Photos Are Back on Instagram: How Small Business Owners Can Use Candid Content to Boost Reach & Engagement
- Amanda Hughes
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Are you a small business owner wondering if photos even work on Instagram anymore, or if it’s all Reels, video, and Canva graphics now?
Photos Are Back on Instagram: How Small Business Owners Can Use Candid Content to Boost Reach & Engagement
You’re not imagining it, Instagram has felt louder, faster, and more demanding over the last few years. Between Reels, trending audio, perfectly designed carousels, and constant video advice, many business owners are feeling burnt out and behind. But here’s the good news: photos are officially back on Instagram, and not the polished brand-shoot kind either.
In this episode of Small Business Growth Addicts, I’m breaking down why candid, casual photos are performing so well right now, what’s driving this shift, and exactly how small business owners can use simple images to get more reach, saves, and genuine connection without Canva, fancy cameras, or perfect lighting.
Listen Now 🎧
Hit play on the podcast player at the top of this page.
Using quick images like this selfie is what's working best right now on Instagram for small business owners!
Why Are Photos Working on Instagram Again?
Instagram started as a photo-sharing app — and in many ways, we’re seeing a return to those roots.
Right now, audiences are craving:
Real moments
Real people
Real environments
And that’s not happening by accident.
Two big things are driving this shift:
1. Nostalgia & Casual Content
Younger millennials and Gen Z are leaning into nostalgia — blurry images, grainy photos, imperfect moments. We’re seeing more analogue-style photography, disposable camera vibes, and relaxed “in-the-moment” posts.
Even if you’re using your phone (which most of us are), casual photos are outperforming over-produced content because they feel human and relatable.
2. Trust in the Age of AI
With AI-generated images and overly polished content everywhere, people are more suspicious than ever.
Ironically, imperfection has become a trust signal.
Typos, unfiltered photos, everyday moments — they all signal realness. And realness builds trust, which builds engagement.
What This Means for Small Business Owners on Instagram
If you’re a small business owner who:
Feels pressure to constantly create video
Is tired of Canva and over-designing posts
Doesn’t have time for brand shoots or perfect lighting
Wants Instagram to feel easier again
This shift is great news.
You don’t need new tools. You don’t need a fancy camera. You don’t need to change who you are.
You just need to change how you’re using photos. Listen Now 🎧
Hit play on the podcast player at the top of this page.
How to Use Photos on Instagram for Business (What’s Working Right Now)
Use Candid Photos in Carousel Posts
Carousels are still one of the best-performing post types on Instagram.
Why?
If someone scrolls past slide one, Instagram can reshow slide two later
This gives your post more chances to be seen
More visibility often means more saves and engagement
Instead of Canva slides, try:
Photos from your day
Your workspace
Dog walks, sunsets, coffee moments
You, as you are
Add your text hook directly in Instagram, not Canva like this 👇🏼
Don’t Overthink Image “Relevance”
Your photo doesn’t need to perfectly match your caption — it just shouldn’t completely clash.
For example:
A cosy home photo + business advice = great
A glass of wine image for a children’s brand = maybe not
Use common sense, not perfection.
Single Photo vs Carousel — Which Is Better?
Single image posts still work — but carousels tend to perform better for reach.
If you’re choosing:
Carousel = more reach opportunities
Single image = quick, simple, still valid
Both are fine. Consistency matters more than format.
What About Reels — Do They Still Matter?
Yes — Reels are still brilliant for growth, especially for reaching non-followers.
But here’s the shift:
Polished, scripted Reels are not required
Talking-head Reels (just you talking to camera) are performing really well
Casual videos beat perfection
You can film a Reel:
On a dog walk
At your desk
In everyday life
No studio. No setup. No pressure.
Example Mentioned in the Episode
I talk through a New Year’s Eve carousel post I created in minutes using candid photos from my day — no Canva involved.
You can see that post on Instagram here It’s a great example of how relaxed content can still drive strong engagement, saves, and connection! Listen Now 🎧
Hit play on the podcast player at the top of this page. Episode Sponsor: Word Craft
Thank you to this episodes sponsor Word Craft, founded by Claire a website strategist and copywriter based in the North East of Scotland, working with clients across the UK and beyond.
Claire helps small business owners and creative entrepreneurs with their website’s words, structure, and flow to attract those “I couldn’t-have-asked-for-better” clients.
You can work with Claire through:
Done-for-you website copy & blog writing
A strategic website audit (with a clear action plan)
One-to-one advisory support so you can DIY your copy with confidence
📲 Connect with Claire via her website here https://wordcraftservices.co.uk/
