Instagram vs Reality: Behind the Scenes

Instagram is not a real place. We all know this. It is a collection of highlights and dreams pumped to life. It is the best version of ourselves. It’s also the mood board of what we wish we could be. Instagram vs reality is noticeably different.

This fact is a universal truth that applies to everyone. Your favorite celebrity has a facade or image to keep up too. They post photos and videos consistent with what they want you to believe they are. Behind closed doors, they tweak, curate, and Photoshop just like the rest of us.

Why is everyone trying to one-up each other? What happened to the days of naturally yellow teeth and un-snatched waists? 

Let’s talk about the lack of reality on Instagram. Read this article to learn everything about the smoke and mirrors of IG!

Instagram vs Reality Captions and Post Ideas 

You can’t just post your photos. You’ll need some Instagram vs reality captions as well. 

A good Instagram caption is key to completing any post. You have an important message to share, so you need something impactful. It’s not always easy to come up with a caption. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  

Keep reading for the best content and caption ideas.

1. Carousel Posts

As you know, you can post multiple photos and videos at once in a carousel post. It’s a great opportunity for you to do some comparisons. Your viewers can easily swipe between various photos. 

Post the edited and polished images on the first slide. Next, post the real photo on the second slide. You can post more than just two photos. But at a basic level, you need at least two. It would help if these photos were very different from each other.

For the caption, you can explain what you did to achieve the edited photo. You don’t have to advertise the editing tools that you use. But it would be great to highlight the differences between the two photos. The viewers can follow along as they read your caption.

Now, they will understand why the initial photo was so flawless. If you were trying to hide an insecurity, be transparent about that. Talk about your struggles with the existing beauty standards. You can even take responsibility for perpetuating these standards.

2. Reels

Instagram Reels allow you to post multiple video clips. This is great for fitness influencers who post clips of them in the most flattering light. Show clips of you when you’re not at your best. Or, show clips of your beginnings. 

Use the captions to boost your followers to stay on the journey. They may not look like their favorite fitness guru. That doesn’t mean that their goals aren’t within reach.

Lifestyle influencers typically issue a highlight reel of their best experiences. Couple these clips with low moments in your life. In your caption, talk about the reality of what was happening during those sad photos. Reality posts like these humanize you in the eyes of your followers.

3. Incorporate an Instagram vs Reality TikTok Song

A trending audio clip could also help convey the message. You know, the kind that features a mashup of two very different clips. A reality vs Instagram TikTok song could add some humor to the post. 

You get extra points if you find the trending audio at the time. Adding to the #instagramvsreality wouldn’t hurt either.

How Photoshopped Pictures Affect Us All

Filters run rampant on Instagram. There is a tool that can fix any imperfection. Do you want a smaller waist? There’s a tool for that. Do you drink too much coffee and now have stained teeth? There is a tool on an app for that. 

Maybe that new top is flattening your chest. Pump it up with an editing tool. There is a solution for each body insecurity you have. When you upload, you can fool the public into thinking your body is perfect. 

And, sometimes, it is very tempting to upload a curated photo. After all, it seems that everybody else is perfect.

Let’s talk about the real effect of Photoshopped pictures on the psyche of the Instagram user.

Body Positivity

Being positive about your body is hard when everyone else is perfect. They are at the beach flaunting their perfect bikini bodies. They seem to go to the gym twice daily and produce clear results. It makes you look at your real, unfiltered body and feel less than.

The reality is that the fitness influencer found the best possible flattering angle. They may be sucking it in to achieve the best body shapes as well. No exercise can alter the natural body type you were born with. Remember this when you look at compilation videos of exercises to try at the gym.

You are better off loving the skin you’re in. Also, try to seek inspiration from similar body types.

Self-Esteem 

Seeing fake photos will make you wonder if something is wrong. Seeing a particular type of beauty will affect you after some time. Your self-esteem could be at risk if you don’t meet these beauty standards.

You will measure yourself against an unrealistic body image. You might not think your photos are worth posting if you don’t match up. You could jeopardize your self-esteem. You will have to attach it to the body type of the day. Ultimately, the quality of your content may suffer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Media vs Reality

The discussion on social media vs reality is popular. It leaves many content creators questioning what is real on the Internet. You may find some of your questions below.

FAQ: How do I do an Instagram vs reality post?

You can use the Instagram Story feature to do a split-screen post. Upload photos using the Collage button. Choose the photos that you want to compare to each other. 

You can either share it on your Instagram Story or download it. When you download the photo, share it as a post. Now, your followers will see them side-by-side. 

FAQ: Is Instagram important for life?

Instagram is a great place to keep up with your friends and discover new people. It is also an effective learning tool and helps people find new information. 

From time to time, Instagram can also create insecurities. People with marginalized bodies may sometimes feel left out on Instagram.

FAQ: Which is better, TikTok or Instagram?

TikTok often gets credit for being more inclusive of different body types and lifestyles. Meanwhile, Instagram users typically like to keep up a perfect facade for their users. Still, both platforms create space for real posts depicting life.

Instagram Filter vs Reality Posts Aren’t Enough

Yes, people will love your transparency on Instagram. A good Instagram filter vs reality post will get some traction. But will it grow your page to the level that you want? Probably not. 

You’ll need some professional growth help. Your friends at Plixi can help with that.

We have a powerful AI targeting algorithm that can draw your followers in. They will be the type of followers that like what you post and share it with others. 

Soon, the disparity between Instagram vs reality will close. Your content creator dreams will come to life.

Expand your online following. Sign up with Plixi today!