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You’ve probably heard it a hundred times: what you see online isn’t always real. That flawless hourglass figure? Likely touched up. That dreamy sunset bursting with color? Color-grading magic. With filters, poses, lighting tricks, and editing apps just a tap away, the line between real life and curated content keeps getting blurrier.

Highlighting exactly this, the Bored Panda team rounded up some eye-opening “Instagram vs. reality” photos from across the internet, all focused on those dreamy travel shots. You know the kind: someone twirling in front of a crystal-clear lake, hair flowing, not a soul in sight until you realize the real version includes a dozen other tourists, a boat honking in the distance, and a guy casually eating chips just out of frame. Keep scrolling to see the magic and the mayhem behind those perfect posts!

#1

Insta vs. reality: a woman poses alone at Trevi Fountain, revealing its crowded backdrop filled with tourists.

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Jrog
Community Member
8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instagrammers go to Trevi Fountain at 5-6 AM in the morning to take these photos. There is usually a small line of ladies in scant dresses waiting for their time to shoot the same exact trite pics. On the other hand, the crowd in the other photo is not typical if you visit in a normal day, that's not a peak tourist time (weekend, major holiday or June-August).

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    #2

    Insta vs. reality at a beach: serene empty shore contrasted with a crowded tourist scene highlighting the truth behind perfect photos.

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    #3

    Insta vs. Reality: Pristine turquoise pools versus crowded natural springs with many swimmers.

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    Jrog
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Terme di Saturnia. The left photo is fake A.F., but the right one is simply a bad photo. Once again, outside of weekends and peak tourism days it's far more manageable.

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    Ever find yourself wondering how everything looks so perfect on social media? From dreamy office views to vacation pics that seem pulled straight from a travel brochure, sometimes it all feels just a bit too flawless. Well, editing, filters, setups, it’s all part of the show. And it turns out it’s not just selfies and landscapes getting the glow-up.

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    To understand how much goes into these picture-perfect posts, we spoke with Parth Kothari, co-founder of MunchyMumbai, a buzzing food-blogging page with over 167k followers. Parth begins, “People usually think it’s only selfies and vacation pics that are edited. But honestly, we also have to edit food photos.” And not just a little. It’s a whole art. The camera doesn’t always capture the deliciousness the way our eyes do. So, some magic is added to make the viewer hungry.

    #4

    Insta vs. Reality: Woman in red dress at quiet Trevi Fountain vs. crowded scene with tourists in Rome.

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    YukiChou
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Different point of view & time of day.

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    #5

    Insta vs. Reality: Serene photo by water with a large crowd waiting behind, revealing the truth of perfect photos.

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    SlothyK8
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The photo on the left appears to be at Miyajima off the coast of Hiroshima. The area where the gate is located is not wooded like the photo on the right, so I'm totally confused.

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    #6

    A woman in a red swimsuit poses in serene waters; reality shows a crowded scene with people in life vests highlighting photo truths.

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    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They're trying to find out where she went

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    “In the beginning, we’d just play with color and lighting,” Parth explains. “We wanted the food to look fresh and appealing, not dull or off-color. No one wants to scroll past a sad-looking samosa.”

    The goal was always to capture the real thing, just the tastiest, most tempting version of it. “We never made it fake,” he adds. “We just helped the food shine a little brighter on camera.”

    #7

    Insta vs Reality beach scene; a deserted sandbar vs crowded beach with tourists taking photos.

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The long shadows and pale blue light in the first pic would indicate very early morning

    #8

    Insta vs. reality: A woman poses in a flowing orange dress with hot air balloons, contrasted by a crowded lookout spot.

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    turk
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cappadocia, Turkey. And it can certainly be like the left picture. You can see the balloons from the entire area. Unfortunately, we got grounded due to winds in the morning when we were there.

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    #9

    "Torii gate walkway with no people vs crowded path, highlighting Instagram vs Reality humor."

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    YukiChou
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The insta is possible,very early in the morning, run as fast as you can to the back, snap a shot. Not everyone goes all the way.

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    Over time, though, the game leveled up. “Now, there are so many new elements,” Parth continues. “The background, props, lighting setup, even the angle of the spoon, all of it matters. We make sure every part of the photo works in sync. From the first scroll to the final swipe, every detail has to look just right.” Because in today’s world, food styling is part creativity, part strategy.

