It’s that crazy time of year when we all want to show off our ‘Best Nine’ or ‘top nine on instagram 2023’ on social media. Your top nine 2023 Instagram 2023 will become 2024 but the same skills apply year after year!
Not only does this gift you with a chance to look back over the past 12 months and discover which of your photos resonated with others on Instagram, it allows you to be amazed by the surprising images that your followers enjoyed most!
Let me share how it’s done. There are several options and a cheat so let’s get started.
And! If you really aren’t happy with the results, there are ways to make your best nine your own choice. True story!
What is This #BestNine Thing?
The apps that create the best nine photos on Instagram assemble your most commented on and liked photos into a cool grid of nine images. The apps are a great measure of how well you are doing online with different image types. The apps don’t give you control over which photos appear so you might be surprised by the results.
Special Bonus Tip
As an extra bonus I have discovered that if you still have photos you like better that the selections the apps make, you can showcase your own favourite photos in the same format. Check out the details below.
Apps For Your Own Best Nine Layouts
There are Apple and Google Play smartphone Top Nine and Best Nine app options, plus a ‘create your own Best Nine’ 3×3 template in BeFunky.
- Apple: Top Nine App Store
- Best Nine Google Play (Please check Google Play for updates)
- Create your own using BeFunky > Collage Maker. [Computer and App versions – free]
The #bestnine and #topnine hashtags are always popular at the end of one year and the start of the next so be warned, the site gets busy in December and January. Results may take longer to arrive in your inbox.
Create Your Own Top Nine with BeFunky
You can create your own grid of photos and include your personal favourites. It’s a great way to showcase cat photographs on a theme, using a tone like sepia, or spotlighting one particular cat you love.
Your own photo editing app may even help you create your own best nine display, so check it out. I will focus on one, simple to use option here – Be Funky for smartphones. I recommend it as it’s easy to use and makes a great collage.
- Be Funky is available via the App Store and Google Play.
I’ve included two sample grids in this post. The top image shows a photo grid with a plain background and the grid below shows a polka dot background. There are also plain colours you can use as backgrounds depending on your own preference or the effect you need.
Hashtag Tips for Best Nine
There are only two relevant hashtags depending on your app. #bestnine and #bestnine2023 or #topnine #topnine2023 and so add in a small handful of other relevant hashtags that relate closely to your theme. I would use #catphotography you might use something that resonates with your own niche.
Instagram Hashtags
Instagram seems to be refining its search function and wants to focus on your specific interests e.g. cats, photography, adventuring with cats etc. and maybe moving away from the 25+ hashtags per post idea to a slimmed-down number of maybe 4-7. So many people use Instagram their algorithm is struggling so changes are coming.
Instagram Hashtag Update: Thanks to Annette of Where Pets Are Found I have some more information on the hashtag developments at Instagram.
- Keywords in captions are more important than # tags. I heard it from this presenter at Social Media Examiner a couple of months ago, and in this video from last month (Nov’21) at about the 7min mark she reiterates that fewer is better: https://youtu.be/-cM_UbBJ_cs
I am always learning from you and have finally conquered Canva for photos and videos I am posting better posts on Instagram but learning each day something new. Not having a smartphone and using a camera I am learning daily
Canva is amazing. I hope you enjoy it.
This a cool concept for a photo collection, & better than having to scroll through a year’s worth of photos yourself to find the top 9! Great tip from Annette, I never thought much about keywords in Insta posts.
You’re amazing with how you can inspire people to try new challenges. I’ve yet to figure out Instagram very well. Or be very consistent with it. But I do aspire to do so and I will try to model your techniques in my own way. Thanks for the inspiration with these apps!
Your assignments are fantastic and motivate and encourage people to try things and have fun. Which is what it is all about.
I did something like this once, but forgot how to do it. I’ll look into your suggestions. It’s always fun to see the most popular!
Instagram and I don’t get along much–though I appreciate that I can now upload photos or videos from my computer instead of just the phone.
I always wondered how to configure the Best Nine, thanks for sharing this!
I’m not the best at being consistent with Instagram. I can’t even keep up with all the algorithm changes myself. I love your top nine selections. It’s a great way to do a round-up with this featured app.
Your top 9 are lovely! I might have to do this too. Instagram is by far my favorite social media platform.
Hi Marjorie,
I had heard that there was a shift to more focused # tags and that 3-5 were best… 4-7 sounds fair 😉
Keywords in captions are more important than # tags.
I heard it from this presenter at Social Media Examiner a couple of months ago, and in this video from last month (Nov’21) at about the 7min mark she reiterates that fewer is better: https://youtu.be/-cM_UbBJ_cs
Cheers,
Annette
The grid look made them even better and they were already very nice. XO
Love the nine. Beautiful kitties.
Have a Thankful Thursday. ♥
Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
We did the best nine thing in Instagram the last few years. It’s kind of neat, but we always forget until the last minute. Thank you for the reminder!
Oh, that might even be a fun way to compose a Christmas card.
I do have an IG account, but I don’t post there…same with my FB…I do post there sometimes,, though rarely.
I’ve not used any of those apps but they do look like fun!