Instagram cheat sheet

February 27, 2012 By 83 Comments Fat Mum Slim
I’m sure you’ve noticed my ever-growing addiction to Instagram. I might need an intervention soon. For those who don’t know what Instagram is, let me enlighten you. It’s an app for your iPhone {Android users – the app is now here! Download it here.} to share beautiful photos. You can upload photos, put a pretty filter over them and share them with other people. It’s a lot like Twitter, but with photos. You can also comment on other people’s photos and have people comment on yours.

I’m often asked how things are done, so I thought perhaps I should pull together a little something-something to share. So here it is, your guide to Instagram! Enjoy.

P.S. For those not on Instagram, I promise to stop talking about it soon! x

Filed Under: Fat Mum Slim, iPhoneography, Social Media & Blogging Tips fat mum slim
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00458222909200019011 Nicole

    Wonderful, thank you! xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18387282070513681709 Emilie

    I just downloaded instagram yesterday! Thank you so much for having the perfectly timed post to help me :) I am going to be instagraming it up now.

    http://www.hungrydelights.com/

  • http://www.thespohrsaremultiplying.com heather…

    I've been using IG for over a year, and I didn't know some of these. You are awesome, as always! xo

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01496808932639286228 Melli

    thanks for the tips lovely:) xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03939214390999152489 Lauren

    Those are all great tips. I got my iPhone in November and instagram was the first app I added! I have really enjoyed your photo-of-the-day challenges because they are great prompts for photos. I have been exploring iPhonography, and so far I love it!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16566064900041129287 Heather Belle

    Definitely needed these tips! Thanks a bunch :)
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.crushworthymoms.com Alison

    I was giving up on instagram until now, thank you for the helpful tips!! xx, alison

    http://www.crushworthymoms.com

  • http://mrsbcshouseofchaos.blogspot.com.au/ Mrs BC

    OK! I'll get instagram already!
    (Thanks for the cheat sheet, I will need it)
    xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10529917440443656151 Conversation Pieces

    Great guide! Though I'm 'blaming' you already for my current instagram obsession! ;) Got into to do the febphotoaday challenge and loving it :) The airplane mode tip is brill, will be using that!!! Ta x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04414898802439792827 Stephanie Pires

    Awesome cheat sheet; now to catch up on February before March starts!

    Stephanie
    Trying To Be Super Mom
    http://tobesuper.blogspot.com
    @trytubesuper

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735492770594090264 Belinda

    I love IG and your photos are fab love x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18301830877869645896 Amanda

    I love Instagram, too! I already knew most of this stuff, but the airplane mode tip was new to me! Thanks!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04461004506138709030 Miss Lou

    awesome tips!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04489507115454768191 Diana

    I've been on instagram for a while & I even learned a few new things! Thanks for all the tips :) I love your photo-a-day monthly challenges. I'm a new follower of yours & am loving your blog.

  • http://www.helpinahurryllc.com Amanda Howell

    Oh this was awesome!!!! I thought I understood Instagram, but I only had the basics, lol. There's a lot more to it than meets the eye. And I'm loving your photo a day challenge! I'm so glad I ran across it the other day. :)

  • leanne

    thanks! lovin' the airplane mode tip!!

  • http://mylittlecoffeebreak.blogspot.com/ diane

    looking forward for this instagram on Android!

  • http://loveisspokenhere.wordpress.com/ loveisspokenhere

    i HEART instagram!!!
    airplane mode was new to me as well!

  • http://www.donnaboykin.com/randomness Donna

    Thank you! I'm still relatively new to Instagram and this is perfect!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02132847134911544767 Nikki Brewer

    yes ..i am digging the airplane mode..didn't know that!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16836902234503700005 Kristen – Dine & Dish

    What great tips – I am a massive fan of Instagram! I had no idea about the airplane mode trick. Very cool! Thanks for the tips!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08155628540029227995 lou lou

    Hi Chantelle,
    Don't stop talking lovely lady. We love your voice and what you have to say!

    Have a lovely day,

    x Loulou

  • http://www.ecobabe.com.au ecobabe

    I'm a slow adaptor with Instagram which is so not like me. Thanks for the tips will spend some time in bed tonight going through it all.

    Jayne from xo http://www.ecobabe.com.au

  • Anonymous

    Is it possible to post rectangular-sized pictures?

  • SH

    Thanks for the airplane trick!

    Also for newer users – it is possible to keep your photos more private – that is require approval before people can follow you.

