What are the most popular photo trends on Instagram in 2020?

The whole world spent the early months of 2020 in lockdown. You may have different views on the matter but what you cannot deny is the time you spend on social media platforms during that time. Many #challenges and trends came and went, but there are a few common photo trends that are currently ruling Instagram.

You may be a professional photographer, influencer, or just a normal user, but it won’t hurt to know what’s trending, right?

Honest close-up shots

Embracing imperfection is really trending these days. You can already see Instagram photographers and brands taking this route by posting honest close-ups of goosebumps, scars, eye wrinkles, freckles, and other natural imperfections.

This trend celebrates diversity and authenticity, showing real faces and bodies in all their glory. Instead of removing wrinkles, blemishes, and other “flaws”, those details are emphasized.

Neon edits

This is a bright photo edit that’s been trending lately. It has got a retro-rustic vibe to it. Projecting an active and energetic mood, it’s a good fit for cinematic shots, dramatic portraits, or fitness brands.

This can be achieved easily by using an app named ( and rightfully so) Neon app which is full of colorful filters. But if you like to go old-school, positioning pink and blue lights on either side of your subject can give you some bright and beautiful photos.

Vertical shots

Taking the standard horizontal photos seem so cliche and outdated now. Vertical photos took off after Instagram started allowing formats other than the earlier square photos. Vertical photos give a natural frame to your subject and it enhances the theme to be conveyed. Also, you need not crop your images to fit in the square format.

Not-so-chic food photos

Once, perfectly laid out and styled food photos ruled Instagram pages. It was seriously starting to get to on nerves and it stopped being appetizing long before that. Now to the rescue is more vibrant and messy food photos that have a whole different vibe to it.

Unfiltered-edited photos

The name is quite self-explanatory, isn’t it? These are photos that are very lightly edited. It seems people of 2020 prefer honest-real photos over smooth and flawless photos.