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25 Selfie Tips That Will Change Your Instagram Game

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By , and Jelani Addams Rosa
preview for Gigi Hadid Shares Her First Selfie With Daughter!

If you're like me, you're scrolling through one flawless selfie after another on Instagram and wondering... why don't my selfies look like that? A good selfie is so much more than solid lighting and a clean background — from the best time of day to the most flattering angle, there are various factors to consider for that perfect selfie.

To make sure your selfie gets all the likes (and followers!), we've gathered the most helpful tips to capture all your finest angles. Whether it's as simple as cleaning your room or choosing the right filter, these tips will help you learn to take quality pics of yourself and your friends. Score tons of likes with these easy tricks for snapping amazing selfies every time.

1

Vary your angles

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Tilt your head from left to right, and up and down to figure out what your best side is. Let the light hit your cheeks and see what you like.

2

Natural lighting is 🔑

Even with zero makeup on, natural lighting with give you that beautiful glow. Avoid fluorescent lighting at all costs, my friends.

3

Snap a pic with your pet

While they're considered family, pets also make for the cutest posing partners. All the proof you need is in Ari's adorable selfie.

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4

Avoid harsh lighting

Though natural light is the most important, try to avoid directly facing the sun and casting shadows on your face. You never want the lighting to be too harsh.

5

Have fun with it

Taking selfies doesn't have to be a super stressful experience. Get playful with it and change up your poses.

6

Know when to use flash

Natural lighting is definitely most ideal, but sometimes, you're ~feeling yourself~ when it's dark out or you're indoors. Flash isn't always a total no-no. Try using the front camera flash on Snapchat for a more subtle flash pic.

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7

Opt for a mirror selfie

TBH, sometimes you're just not in the mood for a face-on selfie, but you're totally into your look. Don't forget that mirror selfies can be super cute, too, especially if you go for a pose like Dua's.

8

Make sure your background isn't distracting

While Selena Gomez looks *gorgeous* in this car selfie, my eyes couldn't help but wander to the pup in the background. Sometimes, it's hard to control your background — especially in a public setting — so make sure the area's clear before snapping a pic.

9

When in doubt, smile

If pursing your lips or a smize feels kinda awkward, just go for a real smile. Don't force it — you can never go wrong with a genuine smile!

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10

Use a lower angle

You may not expect it at first, but low angle selfies can work wonders to spice up your feed.

11

Get a boost from a filter

Don't be afraid of using a filter to spice up your selfie. From cute face filters on Snapchat to pretty VSCO filters, test out your faves for the perfect pic.

12

Know your angles

Every face is different, but generally tucking down your chin and tilting your head slightly is pretty flattering. It makes your face look super angular – just ask Kylie.

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13

When in doubt, head to the bathroom

Why do you think the bathroom is one of the most popular places to snap a pic at the Met Gala? Aside from the ultimate party vibes, the bathroom has some of the best lighting. Plus, you can see how you look in the mirror right before you take your photos.

14

Take selfies in the morning

In the morning your face is clean, your makeup is fresh, and your hair hasn't yet been destroyed by wind/humidity/gym class, which makes it the optimal time for a photo.

15

Channel your inner model

If you want a fire pic, you better leave your shame at the door. Pout your lips, raise your brows, practise your smize – basically just channel your inner Zendaya. I promise the pics will be epic.

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16

Rock a hat

Whether it's a beanie or a cowboy hat doesn't matter. This accessory will not only give you a fun, new look, but it'll help you discover new angles and poses to make sure it has its *moment.*

17

Give yourself tons of options

Take a lot of selfies! If you're really into your look, don't stop at just one pic. Give yourself lots of Instagrammable choices and pick the best one.

18

Angle your camera up

Angles matter on your camera, too. Instead of smiling into the camera straight-on, hold your phone a little bit above you. It makes the photo look less intense and the downward angle is SO flattering.

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19

Clean your room

Even if you're not showing off your entire space in a mirror selfie, like Kendall, people are going to see it in the background of your pic. Give it a quick spruce before your selfie shoot and I promise the likes with come through.

20

Wear sunnies

If you feel shy in front of a camera or just don't feel like taking 457 photos to get the *perfect* one, throw on your favorite shades beforehand. That way you really only have to pose your lips and let's face it – badass sunglasses make everyone look cool.

Headshot of Yerin Kim
Yerin Kim
Assistant Editor

Yerin Kim is the Assistant Editor for Snapchat Discover at Seventeen, covering beauty, sex & health, lifestyle, and entertainment. Originally from New Jersey but raised in Seoul, she is a proud Syracuse grad who loves fluffy puppies and a good Instagram opp. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram! 

Headshot of Samantha Olson
Samantha Olson
Assistant News Editor

Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.  

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