Instagram is a highly visual and engaging platform that has become a vital tool for schools to reach prospective students, engage current ones, and showcase their vibrant campus life. However, the fast-paced nature of social media trends means schools must continuously adapt their strategies to stay relevant and effective.
This blog will explore the top Instagram trends schools should know to enhance their marketing efforts. From authentic storytelling and user-generated content to leveraging interactive features and influencer collaborations, we’ll cover key strategies that can help you maximize your Instagram school marketing strategy.
By understanding and implementing the trends we’re discussing today, schools can stay ahead of the curve and foster a stronger connection with their community.
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The Rise of Instagram School Content in Educational Marketing
Why use Instagram for schools? Instagram has quickly become one of the most influential social media platforms, particularly among younger demographics. With over one billion active users, it offers educational institutions a unique opportunity to engage with students and showcase campus life.
Instagram’s popularity among students is evident, with over 70% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 having active Instagram accounts. Instagram allows schools to interact directly with students, fostering a sense of community and keeping them informed about campus events and updates.
Instagram school content can highlight the institution’s unique culture and accomplishments through posts, stories, and videos, attracting prospective students with a dynamic view of campus life.
To maximize Instagram’s potential, you must stay updated with trends and best practices. Integrating Instagram with other marketing channels and using data-driven approaches can further enhance a school’s social media strategy.
Source: HEM
Pro tip: Instagram is ideal for sharing visual content centered around your school’s unique community. The use of stories and ads is an excellent way to attract and engage prospects.
Do you need some guidance for using Instagram to boost enrollment? Get in touch with us for customized digital marketing services. Learn more here!
Trend 1: Authentic Storytelling
Authentic storytelling has emerged as a powerful way for schools to stand out and connect with their audience. Authentic storytelling involves sharing genuine, relatable stories that resonate with students, parents, and alumni. This approach fosters a deeper connection and builds trust, which is essential for any educational institution.
Authentic storytelling is all about being genuine and transparent. You can achieve this by showcasing real experiences and voices from your community. For instance, student and teacher takeovers are highly effective. By allowing students and teachers to take control of the school’s Instagram account for a day, they can share their daily routines, experiences, and perspectives. This humanizes the institution through a behind-the-scenes look at school life that prospective students and parents find appealing.
Source: University of Toronto | Instagram
Example: The University of Toronto has created a unique video series where the Dean swaps roles with undergraduate students for a day. This engaging initiative allows both the Dean and the students to experience each other’s daily routines, offering prospective students a deeper insight into student life and the university’s vibrant culture.
Another way to implement authentic storytelling is through behind-the-scenes glimpses of school events, classes, and extracurricular activities. Sharing candid moments from sports events, drama rehearsals, or science fairs can provide a more comprehensive view of what the school offers beyond the academic curriculum. These stories highlight the vibrant and diverse activities that make up the school community, painting a vivid picture of the student experience.
Creating authentic and engaging stories requires a strategic approach. You need to maintain a consistent voice that reflects their values and mission. Involve the community in the storytelling process to ensure a wide range of perspectives.
To maximize the impact of authentic storytelling, focus on creating visually appealing content. High-quality photos and videos are essential to capture the attention of viewers. However, it’s equally important to keep the content genuine and unpolished to some extent. Overly produced content can sometimes feel inauthentic, so striking a balance between quality and authenticity is key.
Source: John Cabot University | Instagram
Example: Here, during a graduation ceremony, JCU alumni share an authentic selfie post to celebrate International Friendship Day. This post highlights how you can showcase school events and your tight-knit school community enjoying them. This allows prospects to picture themselves joining you.
Trend 2: Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
Today, it’s become essential for educational institutions to embrace diversity and inclusion not only as part of their organization’s values but as essential elements of their identity and operations. Emphasizing these principles on Instagram can significantly enhance your school’s appeal, fostering a welcoming environment that attracts students from various backgrounds. By focusing on diversity and inclusion, you can create a more inclusive community and showcase your commitment to embracing different cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
Highlighting diversity and inclusion on Instagram starts with showcasing the multifaceted nature of the school community. Schools can share stories, photos, and videos that reflect the diverse backgrounds of their students, faculty, and staff. This could include celebrating cultural festivals, highlighting international students, or featuring faculty members who bring unique perspectives to the classroom. By doing so, schools can illustrate their commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
One effective approach is to celebrate cultural events and holidays significant to various groups within the school community. For instance, schools can share posts about Diwali, Lunar New Year, Indigenous Peoples Day, Black History Month, or Pride Month, highlighting how these events are celebrated on campus. This educates the wider community about different cultures and makes students from those cultures feel seen and appreciated.
