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“All that is gold does not glitter,”—J.R.R.Tolkien wrote in The Lord of the Rings. The opposite is also true: not everything that shines is gold. And it’s something that we should keep in mind in our modern world which is dominated by the internet and social media.

We’re constantly bombarded by seemingly ‘perfect’ photos of people on Instagram but a lot of the images are heavily photoshopped. The Instagram Reality subreddit is dedicated to collecting the most retouched IG photos and we’ve collected some of the freshest examples of what not to do to your pics. Scroll down, upvote your faves, and read on for our earlier in-depth interviews with the subreddit’s moderators.

When you’re done looking through this list and if you want to see more examples of mindblowing Instagram photoshops, check out Bored Panda's previous articles about the Instagram Reality subreddit right here, here, and here.

#1

I'm So Glad This Greek TV Host Has Her Own Personal Cloud That Follows Her Everywhere She Goes

I'm So Glad This Greek TV Host Has Her Own Personal Cloud That Follows Her Everywhere She Goes

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the cloud is the actual star, and the fact that the girls all look similar is a coincidence? IDK don't watch Greek tv.

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#3

Damn He's Ripped

Damn He's Ripped

Unknown_Gamer944 Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ripped all right. Ripped his arm straight out of a magazine page.

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The Instagram Reality moderators previously told Bored Panda that the coronavirus quarantine had slightly increased the subreddit’s membership but the amount of edited and photoshopped photos that people upload hasn’t decreased much during the pandemic.

The mods told Bored Panda that what people want to see are natural photos of influencers and celebrities, not done up and “edited to hell” images. “The influencer is going to realize that, I’m sure," the mods said about how they expected popular IG users to react to being stuck at home during the lockdowns which are now being eased or ended all over the world.

#6

Found One In The Wild. I Bet She’s Never Late With Those Legs

Found One In The Wild. I Bet She’s Never Late With Those Legs

Naniibananii Report

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According to the Instagram Reality team, “insecurity, envy, and money” are the forces driving some people to photoshop their pictures so heavily before uploading them on social media. That and wanting to avoid embarrassment because of real or imagined imperfections.

What can start out as a few simple edits or adding some minor filters can eventually lead to major photoshopping. And that creates a huge difference between how the person looks in real life and how they present themselves online.

To be fair, most of us try to show the best sides of ourselves to people. But there’s a rather obvious line between that and turning yourself into a completely different individual online.

#8

Such A Pretty Sunset :)

Such A Pretty Sunset :)

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#9

This Is... A Lot To Take In

This Is... A Lot To Take In

unknown Report

#11

Where's The Nose?

Where's The Nose?

matty111222 Report

#12

Well That's Something New

Well That's Something New

FaceInTheSpace Report

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Lynn Donovan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to admire this lifestyle. Beauty gurus in their big mansions, youtubers turned millionaires, "influencers" with their pretty hair and make-up always on point. And then I realized how tiresome their lives were. All the fakeness of it. I don't want to live a life where it takes me 20mn to post a photo so people I don't know and I don't care about click a button that magically makes me "worthy". The lack of self-esteem, the level of body dismorphia they suffer, the sadness they must feel every morning looking in the mirror and failing to see the true beauty in themselves. I'll pass, thanks. I left this world of consumerism and found myself a new dream: owning a piece of land to grow my own vegetable garden. It was truly a breath of fresh air.

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#13

She Looks Better Without It Though....

She Looks Better Without It Though....

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found that so funny, because it's an 'ideal' picture (to the general public) which is then improved for the specific instagram crowd.

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Shelby McClain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude in background did not asked to be involved in your shenanigans

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zims
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing an app did this if even the billboard got redone

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HempFairy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hAHahhAHahhAhahhAa!!! This one is funny! It's clearly a joke.

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Mokayokok
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait ... which is which? I mean WTF is going on with the billboard?

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earringnut
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She had to do this on purpose. Hell I'd do that and I don't like being in pictures.

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Weishaar Jamie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really sad that she made herself more white too. She is a beautiful girl, naturally. Sad she can't see that

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AzureFalcon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently, Skin Pores Are Ugly And If You Have A Head That's Not Slim, You're A Dummy.

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Garth Robinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asians all wanna be porcelain white, they think they look dirty otherwise. really?

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Mary Lovill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have to understand that in this culture, they actually lighten their skin because it is preferred...

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Arenite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I’ve actually seen ads for Asian salons here in NYC offering “face slimming treatments.”

