How many times have you come across one picture being posted by different people on Instagram, and each taking credit for it? Well, I have, a lot actually.
Imagine your work being stolen and shared without due credit. Well, that’s where protection comes in, and one easy way to ensure that is by adding watermarks to your Instagram photos.
Watermarking is a good way to ensure you do not become a victim of a petty photo/content theft on Instagram (again).
If you’ve decided to start watermarking the photos you share on Instagram, and you’re wondering how to go about it, you’re on track.
In this article, we are going to talk about Watermarks; How to, the Importance of and listing some of the best options available, when you want to Watermark Instagram Photos.
But first, let’s quickly explore what a watermark is.
What is a Watermark
A Watermark is a mark or sign of some sort, that is impressed on a photograph or image, to identify and claim ownership.
It could be a logo, company name, initials, signature, or any sort of identification to inform people to who it originally belongs and to prevent internet theft.
Basically, If a photo has a watermark on it, people won’t be able to easily steal it and claim it as theirs. People put watermarks on their photos in different forms.
It could be in a corner to prevent obstruction, or it could be largely impressed across the photo. Videos can also have watermarks.
- hands?
How you can watermark your Instagram photos
The big question, how do you watermark Instagram photos? Although Instagram doesn’t have the option to watermark photos (yet), that doesn’t mean it would reject the upload of a watermarked photo.
Well, there are different ways to watermark your photos for Instagram, on your PC or phone, but they all include using third-party edits. The good thing is you don’t have to pay anyone and can do it yourself.
Here’s how to watermark your Instagram photos (Android, PC, and iOS)
Using your Device photo editor
Using your phone or Pc’s photo editor to watermark your photos could be the easiest way to go but probably not the best. With photo editors, you can watermark by easily editing text over your photo.
It’s usually not the best option when it comes to aesthetics or functionality, but it’s quick, easy to navigate and you don’t have to download anything as most devices (ios, Android, PC), come with photo editors.
Using a photo editor is also good when all you want to do is edit one or two pictures, it usually doesn’t have the option to mark in bulk.
So, if you want to watermark your photos one by one or you’re not interested in marking all your Instagram photos, this could be an easy way to go.
It can also be a decent option if you’re not; a professional, using the photo for business purposes or you’re an influencer.
To watermark using a phone editor
For iOS;
Tap on Photo > tap on Edit > click the Menu bar on top right > select Markup > .Tap Add symbol (+) to choose Text, Signature or Magnifier.
Select other options (colour, Size, Highlight, Location etc) > Create > tap Done and Save.
For Android;
Open photo > tap on Edit > tap on More or Options bar > tap on Markup > choose option of Draw, Highlight or add Text > Create watermark > move edit to desired Location > tap Done and Save photo.
When you’re done with Edit, Upload the photo to the Gram.
Using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop
Another way to watermark your Instagram photo is to use either Adobe Lightroom or Adobe photoshop. They are both photo organization and manipulation software and can be used to add watermarks to your photos.
Both software can be used on a PC or phone. They are also both downloadable and offer great features.
To use the lightroom;
- D0ownload the adobe lightroom software
- Select the Photo you would like to watermark.
- Tap the Share icon.
- Select Export as, then put on the Include Watermark and click on Customize which should be directly underneath “include watermark”.
You will be shown a preview.
- Select Text or Graphic. For text, clear the default name and insert the name you would like to use. For graphics, select images from files.
Then, use the options below to select the font, text size, rotate, change color, use drop shadow, select opacity, and position your watermark. Make sure to Preview your masterpiece.
- Tap the return icon to go back to Export as, then tap the done icon, the good mark on the top right.
Once your photo is saved with the watermark, you can upload it to Instagram.
To use Photoshop Mix;
- Download the software if you don’t have it already.
- Open Software. You will be taken to the home screen.
- Tap on the Add icon. The icon is a plus(+) on the top right.
- Select your photo. The one you wish to upload to Instagram.
Next, you add a watermark. To do so, you;
- Tap on the Add(+) icon again. An option list will come up.
- Select Image or Text. Image if you want to use a watermark that is an image/logo, text if you would want your watermark to be in text form.
- For an image, tap the image to resize by pinching in or out, direct to the location you want in the photo. For text, insert text in the box, click the menu bar to customize(font size, color, style).
- Select Opacity level for either one. That is the level of visibility you would for your watermark.
- Finally, click Save.
When you’ve successfully watermarked and saved the photo, you can now upload it to Instagram.
Using Watermark Mobile apps
There is an Application for everything these days, and watermarks haven’t been left out. Using a watermark app is very similar to using photoshop or lightroom but with watermark apps, you get the exclusivity of watermarking.
They were created for this purpose. These Apps are suitable for phones (iOS or Android) and can still be used on PCs making it so much easier to do it yourself.
Here is a general step-by-step process on how to watermark your Instagram photos using a watermark App.