Source: University of British Columbia | Instagram
In addition to cultural celebrations, sharing stories from students of different backgrounds can provide a powerful perspective on the school’s inclusive environment. Personal stories about students’ journeys, challenges, and achievements can resonate deeply with followers. These narratives can be shared through student takeovers, interviews, or testimonials, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. Highlighting the experiences of international students, students with disabilities, or those from underrepresented communities can demonstrate the school’s commitment to supporting all its members.
Furthermore, you can use Instagram to promote initiatives and programs aimed at fostering inclusion and equity. This might include diversity training workshops, support groups, mentorship programs, or partnerships with organizations that promote social justice. By showcasing these efforts, you are underlining your proactive approach to creating an inclusive campus environment. Sharing updates and success stories from these initiatives can inspire current students and attract prospective students who share similar values.
The impact of focusing on diversity and inclusion extends beyond social media engagement. It helps build a school culture that values and respects differences, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural world. For prospective students and parents, seeing a school’s commitment to these values on Instagram can be a decisive factor in choosing that institution. It signals that the school is a place of academic excellence with a community that nurtures empathy, respect, and global citizenship.
Source: Tessa International School | Instagram
Example: Here, Tessa International School demonstrates a sincere commitment to diversity and inclusion through its celebration of United Nations Day and the active participation of their students. When highlighting diversity and inclusion on Instagram, focus on how your school is working to incorporate these values in tangible ways to maintain authenticity and integrity.
Trend 3: Interactive Features
Interactive features on Instagram have revolutionized how schools can engage with their audience – particularly on Stories. What content is best for Instagram Stories? Tools like polls, quizzes, questions, and stickers, provide a dynamic and engaging way to connect with students, parents, and the broader school community. By incorporating these tools into their Instagram strategy, schools can foster deeper interactions and make content more engaging and participatory.
One of the primary benefits of using interactive features is the ability to gather immediate feedback and insights from the audience. For example, Instagram polls allow schools to ask questions and get instant responses from their followers. This can be particularly useful for gathering student opinions on various topics, such as preferences for school events, feedback on cafeteria menus, or suggestions for new extracurricular activities. By actively involving students in decision-making processes, schools can create a more inclusive and responsive environment.
Source: University of Toronto Student Life | Instagram
Quizzes are another interactive feature that can be educational and entertaining. Schools can create quizzes on academic subjects, school trivia, or fun facts about the institution. These quizzes not only engage students but also reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way. For instance, a quiz on historical events or scientific concepts can serve as a quick revision tool while making the school’s Instagram feed more lively and engaging.
The question sticker is a versatile tool that schools can use to facilitate open-ended interactions. By posting a question sticker in their Instagram Stories, schools can invite followers to ask questions or share their thoughts on various topics. This can be an excellent way for schools to address common queries about admissions, school policies, or upcoming events. Additionally, it provides a platform for students to voice their opinions and for the school to showcase its responsiveness and transparency.
Interactive stickers, such as countdowns and emoji sliders, can add a fun and engaging element to school announcements and promotions. A countdown sticker can build anticipation for an upcoming event, such as a school dance, sports day, or graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, emoji sliders can gauge followers’ excitement or interest levels in a visually appealing and interactive way.
Several schools have successfully utilized these interactive features to enhance their Instagram presence. For example, during open house events, schools can use polls to ask attendees what sessions they found most informative or enjoyable. This real-time feedback can help improve future events and demonstrate the school’s commitment to continuous improvement. Similarly, during Spirit Week or other themed weeks, quizzes and interactive stickers can amplify the festive spirit and encourage greater participation from the student body.
Source: Randolph-Macon Academy | Instagram
Example: Randolph-Macon Academy routinely engaged their audience through interactive stories such as the question posed above. This is an excellent way to learn more about your school’s audience and boost engagement broadening your reach on the platform with time.
Trend 4: Influencer Collaborations
Influencer collaborations continue to be an invaluable tool when leveraging Instagram for schools, offering schools an innovative way to reach and engage with their target audience. By partnering with influencers or student ambassadors, educational institutions can leverage the credibility and reach of individuals with a strong presence and following on social media. This approach enhances the school’s visibility and builds trust and authenticity among prospective students and parents.
