About four months ago, I decided to take Instagram seriously. Instead of casually posting whenever inspiration struck, I carved out two dedicated hours each day to post, engage, and discover new accounts. The shift was eye-opening. With the rise of Instagram Stories and IGTV, it’s no longer just about snapping a quick picture—it’s about curating a cohesive visual story. Brands and bloggers alike are elevating their content, creating feeds and stories that feel like digital magazines.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I still love the spontaneity of sharing a candid shot or an unfiltered video on my Stories. But there’s also a real joy in crafting a beautifully designed series of posts, whether it’s a single image with the perfect filter or a multi-page story that flows seamlessly. The truth is, a little creativity (and the right tools) goes a long way.
Because I often get messages asking which apps I use for my posts and stories, I thought I’d dedicate this Blogging 101 entry to exactly that. Below, you’ll find my go-to apps for planning, editing, and designing Instagram content. Think of this as your starter kit to polish your feed while still keeping it authentic and fun.
Curating & Planning Your Feed
UNUM
This is one of my favorite tools for laying out posts ahead of time. You can preview what your grid will look like, edit photos directly in the app, and play around with filters, overlays, and templates. It’s like having a visual planner for your Instagram.
PLANOLY
If scheduling is your weak spot, PLANOLY is a lifesaver. Not only does it allow you to arrange your feed visually (similar to UNUM), but you can also schedule posts to auto-publish. It’s perfect if you like to plan weeks—or even months—of content in advance.
PRIME
Ever wonder if you’re posting at the right time? PRIME runs an algorithm to analyze your account and suggest the best times to post for maximum engagement. It takes the guesswork out of timing.
Editing Like a Pro
SNAPSEED
Quick, easy, and powerful. SNAPSEED is my go-to for adjusting lighting, sharpening images, and making simple tweaks that instantly elevate a photo. Think of it as a mini version of Lightroom, but mobile-friendly.
FACETUNE
This app gets a lot of buzz, and while I use it sparingly, it can be handy for refining portraits. That said, heavy editing can warp photos, so I recommend keeping things subtle—smooth a blemish, brighten a smile, but leave the rest untouched. Authenticity is always better than perfection.
VSCO
An absolute must-have. VSCO is beloved for its filters that mimic professional presets, giving your feed a cohesive aesthetic. I pay the annual subscription for access to the full library, and it’s worth every penny. You can even create your own filter “recipes” to keep your edits consistent.
AFTERLIGHT
When I want to play with creative overlays or add design elements like stickers and illustrations, I turn to Afterlight. It’s more whimsical than VSCO or Snapseed, which makes it great for experimenting.
PHOTOSHOP MIX
If resizing images for different platforms drives you crazy, Photoshop Mix solves the problem. It’s also great if you want to start an edit on your phone and then transfer it to your desktop Photoshop later.
Storytelling with Instagram Stories
OVER
Templates, fonts, and access to Unsplash’s massive library of free images—OVER is a powerhouse for designing professional-looking Stories.
CANVA
This one’s a fan favorite for good reason. Canva makes it incredibly easy to create branded templates, Story covers, and even custom icons. If you’re trying to build a consistent look for your Instagram, Canva is your best friend.
SPARK POST
An Adobe app that feels like Canva’s sleek cousin. With Spark Post, you get high-quality templates for not just Instagram but also Pinterest and Facebook. It’s ideal for anyone who cross-posts across multiple platforms.
UNFOLD
This app is my personal favorite for crafting cohesive Storylines. You can combine photos, videos, and text into a storyboard that flows naturally. It feels cinematic, like you’re inviting your followers into a curated journey.
HYPETYPE
When you want to add energy to your Stories, HYPETYPE is the way to go. It lets you animate text in fun, eye-catching ways that make your words pop without distracting from the visuals.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is so much more than a place to share snapshots of your day—it’s a creative playground. With the right apps, you can design a feed that feels polished while still letting your personality shine through. Remember, the goal isn’t to lose authenticity in pursuit of aesthetics. It’s to find a balance: real moments presented in a way that feels true to you.
Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or someone just starting to experiment with Stories, these tools can help you express your vision. Play around, explore, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, the best feeds aren’t the most perfect—they’re the ones that feel the most alive.
