What is a 0.5 selfie?

A 0.5 selfie (pronounced “point‑five selfie”) is a snapshot taken using a smartphone’s ultra‑wide (0.5x) back camera. Instead of the usual front-camera angle, you flip the phone around, tap the 0.5x lens option, and snap—often without seeing how it looks until afterward. The result? A quirky, candid shot with distorted proportions—long arms, big head, tiny body—that feels playful and spontaneous.

Why is it called a “0.5” selfie?

The name comes from the ultra-wide lens labeled “0.5x” in most camera apps. That means it captures half the focal length of the standard lens—so you get a much wider field of view. Hence, “point‑five selfie.”

Why do people love 0.5 selfies?

  • It feels real. You can’t see it while you take it, so it’s less staged and more true-to-life.
  • It’s expressive. The ultra-wide distortion creates lanky limbs, big foreheads—there’s a playful “fish-eye” vibe.
  • It’s inclusive. You can capture friends, outfits, and backgrounds in one shot—handy for group photos and full fits.

This trend took off around 2022 among Gen Z users, partly as a reaction to perfectly posed, filtered content.

How do you take a good 0.5 selfie?

  • Use a phone with an ultra-wide back lens (from around 2019+ models like iPhone 11/Samsung S10 onward).
  • Open the default camera, tap “0.5x” or pinch-out to activate the ultra-wide mode.
  • Point the camera around—you can’t see the preview—so rely on feel more than sight. Often, hold it overhead to include more in the shot.
  • Use volume buttons or a timer to capture the shot. The result is offbeat and candid, which is kind of the whole point.

What makes a 0.5 selfie different from a regular selfie?

  • Lens type: Regular selfies use the front (selfie) camera, but 0.5 selfies use the ultra-wide back lens.
  • Preview vs surprise: With a normal selfie, you frame your face on screen, but 0.5 selfies are blind—what you see is what you get.
  • Aesthetic feel: Traditional selfies aim for flattering framing, whereas 0.5s embrace unfiltered distortion and candidness.

How are brands and creators using 0.5 selfies?

  • “Photo dumps” and Stories: Users post spontaneous 0.5s to share day-to-day moments in a more candid style.
  • Fashion and events: The format is perfect for full outfit shots or group pics without relying on a photographer.
  • Trendiness: Being part of the trend signals authenticity. Some creators even post “how to” videos to help their followers master the style.

Tips & best practices 👌

  • Experiment with angles. Close-up for fun distortion, higher or farther for group shots or outfits.
  • Embrace the unexpected. Slight misfires are part of the style—it’s about spontaneity.
  • Be mindful of composition. Watch for odd cropping; you can always adjust in post.
  • Pair with captions. A playful caption like “point‑five vibes” can highlight the aesthetic and spark engagement.

Should you use 0.5 selfies in your strategy?

If your brand leans into casual, behind-the-scenes, fashion, or lifestyle storytelling, absolutely. 0.5 selfies add a fun, relatable layer to your social feed that feels fresh and genuine. But keep your audience in mind—this style works best with visual, casual content, not formal or product-focused posts.

A 0.5 selfie isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality. Try it next time you want to capture a real moment, a group hangout, or just show off your outfit with a twist. It’s playful, authentic, and absolutely now.