    Things got even more precise when brand deals started rolling in. “Once brands start paying you,” Parth says, “you can’t wing it anymore. They have specific visions and expectations. Every photo needs to fit into a campaign or vibe they’ve already built. And we totally get that, it’s their product, their story.”

    #10

    Instgram vs. Reality: Pristine beach on left contrasts with crowded shore on right, showing truth behind perfect photos.

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    Dances with Bees
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same beach as above. I think it's a filming location of a film that Dicaprio was in and that the beach was closed or has limited access because of that.

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They had to bring in restrictions a couple of years ago because of the huge destruction that the waves of tourists brought to the area.

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    Nix
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't like crowds either, but how hypocritical is it to get mad at other people for visiting a beautiful spot that you yourself are also visiting

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    #12

    Instagram vs Reality: A woman posing stylishly in an archway versus the true muddy scene behind it.

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    Julie S
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wouldn't want to land in that mud in white trousers.

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    “It’s a lot like making a movie,” he explains. “In films, actors have stylists, lighting experts, and makeup artists to look perfect for a role. For us, the food is the star. We treat every item, be it a burger, smoothie, or plate of fries as if it’s heading to the red carpet. Everything needs to be styled, lit, and shot to fit the brief.” It’s serious business and surprisingly artistic too.

    #13

    Social media vs reality at Mont Saint-Michel; pristine path vs man standing in muddy water.

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    Az Oz
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mont Saint-Michel is known for its quick sand

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    #14

    "Comparison of beach photos showing the difference between Instagram and reality with people on rocky shore."

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    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not crowded and you only have to wait for high tide. Not nearly as bad as others in this list

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    #15

    Instagram vs. reality: Eiffel Tower beautifully lit vs. nearby trash cans and litter at night.

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    Ivona
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Eiffel Tower is impressive. If someone chooses to take a picture of some trash (which is not at the Tower), that's too bad.

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    “Take burgers, for example,” Parth laughs. “In commercials, the patty looks super juicy and crisp, right? That’s because we use clever tricks, like brushing it with oil or using steam to make it look fresh.” It’s all about highlighting the textures and layers. Lettuce fluffed, sesame seeds arranged just so, cheese melted at the right angle, it’s more setup than snack.

    #16

    Beach scene showing Instagram vs. reality with an empty, serene beach on the left and a crowded beach on the right.

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    #17

    Insta vs. reality: a staged photo vs. candid shots at a popular tourist spot.

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    rullyman
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The reflection isn't "real". There are vendors who will take a photo for you, and they hold a mirror beneath the phone in a certain way to create this effect.

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    #18

    Insta vs. Reality: Woman poses at pristine beach, while the actual crowded beach scene unfolds next to it.

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    Tonyah Mcanelly
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This doesn't even look like the same beach unless its at a different vantage point

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    And then there’s cold coffee. “To get it looking just right,” Parth shares, “we sometimes use fake ice cubes that won’t melt under studio lights. Real ice turns cloudy or disappears too fast."

    "These tricks keep the coffee looking icy and delicious all through the shoot.” The goal is to create an image that instantly makes you crave a sip, even if the glass itself is not exactly ready to drink.

    #19

    Insta vs. Reality: Two people in a canoe on vibrant green water versus murky, less ideal conditions.

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    Smeghead Tribble Down Under
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd rather be there when the water's NOT green, thank you.

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    #20

    Insta vs. reality: Serene coastal view with model; crowded tourist scene underline photo perfection myths.

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    OpheliaPoe
    Community Member
    8 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sunrise vs sunset? If you want the place to yourself for a photo (and as a photographer I often do) you need to scope out a spot and at least one backup choice in advance, get there before dawn, basically "claiming" your specific spot. In my experience other photographers who have done the same are respectful of this and will either take turns or set up nearby. There's a spot in Canyonlands National Park that comes to mind where people like to photograph the sunrise through an arch. I've seen several photographers set up a few feet apart and having tried a few angles there, you can basically get the same coveted shot this way. It takes effort to get photos that look magical, to some it's worth it, if it's not to you just enjoy to view you and everyone else came to see.

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    #21

    Social media vs reality comparison: glowing water scene on left, dimly lit sand on right, showcasing photo differences.

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had the great opportunity to swim in bioluminescent plankton and it was exactly like the first picture. Pure magic! It's just difficult to capture that in a photo.

