Three Ways Instagram is Killing Your Creativity.

Introduction

Let me start by saying this: I’m incredibly grateful for Instagram. It’s given me a platform to share my work, build a portfolio, connect with like-minded people, and draw inspiration.

But while Instagram offers a lot, it also takes away. Over time, I’ve realized it does more to constrain creativity—our most valuable asset—than it does to nurture it. Here’s how Instagram might actually be making you less creative.

1. The Algorithm

The Instagram algorithm decides what you see based on what it thinks you’ll like. Let’s say you engage with a photo of a silhouetted person holding an umbrella. The algorithm notices this and shows you more umbrella photos. Before you know it, your feed is flooded with a narrow, repetitive style of street photography.

The problem? You’re being boxed in. Instagram is feeding you a limited version of what street photography—or any genre—can be. This not only limits your inspiration but also your ability to explore broader creative horizons.

I’ve fallen into this trap myself—not just with photography but also with gear. I love cameras and lenses, and for a long time, I got sucked into a never-ending loop of gear content. Gear can be inspiring, sure, but it often leads you to obsess over the next big purchase instead of focusing on the craft itself.

How do we fix this?
Diversify your sources of inspiration. Pick up photography books, follow creators outside your niche, and—here’s the big one—actively tell the algorithm what you want to see. You can reset your Instagram algorithm, but unless you’re intentional about your interactions, you’ll fall into the same trap again.

2. The Aspect Ratio Trap

Let’s talk about aspect ratios. On Instagram, the 4:5 crop reigns supreme because it takes up the most screen space and grabs the most attention.

Here’s the consequence: 80% of the photos in my portfolio are cropped to 4:5. I even catch myself shooting with that crop in mind, instead of experimenting with other formats like landscape, 16:9, or even ultra-wide compositions.

Would I naturally shoot in 4:5 all the time? Probably not. But because Instagram rewards it, many of us conform to that ratio, limiting how we frame and compose our shots.

How do we fix this?
Some photographers try to break the aspect ratio constraint by publishing creative grids or splitting wide images into multiple posts. My solution? Move your portfolio to a website. On your own platform, you can showcase your work in any aspect ratio, as large and bold as you want, without being boxed into what works on Instagram.

Do not try to squeeze any image in the 4:5 aspect ratio.

The same image but in 2:3: much better!

So powerful, yet not a very good fit for Instagram: the 16:9 format.

3. Chasing Likes and Trends

Let’s be honest: it feels good to get likes, followers, and comments. But the desire for validation can quickly become a creativity killer.

When we chase what’s trending—or what’s guaranteed to perform well—we stop creating for ourselves. Instead, we create for the algorithm. I know I could post silhouettes all day long and rack up likes, but would that push me to grow? Probably not.

There’s also the fear factor. Many photographers avoid experimenting because they’re worried a new style won’t match the vibe of their current feed or won’t get as many likes. This fear of rejection prevents you from evolving as an artist.

How do we fix this?
Remember why you started photography in the first place. Create for you, not for Instagram. Recognise that your growth comes from exploring different genres and ideas, not from chasing likes. If you can embrace that mindset, your photography will flourish in ways the algorithm can’t measure.

I would post less silhouettes if it weren’t for Instagram.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your creativity is your most valuable asset. Don’t let Instagram—or any platform—put limits on how you express it. Explore different genres, experiment with new compositions, and, most importantly, create for yourself.

If you’ve felt trapped by Instagram’s constraints, let me know in the comments. And if this video inspired you to think differently about your photography, give it a like and consider subscribing for more content like this.

Shoot more for you, less for Instagram.

Greetings from Budapest :)