But First, you should have an idea of certain features of the App you want to use. For example, Some apps only allow you to import watermarks especially if it’s a picture or logo while others will allow you to create your watermark in the App.
So if you are using an App that allows for importing watermarks, you might want to have created your watermark beforehand.
But even if you’re using one that offers creating on the App, it’s also good to have an idea of what you want your watermark to look like before you begin.
When you’ve got this covered, next you;
- Download your preferred watermark App from any of the App stores.
- Open the App and Navigate the interface carefully following its instructions.
- Select your Instagram photo from the album, again, following instructions; you can’t miss that.
- Select or create your Watermark, as the case may be.
- Save the photo.
Now you can share your watermarked photo on Instagram!
List of recommended Watermark Apps you should try
Now that we know how easy it is to use these mobile watermark Apps to protect your photo, here’s a list of some recommended Apps you should try. Some of these Apps offer great features ranging from simplicity to graphics to watermark-creating tools and so on.
iWatermark
iWatermark is one of the best in the game for business purposes. It offers users the option of using graphics, text, and QR codes to watermark their photos. You can even use a signature if you’re an artist or just feeling quirky.
One of its key highlights is that you don’t have to import a watermark and can create one from scratch. Also, you can bulk watermark.
The name might make it seem compatible for iOS alone but it is also compatible with Android devices. There’s the pro version that is compatible with PCs.
Ezywatermark
Recommended as one of the best watermark apps, ezywatermark offers powerful tools that help create a seamless mark. It allows you to watermark photos in multiples. The app allows you to choose from a wide range of fonts and lets you decide on the size, opacity, and placement of watermarks.
It is compatible with both iOS devices and Android. Although it’s free, there is also a pro version for purchase if you like to advance.
Visual watermark
Visual watermark is another highly rated app. With this software, you can create watermarks and not have to import them.
It allows for bulk watermarking and offers a wide range of fonts and designs. You can also import customized fonts and play around with the settings.
One of its perks is that it protects your image from software that can remove watermarks easily.
It has a free trial period and is compatible with Android and PCs(Windows and Mac).
SALT
Salt is one of the easy to navigate watermark apps available today. Along with allowing you to create your watermark, It offers hundreds of stickers that can be used as well.
It allows for bulk watermarking as well as opacity, font, resizing, and cropping.
It also offers a free version but comes with in-app purchases. It is only compatible with Android but comes highly recommended for its simplicity.
Pros and cons of watermarking Instagram photos.
Pros
- Watermarked photos will not easily get stolen.
- Watermarks help to promote your brand.
- Watermarks help identify you as the original owner even without copyright in view.
- Watermarks help drive traffic to your page.
- Help notify Instagram users of stolen content.
Cons
- Watermarks can be removed.
- If not properly placed, can distract and take away from the photo.
Importance of watermarking a photo on Instagram
Some people would argue that watermarking an Instagram photo isn’t so important, as it defeats the sole purpose of “freely sharing and re-sharing” on Instagram.
Well, I want to be able to share my photos with you and have them travel as far as possible with my name/brand recognized as the owner, not have you reshare it while taking credit.
With Instagram, it’s hard to keep track of where your photos end up, so watermarking them can ensure that people know the source and give credit to whom it may concern even if the thieves are claiming to have done the work.
I can’t say how many times I’ve seen different Instagram hair vendors advertise the exact hair, as their own. Imagine the hard work of the original vendor; wasted.
So while some might think watermarking photos can be distracting and unnecessary, if it’s done right, watermarks will only add value to your photos, increase visibility and always ensure your property returns to you thereby driving traffic to your page. Watermarks help to promote your brand without you having to do much.
Can a Watermarked Instagram Photo still be Stolen?
As much as watermarking a photo on Instagram gives you some reassurance of protection, it doesn’t assure the thief’s determination. Unfortunately, people can go to any length to use good things for evil.
So Yes, a watermarked photo can still be stolen and your watermark removed. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s an App for everything these days.
And even the good Apps can be manipulated and used for bad. Watermarks will drive thieves from claiming your photos but might not drive their determination to steal.
Nevertheless, watermarks are very helpful and can help protect your photos to a large extent. To get an added advantage, you can copyright your photos. It’s also good to know that one can report the infringement to Instagram, in case of such.
What are some Useful tips on Watermarking an Instagram Photo?
- Place your watermark at the edge of the photo. But not too far off that it can be cut off.
- Make the image or text visible enough to be seen but not enough to be distracting.
- Do not use contrasting colors. Preferably, use monochrome marks.
- Use a relatable and carefully thought out watermark. It could be your brand logo or name or even your signature.
- Do not place watermarks across photos.
Conclusion
We all share photos on Instagram that can travel very far. Whether it’s for business purposes, influencing, blogging, or creative purposes, and so on, but one thing is sure, no one wants to share bragging rights of their hard work with someone they do not even know.
Watermarks when done properly, can be a great way to add that first layer of protection your photos need as well as help retain Authenticity.