Influencers, especially current students, alumni, or community figures, can provide a relatable and trustworthy perspective on school life. When these individuals share their experiences, insights, and achievements, it resonates more deeply with their followers than traditional advertising might. For instance, a student influencer sharing their daily routine, study tips, or involvement in extracurricular activities can offer a genuine glimpse into the school experience, making it more appealing to prospective students.
Source: University of Amsterdam | Instagram
Identifying the right students for collaboration is crucial. Schools should look for individuals who align with their values and have a strong, engaged following. Student ambassadors are often ideal influencers, as they can authentically represent the student body and school culture. Additionally, partnering with local community influencers, such as educators, athletes, or artists, can help broaden the school’s reach and connect with a more diverse audience.
Successful collaborations require careful planning and clear objectives. Schools should establish what they hope to achieve through the collaboration, whether it’s increasing enrollment, boosting engagement, or enhancing brand awareness. Clear guidelines and expectations should be communicated to students to ensure the content aligns with the school’s messaging and values.
Examples of effective influencer and ambassador collaborations in schools are abundant. For instance, a high school might partner with a well-known alumni who has achieved significant success in their field. The alumni could share posts and stories about how the school contributed to their personal and professional growth, inspiring current and prospective students. Another example could be a college collaborating with student-athletes to showcase their balance between academics and sports, highlighting the school’s support systems and facilities.
Engaging with influencers or student ambassadors also means fostering long-term relationships rather than one-off promotions. Continuous collaboration with influencers and ambassadors can build a more consistent and credible presence on social media. Schools can invite them to participate in various events, such as open houses, alumni gatherings, or special projects, ensuring ongoing engagement and representation.
Source: Medix College | Instagram
Example: For schools, alumni and student ambassadors serve as the perfect influencers. Here, Medix College highlights a successful graduate to inspire their audience.
Trend 5: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Sustainability and social responsibility have become increasingly important to students and parents alike, making them crucial components of a school’s Instagram strategy. Showcasing efforts in these areas not only reflects the values of the institution but also appeals to a growing segment of environmentally and socially conscious individuals.
Many young people today are passionate about environmental issues and are keen to attend institutions that share their commitment to sustainability. By highlighting eco-friendly initiatives, schools can demonstrate their dedication to protecting the environment.
This can include showcasing green campus projects, such as recycling programs, solar panel installations, or community gardens. Posting updates and progress on these initiatives can engage and inspire students while attracting prospective students who prioritize sustainability in their educational choices.
Source: Concordia University | Instagram
Social responsibility is another area where schools can make an impact on their Instagram presence. Schools can highlight their involvement in community service projects, charitable events, and other initiatives that contribute positively to society. For example, sharing stories and photos from volunteer activities, fundraising events, or partnerships with local nonprofits can illustrate the school’s commitment to making a difference. These posts boost the school’s image and encourage students to participate in socially responsible activities, fostering a culture of giving and empathy.
Schools can also feature student-led projects that address environmental or social issues, such as organizing clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, or sustainable product workshops. By giving students a platform to share their initiatives and achievements, schools can amplify their impact and inspire others within the community to get involved.
The benefits of promoting sustainability and social responsibility extend beyond enhancing the school’s image. These efforts contribute to building a positive and proactive school culture, where students are encouraged to think critically about their impact on the world and take action to make a difference. This prepares students to be responsible global citizens and enriches their educational experience by integrating real-world issues into their learning.
Source: UC Berkeley | Instagram
Example: Here, UC Berkeley highlights its longtime commitment to championing sustainability. When posting about sustainability, focus on what your school community has done to uphold environmentalist values.
Incorporating these Instagram ideas for schools into your marketing efforts can make a significant difference in attracting new students, engaging current ones, and building a loyal alumni network. By staying ahead of the curve, you can ensure they are not just part of the conversation but leading it. For schools looking to elevate their Instagram strategy, partnering with experienced professionals like Higher Education Marketing can provide the edge needed to thrive in the digital age. Contact us today to learn how we can help your institution succeed on Instagram and beyond!
Struggling with enrollment?
Our expert digital marketing services can help you attract and enroll more students!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why use Instagram for schools?
Answer: Instagram has quickly become one of the most influential social media platforms, particularly among younger demographics. With over one billion active users, it offers educational institutions a unique opportunity to engage with students and showcase campus life.
Question: What content is best for Instagram Stories?
Answer: Tools like polls, quizzes, questions, and stickers, provide a dynamic and engaging way to connect with students, parents, and the broader school community.
