Remember the days when your feed was filled with perfectly curated, heavily filtered posts? Well, with the platform’s recent update, those days might be coming to an end. If you haven’t been keeping up, Instagram now lets users share up to 20 photos or videos, and this shift is paving the way for a new era: the “visual diary.” This trend is all about capturing and sharing life as it is - an authentic glimpse into the lives of the people we’re interested in.
Here’s what this visual diary trend is all about, why it’s happening, and how you can get in on the action.
What Exactly is a “Visual Diary”?
A visual diary is exactly what it sounds like: an honest snapshot of your life, captured in real-time. It’s the polar opposite of the meticulously planned Instagram aesthetic we’re used to. Instead of curating the perfect post, users are sharing raw, in-the-moment glimpses of their lives—no filters, no retouching, just realness.
You don’t have to dig very deep to find examples of this. A few weeks ago, Olivia Rodrigo randomly shared a picture of a stray cat on Instagram. Who cares if it doesn’t fit into a neat storyline? This kind of content gives us a real glimpse into her day, showing that life is made up of these small, delightful moments. It’s genuinely refreshing to see people celebrating the ordinary, transforming social media to feel more welcoming and relatable.
Why Is “Perfection” Out of Style?
Honestly, people are under pressure to look perfect online. With the constant barrage of perfect lighting and flawless angles, it’s easy to feel like you’re always one step behind against some impossible standard. The color-coordinated feeds and pristine-looking posts feel disconnected from reality. The visual diary trend is about embracing life’s imperfections and sharing them proudly. It’s a much-needed breath of fresh air in a world that feels too staged.
Here’s what’s drawing users to this trend:
📌Authenticity > Perfection
Younger users, especially Gen Z, are hungry for transparency. It’s no surprise that apps like BeReal, which lean into this vibe, are becoming so popular. People want content that feels real.
📌Social Media Fatigue
Curating a perfect online life isn’t just exhausting—it’s draining. There’s this constant, unaddressed pressure to present the best version of yourself at all times online, and honestly, it’s wearing people down. That’s where the visual diary trend comes in—it feels like a breath of fresh air and could really boost mental well-being, especially for younger users who are feeling the weight of these unrealistic expectations.
📌Relatability Matters
Let’s be real: perfect lives just don’t resonate with most of us. People are likely to follow accounts that make them feel like they can identify themselves with it. That’s why I think unorthodox social media brand accounts like Wendy’s snarky Twitter account get so much love - it’s not polished or trying too hard, it’s witty, unfiltered, and totally relatable. It gives people something they can connect with, and that authenticity is what really stands out in a sea of “flawless perfection”.
How to Maximize Your Reach with the Visual Diary Trend
Are you thinking of jumping on the trend? Brands that aren’t afraid to take the leap are often rewarded with increased reach and engagement. To help you nail it, here are our tips on how to get the most reach out of it.
📌Add Carousel Posts
If you’re only posting 2-3 carousel posts each month, it’s time to rethink your strategy. As Instagram’s Adam Mosseri mentioned, carousel posts get more engagement, which leads to higher reach (adding audio will help too!). More images = more interactions, and more interactions = more visibility.
📌Use Unedited Photos
When going for the “raw” look, skip the heavy filters. Let natural light and imperfections of unedited photos build trust with your audience. Customers will likely view your brand to be more real and relatable.
📌Focus on “Behind the Scenes”
Everyone loves a sneak peek! Don’t be afraid to share everyday moments, like snippets before a major launch or when you’re prepping stocks at the warehouse. Sharing behind-the-scenes content humanizes your brand and deepens your connection with followers.
📌BONUS: Post Without Overthinking
Post-real-time moments as they happen. Messy, imperfect, and spontaneous content often feels the most authentic—and resonates better with your audience.
Keep it Authentic with Jumper Media
The visual diary trend has been in the making for a long time. It all started with the rise of raw aesthetics, and now it’s clear: people are hungry for authentic content that truly reflects real life. At Jumper Media, we provide social media management services tailored to tap into this desire and help your brand connect with its audience on a deeper level.
We understand that business owners often struggle to find the time for social media while juggling countless responsibilities. Our services provide you with the freedom to focus on what you do best, while we handle the complexities of social media marketing.
Let’s create real connections and make sure your brand is always part of the conversation. Reach out to Jumper Media today!