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Leo Fragoso
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think so too. This is going to far. She looks better (much better) without it.

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Pam Olson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The billboard creeps me out! Why do people alter their jawlines? The woman looked so much better before. She seemed to alter the billboard to go with her face.

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Malicity D'Obscuro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad thing, really, is that filters are wiping out what makes each of us unique, along with the stories our bodies can tell. SMH.

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.gas.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! She even changed the guy in the billboard. And took the people out. Lotsa trouble here...

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#14

The Face Of A Ps3 Character

The Face Of A Ps3 Character

killerjags Report

#16

Turns Out Those Organs Did Exist After All

Turns Out Those Organs Did Exist After All

shiroyagisan Report

#19

Post vs. Profile Picture.

Post vs. Profile Picture.

Elphaba78 Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks so much better in reality. Do some people go for the extra large, square forehead look?

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#21

This Fake Influencer Likes To Pretend She’s Rich, Constantly Posting Pictures Like That With Captions Like „short Trip To Clear My Mind“.

This Fake Influencer Likes To Pretend She’s Rich, Constantly Posting Pictures Like That With Captions Like „short Trip To Clear My Mind“.

Elisa-Allin-666 Report

#22

This Girl Has A Disney-Themed Account, For Her ‘Travels’... Most Of The Pics Are Like This

This Girl Has A Disney-Themed Account, For Her ‘Travels’... Most Of The Pics Are Like This

SofyB Report

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#23

A$$ So Phat Even The Car Had To Make Space

A$$ So Phat Even The Car Had To Make Space

DomingoJoe Report

#24

Why Do Women Want To Look Like This??

Why Do Women Want To Look Like This??

unknown-persons Report

#25

Who Needs Organs Anyway?

Who Needs Organs Anyway?

JoSQ9725 Report

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Tracey Hirt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people do this? Do they think anyone finds a 12-inch waist attractive?

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#26

I Think We've All Wondered What She Really Looks Like

I Think We've All Wondered What She Really Looks Like

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always wondered (I saw this person on another panda thread) she actually has really nice real life proportions it must be so hard for people with body dysmorphia and or low self esteem (I mean my self esteem isn't great as I'm a heavily scarred from various surgeries etc and im not exactly fit, but i can own it)

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#27

Profile Pic On Twitter vs. Still From Interview

Profile Pic On Twitter vs. Still From Interview

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#29

Such A Beautiful Home

Such A Beautiful Home

unknown Report

#30

This Can't Be Just "Angles"

This Can't Be Just "Angles"

oireachtas Report

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EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her eyes are at different levels! What on earth happened to the original photo

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#31

Literally A Different Person Every Single Photo

Literally A Different Person Every Single Photo

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EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s paid all that money on plastic surgery, completely altering her body. And still not happy, otherwise why would you photoshop every picture to oblivion

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#32

Armpit? I Don’t Know Her

Armpit? I Don’t Know Her

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Gilda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't know my armpits were a source of shame now they are coming for earlobes next

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#33

I’m Sorry But His Edited Nose On The Left Literally Looks Like It’s Going To Collapse

I’m Sorry But His Edited Nose On The Left Literally Looks Like It’s Going To Collapse

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#34

I Posted The Left One Yesterday And People Were Not Believing That The Hair Don’t Belongs To Her

I Posted The Left One Yesterday And People Were Not Believing That The Hair Don’t Belongs To Her

halbmondkatze Report

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.gas.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I were not believing that Bored Panda don't thinks grammar check is important.

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#35

She Doesn't Even Look Like The Same Person

She Doesn't Even Look Like The Same Person

ManSpaniel_ Report

#36

The Model Who Denies Any Photoshop And The Case Of The Disappearing Glass Cutout!

The Model Who Denies Any Photoshop And The Case Of The Disappearing Glass Cutout!

real_yarrr_shug Report

#37

Your Story vs. Your Friend's Story

Your Story vs. Your Friend's Story

frogcoffeegirl Report

#38

I Have Seen This Girl Here So Many Times And People Alway Wonder What She Looks Like Without The Makeup And Editing. Well, Here It Is

I Have Seen This Girl Here So Many Times And People Alway Wonder What She Looks Like Without The Makeup And Editing. Well, Here It Is

SunnyCarol Report

#39

You Can’t Even Tell

You Can’t Even Tell

sharkattacc Report

#40

Found On Twitter... All The Replies Are Girls Saying They Wish They Looked Like Her

Found On Twitter... All The Replies Are Girls Saying They Wish They Looked Like Her

Iyndonbainesjohnson Report

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Biljana Malesevic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably she also wishes to look like that. That's facebook filter, I have it too. Ridiculous.

