2026-09-10 11:00:34

Brits are taking an average of five selfies before finally finding one worthy of their camera roll, a study has found.

Research among 2,000 adults revealed 32 per cent rarely get the perfect shot first time, while 35 per cent have a camera roll packed with near-identical snaps.

Just 18 per cent said they are usually happy with their first attempt, and when it comes to group pictures, getting everyone in the frame is the biggest priority, with 83 per cent admitting it can take several attempts.

Other reasons for hitting the shutter button again include making sure everyone is looking at the camera, cited by 77 per cent, capturing a natural moment, 75 per cent, and finding a flattering angle, 65 per cent.

Getting the lighting right was also important for 63 per cent.

Blinking and people looking away were among the biggest frustrations, affecting 29 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, 22 per cent have only realised after taking a picture that someone has been partly cut out or hidden behind another person.

Gen Z emerged as the biggest selfie perfectionists, taking six shots on average before settling on one.

That compares with five for Millennials, four for Gen X and just three for Boomers.

But the endless retakes can test the patience of everyone involved.

The average person is willing to stand around for just three minutes while a friend repeatedly attempts to get the perfect group shot.

One in four, or 26 per cent, start getting irritated within a minute, while the average breaking point comes after just four attempts.

Nearly a third, 29 per cent, have abandoned a group selfie altogether because they could not squeeze everyone into the frame.

The research was commissioned by Samsung to mark the launch of its Galaxy S26 FE, which features a 12MP front camera with a wider view and Photo Assist.

Annika Bizon from Samsung said: “Our research shows that a top selfie frustration is missing people in the shot.

“Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday memory, or night out with friends, we’ve all taken endless versions of the same photo just to get everyone in frame.”

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