Improve Your Instagram Design: Critiques, Tips & Advice PT 1

What does it take to create an engaging Instagram carousel? What can you do to improve the copywriting, typography, and design of your Instagram posts? In this episode, Chris critiques Instagram Carousel student submissions from his Instagram Carousel class. He goes into content structure, design layout, typography, formatting, and much more.
Thanks to the sponsor of this video, Later, the #1 social media scheduler
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Learn more with Chris Do's Instagram course 📲: thefutur.com/instagram
00:00 - Start
00:45 - Critique Criteria
01:46 - 1st Submission by Daniel
08:59 - 2nd Submission by Keith
14:03 - 3rd Submission by Meliza
21:48 - 4th Submission by Goran
24:53 - How to use Later for Instagram
26:52 - 5th Submission by Lisa
31:22 - 6th Submission by Amy
37:41 - 7th Submission by Sarah
Follow the designers featured here:
/ danielriswandi
/ edgeagency
/ meliza.oscar
/ gorpol.es
/ thelisagalea
/ amyuskoskistudio
/ sarahmundy
Timothy Cletus
1- Be consistent with colors, stick to 3 with tints and shades.
2- Consistency in imagery
3- use commas and ellipses to connect singular thoughts.
4- Attention grabbing headlines
5- Clear promise, be very clear of what you want people to think or feel .
6- Be careful to use apostrophe instead of prime
7- put a space before the ellipses and consistent space between them.
8- your photo at the end of the post should easily convey who you're.
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Host: Chris Do
Content Director: Matthew Encina
Producer: Mark Contreras
Cinematographers/Editors: Stewart Schuster, Ricky Lucas, Jona Garcia
Social Team: Elle Money, Alex Burlui
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Typefaces: Futura, DIN, Helvetica Now, Calibre, Knockout, Champion Gothic

[@vinitchhabria1738]

tip - read your carosels out loud 3:45 good image idea 5:15 how to stretch your slides -the right way 6:07 close the number - proximity tells the read this is important - also the bolding good too source content good the name not link [since whats the point if cant access 7:11 the last pic - somethign ppl to remember you 10:46 - make your ideas clear and good points 12:48 13:19 ppl to agree with what saying or make it very clear - dont use fluff - give actully somethign real and valuable- dont lie -esp to yourself - call your self out on your own bs tagline vs mission staterm - nike eg - just do it[commets good point 16:40 - here whast you can do - dont just tell have a misson statement - help them 17 30 - eg of good illustration 19:00 grammer 20:35 colours 21:57 my take away first be of value like 12 -15 then once put that if having a digital mkt issue dm ..but pl are smart enough and keep providing value and theyll fig it out 28:00 use of elements very good[ important] 31:14- good tip- dont get carried away ppl first time seeing 31:09 - very good - use something similar to fitness - like a yoga bar or a db elements in a gym or a fitness person or the nature of thst person/professional 34:20 wow what a template 35:29- the arrow 35:50 the summary good idea and presentation 36:50 cropping nice too 39:10 wow a lot but thats the part that needs spreading 39:27 why ppl on ig- light stuff not to rd a full para 40:48 set it up how 42:00 nice ending carosel slide

[@sarthakpandey5920]

Thanks for taking the pain :D

[@ErikBoles]

Whenever creating copy, put it into notepad and then turn on dictation. Have your computer read it back to you out loud. The robotic voice will pay close attention to punctuation (pauses) and you’ll get a strong idea of how it flows.

[@thefutur]

Good tip

[@69thnstony]

I understand the dictation part but how do I get it to read it back to me?

[@ErikBoles]

@@69thnstony System Preferences > Click Accessibility > Speech. Select the voice that you want to use. Select the “Speak selected text when the key is pressed” check box, and then click Set Key to assign a keyboard shortcut that you want to use to hear text read aloud. The default keyboard shortcut is Option+Esc. Now highlight whatever text you want to hear and press the shortcut key

[@69thnstony]

@@ErikBoles Wow thanks, bro. This is clutch!

[@sunshizzleyou]

Who needs to spend 35k on a design degree when you can learn everything you need to know from KZbin comment threads lol Great tip! Thanks!

[@zabglz]

I think critiques like this is what helps people understand what is good work and what is not. Generating your own taste and design voice is critical for growth. Self editing is the hardest thing one can do but is required to level up your design overall.

[@yashbutno]

I absolutely love how at 18:03, Chris says, "(It's) not an easy thing, especially when we're not all illustrators and photographers…"; then continues with: "…but that's the challenge that you have to solve."

