5 Instagram Accounts I Wish I Could Take Credit For (and what they're doing right)

Like many marketers, I’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Instagram. When it’s good, it’s great – full of creativity, connection and branding magic. But between algorithm mood swings and trend whiplash, it sometimes feels like keeping up with a chaotic best friend who’s constantly reinventing themselves… and expecting you to read their mind.

That said, it’s still my platform of choice. I love a beautiful feed, I’m a sucker for a good Reel, and when done right, Instagram strikes that sweet spot between storytelling and brand-building.

Some accounts out there, though, are just killing it – and if I’m honest, I wish I was the brain behind their feeds. So, whether you’re looking for a little inspo or just want to see creativity and strategy working hand in hand, here are five Instagram accounts I can’t stop admiring right now.

1. The Bookish Animator (@thebookishanimator_)

I am obsessed with this account.

The Bookish Animator is whimsical, clever, and completely loveable. I mean, yes, I’m already really drawn to animation (and would love to learn it one day), but creating a little animated version of yourself so you don’t actually have to appear on camera – and still manage to connect with your audience? That’s marketing gold. Julia might not have set out to build a brand masterclass… or maybe she did.

The account exploded to over 300k followers in just a few months, and Julia has totally nailed the underdog energy – you can’t help but root for her (she’s killing it on YouTube too, by the way). The whole idea of bringing books to life through animation? A dream offering for authors and publishers alike. Sorry Waterstones, but your text-only reels just aren’t hitting the same.

The Bookish Animator, I salute you.

2. The Travel Project (@the.travel.project)

This account is beautiful.

It’s everything a travel feed aspires to be – authentic, visually stunning and quietly captivating. Scrolling through feels like an escape in itself (to the UK only, which makes it even more charming). And really, isn’t that what travel content should do? It embodies the very spirit of its theme – and that’s branding done right.

Design-wise, it's absolute goals. The bold, minimal, editorial-style headlines with perfectly paired body fonts? It’s like the video version of reading a professionally curated travel magazine. Editorial aesthetic? Tick. A wholesome, down-to-earth family you genuinely want to follow (and, dare I say, root for)? Double tick.

Unsurprisingly, the right people are taking notice – Jess & Charlie recently created a stunning social ad for Google Pixel and published their first book.

Bravo, guys. Bravo. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a train to book to the Lake District.

3. Femme Country Magazine (@femmecountrymagazine)

   
   

Continuing the editorial vibes (I clearly have a type), Femme Country Magazine already has a head start in the visual storytelling department – but my word, their feed is everything I want from a magazine’s Instagram. Consistent theme, consistent language and a scroll experience so immersive I can practically smell the paper. This is it, people. Brontë Mitchell’s not just running a magazine; she’s building a brand – and I’m here for it.

Magazine socials are such an exciting space because the content is already there. Your entire offering is stories – use them! It’s not about giving features away for free, it’s about teasing the best, juiciest snippets to hook your audience in. Make it feel like you’re flicking through a mini issue on your phone.

And yes, Femme Country Mag, you’ve nailed it.

4. Nicole Weber Design (@nicoleweberdesign)

Nicole’s account is one of those feeds I could watch for hours – just her designing logos on repeat. It’s mesmerising. But more than that, her content really lets you in. You feel like you’re living the day-to-day of a graphic designer, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what we crave on socials: a little glimpse into someone else’s world. And watching her designs take shape? Utterly satisfying.

It’s all about the process – from concept to final reveal. While she’s a service provider, this kind of storytelling could (and should) be applied to so many brands. I want to see how a product comes to life. Show me! In a world where transparency is everything, why wouldn’t you make the most of what sets you apart? If you’re a B Corp, if your products are made in the UK – shout about it.

And if you’re a creative? Don’t just show us what you made – show us how you live it. I want to know what it’s like to be you, girl.

5. HÁM Interiors (@haminteriors)

It was so hard choosing my final slot, but I had to include an interiors account – and HÁM was the obvious choice.

This is the kind of feed I wish upon every homeware brand, interior designer or anyone in between. The storytelling is real – I feel like I know these guys, and their work speaks for itself. Beautiful photography, polished-yet-authentic Reels, and consistent, instantly recognisable content. And the engagement? Just look at it.

I have a soft spot for interior, print design and house renovation accounts – but they’re not just nice to look at, they’re packed with lessons. Especially for my independent shop owners out there: this is what investing in quality, defining your message and putting it out into the world can look like. These may sound like simple content pillars, but trust me – they’re not always easy to get right.

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Okay, so I’m outed. I’m kinda in love with you, Instagram.

Even though you annoy the hell out of me sometimes, I’ll always come back. And it’s feeds like these that keep me scrolling, tapping “follow,” and feeling inspired. They don’t feel toxic, salesy, or negative – they offer a moment of escape, a dose of creativity, and a reminder of the artistry we’re lucky to experience at the tap of a button.

Feeling inspired to kickstart your own social media presence but not sure where to begin? Let’s chat — I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Until next time,

Kiera x