    But remember that photos on the web stay there and as Chantelle posted on the other day, they can be easily stolen. So only share what you are willing to let go.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10009232448247160974 ally

    ooh – the airplane tip is a good one
    thanks – am loving the challenge of the photo a day

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12312309129805115365 Stacy of KSW

    Can I just borrow your whole blog layout???? Love, love, love how it all fits together. Thanks so much for the handy cheat sheet

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14202568170129872631 Jeanie (Inspired Wish)

    Only just clued into the fact I could use this on my ipad *slaps head*. Back to re read these shortly.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04829210907642731090 Jen Mathews

    This is great! :)

  • http://afreshlegacy.net Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy

    Great tips! I learned quite a few new things so thanks :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09583940455920694670 Chelle

    Shame I have an android phone but this is a great cheatsheet

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06335235397677036391 Steffi

    Instagram is the only reason I still want an IPhone, although I'm so in love with my Android phone. Can't wait for an Android app!

  • Kelly-Anne

    I love to “instagramafy” old photos to print and frame but get sick of having to delete them off my feed so thank you for the airplaine mode tip! Perfect.

  • Kelly-Anne

    Airplane I mean.
    Loving your photo of the day challenge too

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00666862774865167028 Victoria

    I love instagram, I use it all the time, I do my best not to over populate but some days its just so hard.
    x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01632873327475243352 Dee

    these are great, thanks heaps. best 2 tips for me were the airplane mode and taking all photos with phone and then uploading to instagram…awesome!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08498601067339236258 Pecas

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09915471228732082221 Mrs A in the Cove

    You know I love instagram – may need that intervention as well – still a little behind with the hashtag thing – I know the photoaday one but could never be bothered to add any extra's – do you think it matters? Leanne x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01639442497244607710 Erica {My Two Roads}

    Super helpful, thanks babe xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15761220164069379437 Maxabella

    This is why we love you. x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08513280664528387297 celcho

    fabulous hints.. thanks so much..

    can i just ask..how do you view all comments??

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13151973819133926868 Mama of 2 boys

    This is such a fantastic list of tips. I just joined instagram today, after getting my first iphone last week… and I must say I was totally lost with how to utilise it. Not anymore, thanks heaps Chantelle xo

  • Debmcd

    Tip twelve is awesome, sometimes I want to hold off posting and always thought there had to be a way, but would never have thought that was the way!!! Thx

  • Ailyn

    So nice of you to share your little secrets and to calm down us poor android users ;) Can't wait till we get the app too!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13806628309945219921 Bailey Ana

    Perfect! I love this, I've had the app for months & couldn't work out how come everyone had the blur function except for me.

    Thanks!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08318743435172713799 Kathy

    This is fantastic! Thank you so much for doing this.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03260273708808773654 Be A Fun Mum

    This is super fun!

  • http://roxtheworld07.wordpress.com/ roxtheworld07

    Thanks for this! I am an Instagram addict, too! I didn't know about the teardrop menu until I read it here!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07456301608283720632 Janie Real

    thanks for these tips! i love instagram! i didn't know about tip #12! thanks again =)

  • http://www.regularhome.wordpress.com Claire

    I've known about Instagram for ages but only started a couple of weeks ago and love it! Totally hooked. Thanks for these tips, there are some good ideas here – cross processing and airplane mode – great tips!

  • http://www.tar-tryin.com Emmy

    I consider myself well versed in Instagram. I love it! But tips 10 & 12 were new to me! Thanks so much!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03387121260180376487 Jamie

    tip 10 & 11- if you're deleting comments on your own photo all you have to do is swipe on the specific one with your finger and delete will show up without having to hit the settings wheel and do those steps….same as if you've commented on someone else's photo you can swipe on your comment and delete it…
    easy peasy

  • http://www.recklessglue.blogspot.com Cara

    I'm new to instagram so thanks for all these tips–perfect timing!! :) Cara @recklessglue

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00813837782585931407 Peace Love Applesauce- Terri

    IG is my favorite app, for sure!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16312390093864783490 Jules

    This is just so helpful – I'm bookmarking this whole post! Thanks again …. You are so clever BTW! Jules x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14620184280150814909 Lisa-Marie Jordan

    Thank you SO much for Tip 12! I wondered how to do that! Love your blog – cheers!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07865834655887862155 Kelli @ RTSM

    The airplane mode tip is awesome! I didn't know how to do #5 either! Thanks for such great tips:)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06684371160724409966 Amy@MyLifeasaCake

    I was like 'Whats the LUX button? I don't have one!'. Then I realized I'm using a version of Instagram that's about 4 versions behind the current one. Hmm, time to update?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02111644655088350350 Sandra Gale

    Love tip 12 thank you! Always wished there was a way I could edit for the blog without having to bore the people in my feed with 15 photos all at once

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10252956419842164914 Becky

    This is such a great list, thank you and please don't stop talking about instagram I love it!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17165134960597366495 Raquel xo

    You are the BEST – so many tips I needed – see you tomorrow on #MARCHPHOTOADAY xo

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17994246142927246013 Charmaine

    Thankyou Chantelle, i love instagram but i didnt know half of these tips, thankyou for sharingxx Ps im playing tommorrow!

