You work so hard to capture that perfect Instagram shot. You crop it, select the best filter, and wait for the likes to roll in. But you get nothing. Not a single heart. Not one measly comment. Before writing off your friends' terrible taste in photos, new research shows there's a science to creating a much-loved Instagram photo.
You really can't go wrong with an ocean photo on Instagram.
The most important factor in maximizing your Instagram likes is including texture in your photos, according to a study of 30 features across 8 million Instagram shots from image analytics firm Curalate.
It turns out that Instagram shots with contrasting textures—materials, foods, etc.—garnered 79 percent more likes than smoother (more boring) images. People also prefer photos that are dominantly blue 24 percent more than red—and you can get more likes with an image that emphasizes one color. A photo of the ocean? That's Instagram gold.
But there's only so much you can do to attain Instagram celebrity status.
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