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#41

Instagram vs. Youtube Video

Instagram vs. Youtube Video

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Rhiannon C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

give me an F! "F!" give me an A! "A!" give me a K! "K!" give me an E! "E!" what's that spell?... FAKE!

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#42

It’s Like That Episode Of Friends When Ross Wears A Whitening Strip For Too Long Before His Date

It’s Like That Episode Of Friends When Ross Wears A Whitening Strip For Too Long Before His Date

KittyGurl212 Report

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#43

It's Only "Makeup"

It's Only "Makeup"

PekingSaint Report

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and some tape.. and a lip plumper.. and your collar bone moved out of the way

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#45

Ol' Peg Leg Just Having A Candid Moment While The Pavement Slips Into An Alternate Reality

Ol' Peg Leg Just Having A Candid Moment While The Pavement Slips Into An Alternate Reality

86486753o9 Report

#46

The “Reality” Pic’s Shadow Looks Suspicious

The “Reality” Pic’s Shadow Looks Suspicious

Gigoeee Report

#47

Real Life vs. Instagram.. I Appreciate Her Leaving In The Dandruff Though

Real Life vs. Instagram.. I Appreciate Her Leaving In The Dandruff Though

strangeboutique Report

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zims
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cool tattoo. She's got a great face, her eyes pop and her smile is genuine. Not sure why she's give that up.

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#48

How She Looks vs. What She Posts...bruh

How She Looks vs. What She Posts...bruh

unknown Report

#49

I Just Can’t Anymore

I Just Can’t Anymore

brownbeanjuice Report

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish people who stop writing half sentences like "I Just Can’t Anymore". That means absolutely nothing.

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#50

She Uses Stickers To Coverup The Mess Of Her Photoshopping Skills

She Uses Stickers To Coverup The Mess Of Her Photoshopping Skills

daddysgirl466 Report

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CorgiGirl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on earth do women think that a HUGE butt is attractive? I'm asking for real.

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#51

From A Shop On Instagram. Toe Knuckles Are Apperently Not Ideal

From A Shop On Instagram. Toe Knuckles Are Apperently Not Ideal

That1Chick_Tori Report

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Chris Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I can sympathise with that!! Stubbed my toe this morning and it's so swollen and shiny that it doesnt have an obvious knuckle either! 🦶😲🦶

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#52

A Certain Designer(70) Seem To Really Be Enjoying The Blur Tool!

A Certain Designer(70) Seem To Really Be Enjoying The Blur Tool!

DumplingWithLegs Report

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#53

I’m Pretty Sure Your Mask Isn’t Supposed To Look Like That.

I’m Pretty Sure Your Mask Isn’t Supposed To Look Like That.

HoldParanoia Report

#54

He Claims To Be One Of The Best Jocker Cosplays And He Has More Than 1k Followers On Instagram. The Tattoos... I Can't...

He Claims To Be One Of The Best Jocker Cosplays And He Has More Than 1k Followers On Instagram. The Tattoos... I Can't...

_korbi Report

#55

She Even Edits The Waist Of Her Own Mom On Mother's Day

She Even Edits The Waist Of Her Own Mom On Mother's Day

blipblopnotarobot Report

#56

What Are Skin Pores? What Are Armpits?

What Are Skin Pores? What Are Armpits?

SaliDay Report

#57

Remember That Girl A While Ago That Apparently Had A Rib Removed? Turns Out She Uses Filters As Well

Remember That Girl A While Ago That Apparently Had A Rib Removed? Turns Out She Uses Filters As Well

butterbly Report

#58

Well I Guess Having A Totally Different Person In Your Instagram Account Is Normal Today

Well I Guess Having A Totally Different Person In Your Instagram Account Is Normal Today

SlapThatArse Report

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Fred and George Weasley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this was meant to be for a post about how much instagram filters change your appearance, not idiotic fakery

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#59

Why Anyone Would Try To Sell A Product With Pics Like This Is Beyond Me

Why Anyone Would Try To Sell A Product With Pics Like This Is Beyond Me

nousernamegenerator Report

#60

What She Posted vs. A Video Screenshot

What She Posted vs. A Video Screenshot

MsLunaValentine Report

#61

Is It Just Me Or Is The Background Fake?

Is It Just Me Or Is The Background Fake?

reddit.com Report