  • http://www.auburnblue.com Ilze

    Lovely post ! Love Instagram but even though it looks basic, sometimes not so user-friendly…so needless to say – too happy that you shared !!! And love the layout of your post. Fun. Thanks

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09258122979960993351 Alicia

    Oh, I love tip 12! Thanks!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05012569571281223678 Veronica @ Mixed Gems

    Great that you did this. I'm a seasoned user but even I learnt a couple of things – tips #10 and #12. I know many others who keep saying they've no idea how it works so this helps. If I may suggest, you could add deleting is also possible by swiping right to left over a comment. And between tips 6 and 7 a little blurb about how to write a caption for photo plus a few pointers on sharing maybe. For example, I only recently realised I could choose which FB page my images go to which is really helpful as a blogger who has both a personal profile and a fan page. I realise you have to stop somewhere with the cheat sheet though. Are you also planning some tips on 3P support for IG such as followgram.me and statigr.am?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17794509268997508199 Carrie B

    Ok, so I am a relatively new to iPhone and IG. Tip six~ I haven't figured out how to do this, HELP!!! I've only been able to use pics taken thru IG. Thanks!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04962587342835841240 Jennifer M.

    Great tips! I love using Instagram!! Did you know about the site Webstagram? It's a cool way to view your photo stream on a computer, which can make it a little easier to browse &/or find your own photos for blogging about later. http://web.stagram.com/

  • Anonymous

    what version of instagram are you using? ive already updated my ig but still there's no lux! :(

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01326074185188629710 Ali

    Thanks for the tips…have been playing around with Instagram a bit the past month for March photo a Day, but am going to share my April pics on Instagram as well as my blog, and this really helped, thanks :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16861767109879999425 Makaila

    Wow, AWESOME tutorial, thank you!

  • http://lovinglifeathome.wordpress.com/ lovinglifeathome

    Thanks for the very helpful pointers. My hubby just bought me a new iPhone, and I'm just getting started on what I know will be a big learning curve.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12074904124892969236 jen @ jkjk

    This is great! I've been using instagram for a while now and I learned a few things. Thanks so much.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13618130902702663547 thetobykennedy

    This is a great cheat sheet Chantelle! I'm a massive Instagram fan, but I always process my photos in another editor first – it used to be Photoshop, but no I use Photoforge 2 which gives you more control over individual aspects.

    If you want to delve into even MORE stats, you can use Statigr.am to get optimum times of the day to post, see which filters are most popular, etc…

    Toby. xx

  • http://www.twitter.com/ZachhRheaa ZachhRheaa

    Great! Follow me on Instagram & Twitter! @ZachhRheaa.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00893305521837985629 Brooke

    This is great! I'm a new user on IG, with an Android, but unfortunately the app for Android does not have the raindrop feature :(

  • http://julineb.blogspot.com/ Juline

    Yes, it does have the raindrop! I don't know how long it's been there, but after seeing this cheat sheet I actually looked for it, and it's there.

  • http://www.andthenshesaved.com anna newell jones

    thanks for putting all the tips together. now i'll be able to give the link to this post to people who have questions about how instagram works.

    one tip that i would recommend be included in this collection (and i see it happen often) is about using the @username for comments and replies. so, if other people comment on your photo you will always get notification of that comment but if you reply to commenters you must include their @username or they won't be able to see your reply. it's different from facebook in that way but similar to twitter in how that works :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11208897801202889753 Claire

    one word for this post. brilliant.
    instagram = <3
    x

    http://www.brightandillustrious.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11997622632433653132 Pam S

    Wish I could print it out so I can study it, new to Instagram here.

  • http://mountainmoonandsea.wordpress.com/ mountainmoonandsea

    Thanks for the tips. I figured some out for myself, but still learning it.

  • http://www.whatsfordinner.com Lizard Lizzie

    Elizabeth Saxe Coburg-Gotha is an evil woman, why do we slave away at work our whole lives for money with her face on

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