Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in existence. It started as just a humble photo-sharing application. While that is still true, the type of content shared on this platform has changed over time. For example, a feed that used to be filled with food and pet content is now different. Today, Instagram can make anyone insanely jealous of the lives others seem to lead. Whether it’s taking trips on a yacht or flawless selfies, many famous Instagram users can make you feel insecure.
This is especially true when it comes to physical appearance. Everybody on Instagram looks picture-perfect. Influencers and models have poreless faces and perfect bodies that only one can dream of. However, this isn’t an accurate representation of reality. Not even Kim Kardashian looks as perfect as she appears!
When comparing Instagram with reality, your perception is suddenly brought back to the real world. We tend to forget that unrealistic beauty standards exist all around us. This can make us feel really bad about our bodies.
Some influencers have decided to expose this facade once and for all. There are more Instagram vs. Reality examples being shared all over the internet. These show posed, edited photos compared to candid, real-life ones that show how people really look. Here are some of the most surprising comparisons.
Instagram vs. Reality Examples
1. Angles are everything! People aren’t always as curvy as they appear.
Source: Pupperish
2. Even the most slender fitness models have rounded tummies and soft legs.
Source: Pinterest
3. Part of posting on Instagram is mastering poses that are super flattering. However, it could look very different from another point of view!
Source: Bored Panda
4. Knowing how to play with light and sucking in your stomach for posed pictures are very common on Instagram.
Source: Insider
5. Most people appear to be relaxed in perfect Instagram photos. In reality, they are working very hard to pose and appear effortless!
Source: Insider
6. The use of excessive and filters are trends that are commonly seen on the platform.
Source: Bored Panda
7. People who appear to have flat stomachs actually have a little bit of tummy in more realistic photos.
Source: Insider
8. Even celebrities like Khloe Kardashian rely on the magic of filters to look extra airbrushed.
Source: Pinterest
9. Makeup and cosmetic procedures that look flattering on Instagram may not look the same in real life.
Source: Pinterest
10. Sometimes, simply turning to the side gives you a more flattering angle.
Source: Insider
11. Camera shots taken from a lower angle give the illusion of a taller, slimmer figure.
Source: Bored Panda
12. Another Kardashian that is an expert in posting on Instagram is Kylie Jenner.
Source: Bored Panda
13. Posing with your arms up and behind you can give you a slimmer torso.
Source: Bored Panda
15. Fortunately, some people have proudly taken to exposing these realities on their own Instagram profiles.
Source: Daily Advent
15. Some Instagram users are showing the two sides of every photo.
Source: Daily Mail
16. The bset part is they are embracing their so-called “flaws.”
Source: Daily Mail
17. These photos show that seemingly impossible beauty standards are just a trick of the camera.
Source: Pinterest
18. All it takes is a perfectly posed and made up subject in the photo.
Source: Pinterest
19. Instagram can make us feel better about ourselves. However, it can also lead to major dissatisfaction.
Source: Pinterest
20. Other users like this woman are learning to embrace their bodies no matter what their followers think.
Source: Daily Mail
21. Even the most perfect-looking makeup influencers actually have imperfect skin.
Source: Daily Mail
22. In fact, even Beyonce has bad angles!
Source: Facebook
23. It’s also quite useful to know what your most flattering angles are, of course.
Source: Pinterest
24. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing to pose in a way that will make you look your best.
Source: Bored Panda
25. As this user shows, everybody has belly rolls when sitting slouched.
Source: Daily Mail
26. This user demonstrates how changing your posture can significantly alter your appearance.
Source: Reddit
27. Even the gorgeous Kim Kardashian has skin texture, even though her Instagram photos don’t show it.
Source: Pinterest
28. Again, belly rolls are normal! Instagram vs. Reality Examples
Source: Brightside
29. Not every moment on the beach is going to be a picture perfect one.
Source: Instagram
30. While most of these body expectations fall on women, men face the same pressures too.
Source: Brightside
31. Some people forget what normal actually looks like.
Source: Daily Mail
32. The use of filters has become so commonplace that people are almost expected to look that way!
Source: Bored Panda
33. It can sometimes take some reminding for people to realize that nobody looks like a Barbie doll in real life.
Source: Bored Panda
34. Facial hair and skin texture are normal parts of being a person.
Source: Bored Panda
35. Posing for a photo on the beach is nice, but people shouldn’t forget to enjoy themselves too — even if they don’t look good on camera!
Source: Insider
36. Some people have gotten so good at posing that it’s second nature to them.
Source: Insider
37. Celebrities may also feel some insecurities and pressure to look perfect.
Source: Bored Panda
38. Normalizing imperfect skin, among other things, is extremely important on Instagram.
Source: Bored Panda
39. Normalizing not always wearing makeup for pictures is also important.
Source: Bored Panda
40. There is even pressure to look Instagram-perfect at the gym!
Source: Instagram
41. Sometimes, it’s not about the body’s appearance. It can also be how we present our living space to our followers.
Source: Brightside
42. On Instagram, users want to appear trendy and in the know. That’s usually not the case in real life.
Source: Instagram
43. The most important thing when looking at Instagram vs. reality is to remember that the latter should always be acceptable.
Source: Brightside
If you enjoyed this list, check out our other articles featuring beauty and internet trends!