[@frekecletus]

1- Be consistent with colors, stick to 3 with tints and shades. 2- Consistency in imagery 3- use commas and ellipses to connect singular thoughts. 4- Attention grabbing headlines 5- Clear promise, be very clear of what you want people to think or feel . 6- Be careful to use apostrophe instead of prime 7- put a space before the ellipses and consistent space between them. 8- your photo at the end of the post should easily convey who you're. ✨✨✨ Thanks for this great lesson 🙏🙏

[@thefutur]

you go it all.

[@gustavoaraujo4131]

I really love the design inspired by constructivism. She managed to make her references really clear at the same time she make it looks modern

[@alabiridwanullah849]

Chris has just got a great eye for detail. For him, there's always a room for improvement, no matter how good the design.

[@OurDesignspace]

I want to use this opportunity to thank you Mr Chris for how much knowledge I have gotten from you free of charge. You are the best. Words cannot express how grateful I am. Thank you so much.

[@lanacane2504]

This is amazing. More wins

[@cherylthunt8667]

This is amazing well done dear

[@sterlingarcher4788]

Keep going dear. Congrats

[@kindnessatsue8698]

Keep going higher

[@kindnessdesignspace8957]

👍👍

[@patrickjorgensen]

Solid Video, thank you so much for sharing your insight with us!!

[@thefutur]

Thanks 🙏

[@ivoryvignettes]

Just really have to say how much I appreciate your talent of verbalizing your observations and knowledge. A lot of people are pros at what they do, but being able to communicate it is next level stuff. I find it hard to focus on people speaking sometimes, when they observe. Yours was a dream to listen to. Thank you, man!

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@HustleSavvy]

I'm not a designer, so I focus more on my message rather than the fonts, images and colours. I hope to start improving in these aspects, thanks for the awesome video😊

[@thefutur]

Check out Chris' 2nd Instagram Carousel class! ftris.me/igCarouselYT

[@thefutur]

Watch part 2 of this critique series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJDWZYWihL6ssMU

[@likersquimicasocial424]

Both great! Thanks!

[@texascannabistoday860]

Yay! Exactly what I was working on! Perfect timing. Thanks, guys!

[@thefutur]

Perfect!

[@tashamarita]

I love this type of critique video, so fun, thanks Chris!

[@devilingism]

This is awesome! I was nodding my head all the way

[@TNT0ben]

Very - fulfilling - video. Haven’t made a carousel yet for Instagram, but I am trying to get into that once I start putting out content. I never imagined things like grammar and tone would sometimes get overlooked. Great tip about reading the carousel out loud as our writing voice is different from speaking voice.

[@maecervantes3669]

Tons of value! Thank you, Chris!

[@gabrielclaredo3206]

Really like your observations and takes on these! Very helpful, just earned yourself a new follower, keep up the good content 🙏🙏🙏

[@nathanmalik1697]

When you asked about Nike and Apple's mission statement, I really thought you were going to say, what's the futur's mission statement because that's a brand we all love.

[@isclaraferreira]

Great video! The apostrophe tips is very useful, thanks Chris for sharing so much knowledge

[@chepillo120]

Wonderful video Chris, thx so much for sharing such valuable info!

[@May-zd5li]

I love this kind of videos ☺️ please make more of them !

[@BlaQFireNation]

it’s ok for people NOT to agree with the messaging. that actually helps boost you in the algorithm when people disagree. polarization is good for us all. 💚

[@rashmiyadav887]

This is excactly what I was looking for. More videos like these pls

[@mandiraexotic]

Fantastic video. Lots of learning the way each creative was dissected, thank you!

[@thefutur]

Thanks

[@crazeybballer]

This taught me so much, Especially about type...Thanks!!

[@paulapana6241]

This reminds of the fact that we must always go back to the basics... It goes a long way.

[@randybacurnay8089]

Great video and what the most I like Chris? Your CAP, I love it soo much!!!

[@AzureMoyna]

So, so, so helpful, thank you!

[@IonVid333]

Never thought I'd say this, but THANK YOU MASTER DO!

[@2das]

„What's Nike's mission statement?“ *Shia LaBeouf memories i n t e n s i f y* Just DO IT! 😂😂😂

[@thefutur]

that's not their mission statement. it's their tagline. different things.

[@VerdantJedi]

@@thefutur The Master has spoken...

[@2das]

@@thefutur yes I know, it was just a joke (thus the three smileys) :)

[@marnix1]

really great observation and all takes, i learned alot through this video, thank you so much 🙏.

[@dorchy12]

Thank you. Would love to see more content breakdowns.

[@amirhosseinrahimi1931]

I loved it Just what I needed right now

[@NynNahh]

Thanks, Chris! I absolutely love how you politely and accurately point out what is great as is and what can be improved. Your videos on how to create Instagram content, despite being one year old at the moment (and I don't mean this in a bad way, but visual trends tend to get old quick), is ageing really well and is extremely helpful. Thank you, great design monk! ^^

[@HackUniversity]

Wow! This is so cool and informative!

