The Instagram and TikTok algorithms have changed a lot today. If earlier the platforms focused more on video content, now interest in the photo format is rapidly returning. This is especially true when it is creative, unusual and evokes emotions. Viral photos are those that instantly catch the eye, make you want to forward them to a friend or save them for yourself. They not only bring their owners likes, but also significantly increase reach, subscriptions and sales. But in order to make viral content, it is not enough to have the skills to take beautiful photographs. To create photos for social networks, you need to understand trends, the psychology of perception and the intricacies of visual storytelling. This is the topic we will discuss in more detail below.
Follow the trends and use them creatively
The TikTok and Instagram platforms are moving more towards live, real content. Modern trends are no longer dictated by celebrities. Now they are emerging rather in niche communities, among micro-influencers and at the intersection of cultures. Subscribers prefer sincerity. However, a visually catchy style is still important and does not lose its relevance when creating photos for social networks.
In order to stay in the flow of relevant content, you need to regularly monitor the Reels tabs on Instagram and For You on TikTok. They can safely be called real showcases of trends. It is in viral photos on TikTok and Instagram that you can clearly see what is viral now. It is important to pay close attention to the shooting style, angles, colors. The mood that the content conveys also plays an important role. In order to create the best photos for social networks, an excellent solution would be to subscribe to creative photographers, stylists, bloggers who experiment with visuals every day and set a certain tone in their niche.
Cool TikTok photos deserve special attention. We are talking about popular challenges, poses, visual effects and color palettes that can become a great base for your own ideas. But in no case should you copy someone else's in the literal sense of the word. Individuality is valued. Therefore, you need to learn to adapt existing trends to yourself, mixing current trends with your personal and unique style. It is thanks to this approach that it is possible to create viral photos for Instagram and TikTok
Visual hook — it is important to catch attention from the first second
Today, feeds are a kind of visual battlefield. In order to survive, a cool photo on social networks must literally "scream", or at least "whisper loudly". This is what works. We also offer you some useful recommendations for photo shoots for social networks that will help you go viral:
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Unusual angles. A standard look is unlikely to surprise anyone. Try shooting from top to bottom, from bottom to top, from the side or even through non-standard objects, such as glass, reflective surfaces, water. Such unusual angles will help to add volume and drama to the photo, which automatically makes it more noticeable.
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The element of surprise. Sudden details or objects that absolutely do not fit into the usual context can arouse genuine interest in the viewer and a desire to figure out that this is really happening. In this case, you can use anything. It can be a strange object in the frame, some unusual pose or facial expression. Do not be afraid to experiment.
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Contrast. Playing with opposites always works. A great solution would be to use a sharp color contrast or opposite meanings. For example, not only emotional contrasts are catchy, but also bright combinations of luxury and destruction.
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The devil is in the details. Just one seemingly unimportant accent can sell your audience the entire photo. A bright accessory, an accent on the eyes, a tattoo or an unusual texture. These little things can make the shots literally unforgettable.
A story in one frame – tell the main thing
Daily viral photos are not just a picture. It can be a whole story. A photo that screams or at least talks will always have a much higher chance of going viral. What do you need for this? First of all, sincere emotions. It can be sadness, joy, surprise, anything. The main condition is that the viewer must feel something. The context is also important. Show elements of the environment so that the photo really “lives”. Photos on social networks that show movement or action are more delightful. Yes, even in a static photo you can convey movement. This can be done through a pose, hair, clothes in the wind. And finally, it is worth noting that it is still advisable to plan the plot of the future photo in advance. Think about what a person will feel when he sees it? And then just develop your thought.
Moderate use of AI and neural networks
Today, tools such as Midjourney, Runway, DALL E or built-in AI in editors (for example, Photoshop AI) provide modern photographers with simply the coolest opportunities. However, we should not forget that viewers have also become more discerning. Completely generated photos often cause suspicion or even disappointment instead of a wow effect. So how to use artificial intelligence without going overboard? We offer several effective tips:
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Add AI effects to the background, making it more unforgettable and unusual.
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Adjust colors, light and composition, as artificial intelligence can greatly simplify your processing routine.
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Create unusual elements that are difficult or even impossible to achieve in real life. For example, these can be fantasy landscapes in the background or something like that.
But when creating viral photos for Instagram using neural networks, it is important not to overdo it, because let us remember that today the human look and naturalness are back in fashion.
Competent post-processing can become the main trump card
In the modern world, editing a photo does not mean just screwing on a filter. It is a whole art in which balance is important. Excessive retouching is a thing of the past, and today "pure aesthetics" is valued. In order to be on trend:
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use tools such as Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, Snapseed;
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work with colors, play with warmth, brightness, shadows;
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create your own recognizable corporate style — one color filter, frames or inscriptions can become your thing, which over time can have a beneficial effect on monetization;
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do not forget about cropping, because the main thing is to leave the essence, removing everything unnecessary.
Do not forget about the signature and context
Even a viral photo for Facebook requires a certain accompaniment. The signature will help to significantly enhance perception. This could be a provocative question, a story, a quote, or just your sincere thoughts about life in general or a specific situation. The caption will make it much easier for you to engage your target audience through comments. It is also important to provide context, which is especially important if the photo is ambiguous. Bright and memorable phrases can significantly increase the chances of saving and further reposts. To improve visibility, you need to add hashtags, but avoid spam. It is better to write several relevant and accurate ones than several dozen random ones, of which at best one will “fire”.
Engage the audience directly in the photo
Interactivity can safely be called a trend of 2025. You can use stickers, arrows, frames, text. You can ask provocative questions directly in the photo, which the viewer can answer right away. This not only attracts attention, but also causes audience action, namely swipes, clicks, comments.
Adapt the content to the platform
Experienced photographers know that what goes well on Instagram does not always work on TikTok. Therefore, it is important to adapt your content to the platform. If you want to learn how to take good photos on Instagram, the reader will most likely like portrait orientation, a focus on aesthetics, stories, and photo series. As for TikTok, square or vertical photos are more relevant, often with animation, and the use of music and trendy effects will be well received by the viewer.
Also, do not forget about the cover, because it is what affects whether your post will be clicked.
Let's summarize
For a photo to go viral, today it is not enough to simply "post something beautiful." To do this, you first need to understand your audience, get into the trend, evoke the appropriate emotions and not be afraid of experiments. Do not chase the fight for likes, do what hooks you first. True inspiration always evokes a response.