Instagram Resources
September 2024
As we kick off the school year, you are managing various Instagram accounts across the district. Keep an eye out for a monthly email with tips, tricks, trending topics, and upcoming events to be aware of.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Sept. 6: National Read a Book Day
- Share students reading!
- Show some impressive art projects or a video from music
- Share some favorites from school photo day, or remind people when your school picture day is
Friday, Sept. 20: Pony Pride Day and Homecoming
Wednesday, Oct. 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day
- I'm hoping to make something like THIS, so if one of you has a pair of fun custodians that would lip sync, let me know and we could do a collaboration post!
There are lots of appreciation days throughout the year. A photo with a thanks is great, but also consider having those staff members make a fun reel, do a day in the life takeover to show their work, ask librarians their favorite book available in the media center, or share info such as "More than just Chromebook repair, did you know our IT professionals also support x, y, and z around our building". Change it up throughout the year!
Trending Items
- Whatcha Doin' : Students questioning teachers, or principal popping into classrooms making rounds
- Teacher Walk Up Songs : Have students pick their teacher's "walk up song". Could be a fun kick off to hype up returning to the classroom!
- One of These : Show supplies students need to be ready, or showcase favorite books
- "We're too cute to be stressed" : A really simple clip that can show teachers are ready for the year
- Trending Audios: Search HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan (dance), Apple by Charli xcx (dance), Ready Let's Go by DARKMINDS, UP! by Forrest Frank
Tips & Tricks
How to Add a URL to an Instagram Story
Helpful for sign up links, add website stories, and more.
Start a new Instagram Story by either swiping right on your newsfeed, or when on your profile page, click the "+" in the upper right corner and select "Story"
Select photo from your phone's camera roll or take a photo right in the app
Once a photo is in place, click the button in the upper right corner that looks like a post-it note with a smiley face
Select the "Link" button
Type or paste URL link. By also typing in the "Customize sticker text" line, you can simply have it say "Sign Up" or "Register" so that it's shorter. Then you have a button!
Want a different style button? Click on the button to flip through different designs.
Press and drag the button to move it around, or press with two fingers and pull to the sides to make it bigger.
How to Change Text and Background Colors on Instagram Stories
Share that Pony Pride by choosing our colors!
Start a new Instagram Story by either swiping right on your newsfeed, or when on your profile page, click the "+" in the upper right corner and select "Story"
Select photo from your phone's camera roll or take a photo right in the app
Once a photo is in place, tap anywhere on the photo to add text
Find different fonts under the "Aa" slide: Some of my personal favorites are "Modern" because it fits a lot of info, "Strong" because it's bold and easy to read, and "Signature" for special occasions.
When in a text box, right next to the "Aa" button is a color wheel. There are three slides of primary colors to choose from. Click to change your text to that color.
Don't want a primary color? Click on a color such as red, then press and hold to select a different pigment or darker red. On the left, there is also an eyedropper tool, where you can make your text match any color featured on your Instagram Story.
Want to change the whole background color? Click the three dots in the upper right corner of your story. Select the second option of "Draw". Then pick the color on the bottom you want your background to be. Press and hold anywhere on the background to change the entire background color.
How to Use a Trending Audio
If you'd like to make one of these reels, click on the audio's title on the second line under the username in the upper left corner of a reel. The new page shows other reels made with that audio (find inspiration!) and click "Use audio" on the big center button. Then select your video clips or record with the camera. We can go into how to build reels more next month, so let me know if I can help in the meantime!