Edit with other apps first

Wanna know how the most popular Instagram users get such stunning photos? They don't use Instagram. Well, they don't only use Instagram.

To give your photos more-dramatic effects, consider editing them in other apps before filtering them with Instagram. For example, Diptic (used in this photo) lets you create stacked photos or photo sets, while Photoshop lets you adjust the basics like exposure, saturation, brightness, and contrast.

You can even use HDR photos or add bokeh effects with specialized apps.

It will definitely take you more time to create the final image, but it's worth the effort.