.
  • Step 3: Use the slider to zoom in or out, adjusting the size of your picture to fit within Instagram’s frame.
  • Step 4: Once satisfied, tap on the checkmark icon to apply the changes.
  • Step 5: Proceed with adding your caption, hashtags, and other details before finally posting your picture – you already know this part.
Adjust the option of the full picture on Instagram.

2. The “Expand” Option:

  • Step 1: After selecting your picture and tapping on the “Next” button, you’ll reach the editing screen.
  • Step 2: Look for the “Expand” option, represented by two outward-facing arrows.
  • Step 3: Tap on the “Expand” option to enlarge your picture, extending it to fit within Instagram’s frame.
  • Step 4: Drag the corners of the picture to adjust its size and ensure it fills the entire frame without cropping.
  • Step 5: Once satisfied with the positioning, tap on the checkmark icon to confirm your changes.
  • Step 6: As with the “Adjust” option, the last step is to add your caption, hashtags, and any additional details before posting your pic for the world to see.
Taking a portrait and a full picture for Instagram.

These simple yet effective methods can help you make the most of Instagram’s platform, ensuring your pictures are displayed in their entirety without any pesky cropping. 

But, don’t forget to experiment with different adjustments and get creative with your compositions to stand out on Instagram truly.

As we like to say, Instagram is not just about sharing some Instagram posts, uploading photos from your camera roll or post multiple photos without meaning; it’s telling stories through an Instagram post about you, your life, your brand, or even your loved ones. 

And speaking of sharing your life on Instagram, have you heard of Flock Social? Trusted by over 15,000 of the world’s top brands, agencies, and influencers, Flock Social is your ultimate companion.

Powered by authentic growth, our toll is here to help you find genuine followers who will stick around for the long haul. Say goodbye to bots and artificial engagement – Flock Social focuses solely on organic growth and real interactions.

Resize Your Photos With Third-Party Software

Uploading the whole picture as your Instagram profile picture.

While Instagram provides some built-in tools for basic editing, unlocking your photos’ full potential often requires some outside assistance. This is where third-party software comes in – a game-changer for fine-tuning your visuals and ensuring they shine on your Instagram feed. So, how to get the full picture on instagram? We already mentioned an answer.

Why third-party software, you may wonder?

Well, Instagram’s original editing tools are handy for quick fixes. Still, when it comes to optimizing your images for the platform’s specific requirements, third-party software offers a broader range of features and customization options.

Key Features to Look For:

Aspect Ratio Control: 

One of the critical aspects of resizing images for Instagram is getting the aspect ratio just right. Look for third-party software that allows you to adjust aspect ratios easily, whether you’re posting landscape photos, portrait images, or square shots.

Custom Cropping Options: 

As mentioned, Instagram’s square format is iconic, but it’s not always conducive to showcasing your photos in their best light.

With third-party software, you can crop your images to fit Instagram’s square format while retaining the integrity of your composition. Plus, you can experiment with non-traditional aspect ratios like long vertical or panoramic images for added visual impact.

Batch Editing: 

Efficiency is key when managing a busy Instagram account. Look for software that allows you to resize multiple photos at once, saving you time and streamlining your workflow. Whether you’re uploading a series of photos from your camera roll or preparing a batch of images for a new post, batch editing ensures consistency across your feed.

Advanced Editing Tools: 

Beyond basic resizing and cropping, consider software that offers a range of advanced editing tools to enhance your photos further. From adjusting brightness and contrast to applying cool filters and trending effects, these features allow you to unleash your creativity and grow your Instagram game.

Examples of Third-Party Apps:

Here are the three most popular third-party apps for editing:

Adobe Lightroom: A favorite among photographers and Instagram enthusiasts, Adobe Lightroom offers robust editing features, including precise control over aspect ratios and custom cropping options.

VSCO: Known for its stunning filters and editing presets, VSCO is a go-to app for creating visually striking Instagram posts. With its intuitive interface and versatile editing tools, VSCO makes it easy to resize and enhance your photos on the go.

Snapseed: Developed by Google, Snapseed is a powerful photo editing app offers a wide range of tools for fine-tuning your images. Also, Snapseed provides the flexibility you need to perfect your Instagram posts.

Staying Informed with Instagram Updates and Trends

Uploading a full picture on Instagram.

Keeping up with the latest updates and trends is akin to navigating through a bustling metropolis – you’ve got to know the streets and alleys to find your way around effectively. 

Activate Notifications

Don’t miss a beat!

Turn on notifications for Instagram updates to receive real-time alerts about new features, changes in algorithms, or any significant developments. This way, you’ll always be in the loop and ready to tweak your content strategy accordingly.

Follow Instagram’s Official Channels 

Follow Instagram’s official blog, social media channels, and newsletters to get direct insights from the platform itself (who knows better, right?). They often share valuable tips, best practices, and sneak peeks into upcoming features that can give you a competitive edge.

Engage with Industry Experts

Join communities and follow influencers and experts in the social media and digital marketing sphere. Their analysis, opinions, and predictions can offer valuable insights into appearing trends and shifts in user behavior on Instagram.

Monitor Analytics

Oh, and keep a close eye on your Instagram analytics to track the performance of your posts, engagement metrics, and audience demographics.

Experiment and Innovate 

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with new content formats, features, and trends.

Whether it’s exploring different post formats like carousel posts or leveraging emerging formats like Reels or IGTV, experimenting with diverse content can help you stay relevant and keep your audience engaged.

Remember, staying informed isn’t just about following the crowd – it’s about understanding the landscape and carving your path to success on Instagram.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, you can elevate your Instagram game and unlock new growth opportunities by exploring unconventional strategies like resizing photos with third-party apps and staying informed about Instagram updates and trends. 

Remember, getting the full picture on Instagram is about seeing the bigger picture of your presence online and making every post count.

Ready to take your Instagram presence to the next level?

Sign up for Flock Social today and discover the power of authentic follower growth. With a trusted platform and dedicated support, you’ll have everything you need to thrive on Instagram and beyond. 

Author

  • Dejan

    Dejan Kvrgic wears multiple hats at Flock Social as the SEO Strategist and Content Manager. With years of experience and a proven track record in elevating brands in the social media sphere, he’s the go-to for anything related to digital visibility. When he’s not busy strategizing or creating expert content, he’s either in the sky with his drones or on Instagram, appreciating artisanal coffee.

    View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents