A Narrative Imagery on Instagram: Psychological Mechanisms Shaping Consumer Brand Perceptions

In contemporary digital environments, visual storytelling has emerged as a central strategy through which brands communicate meaning and build relationships with audiences. Instagram, as a predominantly visual social media platform, offers a unique context in which imagery, narrative structure, and consumer psychology converge. This paper explores how narrative imagery on Instagram shapes brand perception by influencing emotional responses, perceived authenticity, trust, and consumer engagement. Drawing on psychological theories of narrative processing, visual persuasion, and affective response, the study examines how cohesive visual narratives, symbolic elements, and sequential imagery contribute to the construction of brand identity. The analysis suggests that strategically designed visual storytelling not only enhances attention and memorability but also fosters deeper cognitive and emotional associations with brands. These associations, in turn, play a significant role in shaping consumer attitudes, purchase intentions, and long-term brand loyalty. By situating Instagram-based visual narratives within established psychological frameworks, this study highlights the strategic value of narrative imagery as an effective branding tool in contemporary digital culture.