[@xapradnz]

Great Video! Thank you for sharing!

[@obv_design9310]

Thank you so much, Chris!

[@OurDesignspace]

Now I charge more for my work, I teach other new designers, I have a group of over 200 people learning, I have even started my page here. Thank you so much.

[@lanacane2504]

This is wonderful 👍

[@cherylthunt8667]

Wow am aiming for this

[@sterlingarcher4788]

Nice one dear more wins

[@kindnessatsue8698]

Greater heights dear

[@kindnessdesignspace8957]

Cool 😎

[@lisagalea6438]

Thank you so much Chris. 😍

[@jilliangordy3522]

I’d be genuinely interested in watching your videos, but unfortunately, there are no captions available. Will you please add CC for providing the Deaf viewers and even Deaf designers like me equal access to all learning opportunities? Thank you.

[@thefutur]

does YT auto-generate captions? let me look into this.

[@maiyerxiong3328]

@@thefutur I think they do! :)

[@maiyerxiong3328]

@Chaos Burrito true, can’t always trust them. However if you do have time you can go in and edit them teehee. I’ve played with one or two videos with automated cc and it was accurate but there is a way to control it if needed ❤️❤️

[@mrp10012]

@@thefutur They do. You can edit them in about 30-40% of the video's time.

[@AbbyBane.]

I have CC on the videos, I work in a machine shop and even with headphones plus hearing impaired, can’t hear it all.

[@supahmariostyle]

Had no idea a class was offered, but , Chris I'm definitely referencing your personal account as a standard for myself. If that makes sense. I'm currently analyzing what gets attention and what doesn't.

[@Yuchub33]

Whats his personal ig?

[@bradhouston4734]

Love these crits. Thanks Chris 😀

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome Brad

[@HansDtv]

Hi Chris, Here in The Netherlands we do not write a [space] between the last letter and the 3 dots.

[@amyuskoski8552]

Thanks so much for the critique, Chris! I had an epiphany seeing my work through this format and filtered through your brain: I’m better at interesting than at consistent 😄 Confession: I knew it needed a lot more work when I submitted. The initial deadline was tight and I struggled: Send it late and polished or send it now, as-is? I thought, meh, not many people will see it, and you’ll be mad at yourself if you don’t. I hit Send, got a bellyache, and didn’t look at it again. I don’t regret my decision to share and will do as suggested with the carousel :)

[@thefutur]

Keep at it Amy!

[@ash_hives1867]

learnt a lot from this video, thanks guys

[@thefutur]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lahf82]

NIce vid , great review, thanks for share

[@unclefelix914]

hmm "people can't access the link from the carousel anyway" Nice one 👏👏👏

[@onwa.beauty]

ok I really love your hat !!

[@HansDtv]

Thanks Chris!!

[@PaulNewby-jo9cf]

Favour (and colour) are standard English spelling! :)

[@ecampbell5316]

Great tips!

[@ailamanuel8248]

ey, thanks for the content you're putting out here, super big help! love your cap too, where'd u get it?

[@thefutur]

Check out the site godisadesigner.com

[@englishpresentationsuperhe2137]

I am learning a lot. Mahalo!

[@hrifandi_]

This is huge!

[@MarianaGomez-zw2gg]

I have a question, why should I use later if I have studio creator for free?

[@bealim]

hello sorry if it's a stupid question but where would i see the correct apostrophe mark? i only know prime marks :(

[@madhavip0273]

Yayyyy he listened to us on Twitter!

[@MoritzFischer]

Thanks!

[@DeoSebastian]

Lookin' Good with that glasses Chris!!!

[@thefutur]

Thanks

[@ainanirina758]

Do someone know what is the font used on the video thumbnail?

[@CheapandSafe]

Cool new glasses!

[@yazankhost4729]

You are a legend

[@awaisabbasi9284]

Love it

[@pjow3054]

I've always seen your social media manager on your website but I think this is the first time I'm seeing her on one of your videos, I could be wrong.

Thank you!

[@MLOps]

I loved the one from Amy but cant seem to find where I can follow on social?? can you put a link to everyone you review in the description or is that giving away too much free real estate?

[@thefutur]

Sure. Good suggestion

[@alyxmari]

You can follow her on IG instagram.com/amyuskoskistudio?igshid=1ltyobmq9s97s 😊

[@albinosgambit1877]

Great advice Chris! I just starting out at instagram with a unknown niche brand in health and beauty and struggle to learn to make good content and just design is a struggle but try to learn all I can watching other accounts on insta and tutorials on youtube. I have been a computer geek all my life and used Adobe before but not a lot. I am learning something new every day and work hard... So hopefully I will get there! Design is not my cup of tea he he... Is it possible for you to give some advice on my instagram account? I am trying to build brand awareness of a little know niche brand in the healt and beauty industry. Really great products thats existed 35 years, german quality and with several certification from Institute fresenius, not many people get this awarded. Is it possbile to make a wish to ask for a tutorial that make a 10 post template with for example of showcasing e.g Aloe Vera Gel Drinking juice or something? how would you do that in adobe photoshop? Should I make one myself from scratch to learn? Or use finished templates and build on it? I would rather make my own, as I am a control freak haha:-) Thanks for all the great work you put out here Chris! All the best!

