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Instagram. This wildly popular photo- and video-sharing app should definitely be in your organization’s social media toolbox. Why? With more than 300 million active Instagram users worldwide, you have the possibility of reaching people all over the globe.
According to studies, people respond better to visuals than text. Allow me to wax scientific…
Visual content triggers emotions. Our visual memory is located in the same area of the brain where emotions are processed. Emotional reactions influence retention of content; so when you post engaging Instagram content, you’re not only creating an emotional connection with your followers, you’re making it more likely they’ll remember you!
To get you inspired to up your Instagram game, here’s a list of some nonprofits who’ve mastered the art of curating a fantastic feed. Check ‘em out!
1. Oceana
Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Their Instagram feed is a glorious visual symphony of underwater shots. It’s not just pretty pictures – the description of the photo shown contains a link to a petition to stop GrubHub from delivering shark fin soup.
2. charity: water
With a simply stated mission of bringing clean and safe drinking water to people around the world, the @charitywater Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous photographs of people who benefit from their organization’s work. They also thank their supporters often and include features of individual fundraisers, many of whom are children. Emotional double-whammy!
3. National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. World-renowned for its print photographs, they certainly don’t disappoint on Instagram! Their feed contains stunning shots of life and the world in which we live. They’re truly masters of visual story-telling.
4. ASPCA
The ASPCA does a fantastic job of posting pictures of animals helped by donors, including some pretty amazing before and after shots so supporters can see their donations at work! They offer pet care tips, links to causes and blogs, photo contests, and plenty of opportunities for user engagement. Oh, and they have a pretty good sense of humor, too!
5. Half the Sky Movement
Half the Sky Movement’s mission is to combat gender inequality through global education and economic empowerment of women and girls. Their Instagram feed contains a mix of candid shots of women and girls helped by the organization, celebrity supporters out in the field, and concise infographics to grab your attention.
6. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation nails emotional appeal with their visual storytelling. Their collection of photos and stories of children fighting childhood cancer is sure to tug at your heartstrings. They also make great use of hashtags, including photos of supporters who are willing to #Bravetheshave in order to support cancer research.
7. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity makes it personal. The @habitatforhumanity feed is filled with photos of volunteers at build sites, as well as snaps of people living in completed homes. They do a great job of thanking their volunteers and supporters; take a look at their build site selfies submitted by volunteers on the job!
8. Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance envisions a world where people can thrive and prosper in harmony with the land. They’re very good at engaging followers and keeping things fresh. Their Instagram takeovers allow guest photographers to take the wheel and post their work to the Instagram feed for a short period of time.
9. Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is committed to reducing shelter pet deaths to zero. If you’re looking for a feed that will make you laugh, smile, and cry all in one sitting, take a look at their work! Their adorable photos and witty captions are perfect for building an emotional connection with Instagram users, averaging about 2.5k likes per photo.
10. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has a network of donors, volunteers, and employees who share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering in the United States and around the world. Their Instagram feed is a healthy mix of touching emotional photos, shots of volunteers in action, and informational screenshots. Personal thank-you photos sent in from individuals benefitting from Red Cross services are a great way to show supporters they’re making a difference.
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