Instagram-photo-dump-trend

Instagram Tips & Resources

Why the Photo Dump Trend Is Taking Over Instagram


By Amanda Demeku

Updated on February 18, 2022

5 minute read

The photo dump. Simple, yet effective.

Published February 18, 2022

Stay on top of the biggest social media marketing trends!

Instagram's photo dump trend has become a fixture on our feeds – even POTUS has jumped on board!

But what exactly is a photo dump and why is it a user favorite?

We're diving into what qualifies as a "photo dump", why it's an engagement driver, and how you can try it, below.

What is an Instagram Photo Dump?

Technically speaking, a photo dump is an Instagram carousel post. However, it's the type of content in the carousel that qualifies it as a "dump".

Rather than perfectly edited photos and videos, a photo dump is a low-effort, random collection – up to 10 slides – that conveys a story or mood.

Think a blurry selfie followed by an image of a half-eaten sandwich, a video at the beach, and a comical meme or GIF. 

It’s the details that paint a fuller picture, revealing so much more than one single shot.

FYI: Later is a social media management platform trusted by over 4M businesses, creators, and marketers. Sign up today so you can schedule Instagram carousel posts in advance – available on all paid plans!

How to Jump on the Instagram Photo Dump Trend 

You don't need to be an influencer or creator to jump on this trend – it works for brands and businesses too.

The number one rule? Is that there are no rules – this is your opportunity to be a little more casual and show a different (or more intimate) side of your brand.

Here's our simple three-step plan to perfect the art of the photo dump:

#1: Set Your Photo Dump Goals

Start by deciding your photo dump direction.

Do you want to convey a feeling, capture a timeframe, or an event? It's time to define your photo dump goal. 

Before you start looking at what content to use, think about what you want to achieve with your audience through your photo dump post.

#2: Curate Your Photo Dump Content

While your photo dump images can feel like a random selection, it's worth being strategic with the first image in your carousel post.

Kick-off your photo dump with an image, GIF, or video that will entice your audience to keep swiping for more. 

See how Jacquemus immediately grabs attention by showcasing supermodel (and photo dump connoisseur) Bella Hadid

From there, it’s best to include a variety of content types: photos, videos, GIFs, and memes. 

Jewelry brand Wolf Circus jumped on the trend by sharing a mix of photos and videos of staff wearing their favorite accessories:  

Use photo dumps to authentically illustrate behind-the-scenes content, share an announcement or offer a sneak peek.

#3. Craft The Perfect Photo Dump Caption

Once you’ve selected your imagery, choose a caption to match. 

Remember, your carousel conveys a story so keep your caption short and sweet to deliver a punchier message. 

And just like that, you’ve created your first photo dump. Connecting with your audience has never been more relatable! 

PSA: With Later’s Instagram scheduler, you can plan and prep your carousel posts in advance via desktop or mobile.

It’s as simple as logging onto Later, heading to your Media Library, and checking off one or more images (or videos) for your carousel post.

You can even write a caption, rearrange media, edit, and crop your content:

instagram photo dump trend carousel

Once you’re happy with your post, choose a date and time, and click save. Then when it’s time to post you’ll receive a mobile app notification to publish. 

The caption will automatically be added to your clipboard and the images to your gallery.

It’s that easy!

Moving away from a solitary grid post, photo dumps are an excellent way to gain visibility and connect with your community. 

Whether you’re launching a new product or showcasing your team, photo dumps are making authenticity cool on Instagram again. 

Ready to get started?  Plan, preview, and schedule your carousel posts in advance with Later – sign up today.

Plan, schedule, and automatically publish your social media posts with Later.

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