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    “Of course,” he adds, “the food we feature is absolutely delicious. We never fake the taste. But for the campaign or Instagram feed, it has to look a certain way. People eat with their eyes first. If something looks bland or flat, they won’t even read the caption. So yes, a little styling goes a long way. It’s not deception, it’s presentation.”

    #22

    Insta vs. reality at Barracuda Lake, Coron, showing calm waters vs. busy tourists in life vests.

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    Susan
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you expect to just be airdropped in? No? Then you would obviously have to get in somewhere.

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    #24

    Instagram vs. Reality: A vibrant pink landscape compared to its natural view, highlighting the truth behind perfect photos.

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    Jrog
    Community Member
    8 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That one is pure photoshop. Color shifting the green into pink.

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    “So, while not everything you see online is 100% raw and unfiltered, that doesn’t mean it’s fake either. It just means there’s more happening behind the scenes than meets the eye. A little lighting, some props, maybe even a sneaky ice cube or two. It’s all part of telling a story. The next time you see a drool-worthy dish online, just know a lot of thought probably went into it,” Parth concludes.

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    #25

    Insta vs Reality: Curved shelves filled with books versus printed spines on a flat wall surface.

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, that one is the first true disappointment in this list.

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    #26

    Split image: left side shows perfect scenic Instagram photo, right side reveals mundane reality with a tunnel.

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just showing a different angle doesn’t contradict the original photograph, IMO.

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    #27

    Insta vs. Reality: Woman in serene spa vs. crowded scene, revealing the truth behind perfect photos.

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    Johnnynatfan
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing wrong with either picture. That looks like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Ive had the pleasure of being there and had an awesome time. Yes There were other people there but that made it more fun. We met some young ladies from the UK and had a fun time hanging out with them.

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    And it’s not just food photos; these posts show how travel pics go through their own glow-up too. From removing the crowd to adjusting the sky to just the right shade of dreamy, a lot happens before that snap lands on your feed. Which one of these posts surprised you the most? Or made you laugh a little louder than you expected? Share it with someone who needs that reminder that even the most “effortless” photos sometimes take, well, a lot of effort.

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    #28

    Insta vs. Reality showing a person on a sunny mountain vs. a foggy hike, illustrating photo perfection and truth.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It sucks a little bit of course, when you hike to the top of a mountain and can't see the amazing view because it's too misty. But I'm pretty sure everyone already knows there's a chance of bad or mediocre weather.

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    #29

    Instagram vs. reality comparison of a rooftop bed with scenic view versus messy setting.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is simply the difference between knowing how to make a beautiful photo and not knowing.

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    #30

    Insta vs. Reality comparison of a forest scene showing edited vibrant colors vs. natural look.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so mystical and beautiful.

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    #31

    Insta vs. reality on a boat: left shows a scenic pose, right shows a person covered with a towel.

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forgot sunscreen? This seems to be a personal problem, tbh.

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    #32

    Woman in hat poses on scenic hill for perfect Instagram photo; reality shows a group with tripods capturing the scene.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Camera angles make a lot of difference, who knew?

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    #33

    Insta vs. Reality: A woman on a scenic swing, contrasted with a man on a dull swing in the same pose.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the expression on his face

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    #34

    Insta vs. reality in Bali: perfect tropical poolside vs. muddy riverbank scene.

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe you need to go to the same resort?

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    #35

    Instagram vs. reality humor showing a woman posing alone and then waiting with people for the perfect photo.

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    OpheliaPoe
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, waiting in line is the key to getting A LOT of those special photos in amazing places. As long as you know that and anticipate it you won't be disappointed.

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    #36

    Person posing on ocean swing vs reality of swing setup on beach, showcasing perfect photos contrast.

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    Corwin 02
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so wait for the f*****g tide to come in

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    #37

    Insta vs. Reality: Woman hiking on a scenic trail vs. tired man struggling uphill in nature.

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    OpheliaPoe
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol, I can relate, the behind the scenes is so often more effort than anticipated.

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    #39

    Insta vs. reality: Woman poses by a scenic lake, with scaffolding and construction in surrounding area showing the truth.

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    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh come on. I hate "influencers" as much as everyone else, but should this really be on here? The second pic was obviously taken during a remodel/reconstruction project.

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    #40

    Insta vs Reality: lush island from boat view vs. dry and rocky reality with house on stilts.

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    Crystal Spencer
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only because it's low tide on the 2nd photo...

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