[@Buggaeman]

When he said let's read again anxiety. My anxiety: 📈

[@TheRandyns]

Thank you sir.

[@francyscaicedo2906]

thanks!

[@mandiraexotic]

Can we do LinkedIn design critiques for the next one please?

[@Yuchub33]

Im a poor chemist trying to do branding for my natural deodorant business. I was thinking about doing a quirky aesthetic, i feel like a lot of brands look so sterile?? Thoughts???

[@thefutur]

go for it. or hire a pro to help.

[@DenokLestari]

notif squad !!

[@GreySpyder]

Ok, i know this was posted two years ago but I have question. Is it recommended that I only use three color for branding throughout my INS content? Or just on single carousel posts. I tend to use whole mash up of colors and styles. Yes its not consistent.

[@thefutur]

Stick with a limited color palette

[@GreySpyder]

@@thefutur Much appreciated. Thanks

[@JamesWelbes]

How do you make sure you use the "correct" apostrophe? Isn't that up to the font? There's only one button on the keyboard for an apostrophe.

[@thefutur]

search for PC and Mac and it'll tell you how. on Mac is option "]" and option + shift "]".

[@JamesWelbes]

@@thefutur it's so weird that people go out of their way to use the wrong thing. Do you know why they do it? Is it just because they don't like the way the apostrophe looks in that font? I admit I've used one font for text and another font's quote marks before for that reason

[@pramilagupta9235]

26:57, Whats this design style called ?

[@BCDenzey]

Am I the only one blown away by the fact that English isn’t his first language? 🤯

[@islamlatreche6481]

Thanksss

[@zaydtawam9655]

What's that horizontal font used in the thumbnail?

[@thefutur]

Champion

[@bygrapher]

Yeah, new glasses!...or have i missed some episodes? D:

[@thefutur]

new glasses indeed.

[@sandovalsolutions]

X factor=thefutur

[@qjdesign7996]

15:32 is the best part. XD

[@drawingmoo4109]

15:42 Without skipping a beat, Think Different. And I'm not even loyal to Apple haha. It's been their ad slogan for more than 20 years and I only remember it off the top of my head because it's grammatically wrong and it has annoyed me for ***eternity*** ;-;. Overall though, love the lesson, thank you so much for these pointers.

[@luckysuoane2948]

Nice Glasses Chris

[@thefutur]

Thanks!

[@MikeBeyene]

Literally about to push send on a Instagram post....then boom.

[@famousatmidnight15]

Where did you make your cap?

[@thefutur]

Check out Godisadesigner.com

[@vinitchhabria1738]

1:30 critic criteria

[@OurDesignspace]

Am actually the first this time. I need to be rewarded 😃😃😃

[@thefutur]

congrats!

[@lanacane2504]

@@thefutur thank you sir

[@therodystyle5788]

@thelisagalea F-ing good carousel!

[@cjlhessing]

Have you ever thought about doing your own Udemy (or similar platform) course? I find you very relaxing to watch and listen to, you'd make an awesome tutor on something like that. Not to mention your skillset is...off the chain...as the young'uns say.

[@nileshparashar6853]

He doesn't need Udemy. He gives us such solid information for free ❤️

[@rakibtonmoy242]

I can't find the apostrophe is ( ' ) this it? '''''''''''''''''''''''

[@skrrdt6718]

What font do they use for the headings

[@thefutur]

Champion

[@skrrdt6718]

@@thefutur I appreciate it! Thank you! :)

[@TenggisKhan]

hahaha that hat is great

[@OpenmindedThinkerShow]

I have exhausted all the strategies on the web. But has continued to be stuck on the same numbers, likes, spots and in fact everything. I'm tired, Men!

[@thefutur]

no strategies or hacks. just make good content.

[@aashnaram]

I am not a designer or a marketer but an aspiring author and I wonder if I could write micro stories using this method. 🤔

[@thefutur]

You can. Those posts do the best.

[@Jowyerv]

I'm just wonder how to put apostrophe marks? because I can only find prime marks on my keyboard. lol

[@thefutur]

type in option + ] and option + shift + ]

[@aspected]

Why do all these new designer Instagram posts follow the EXACT same theme?

[@kitsokgate7145]

This guy is savage. Haha!