Instagram

On Instagram, users can connect with a global community which shares millions of photos and videos every day. This social platform works best on your mobile phone, and it is a wonderful place to explore the world and find like-minded individuals. Instagram and Facebook are owned by the same company so you will often see the option to post to both platforms. Instagram has become an indispensable social media outlet, particularly for engaging with young people. The current estimate of Instagram users in the UK is over 33 million users, with 55% of them being female and 70% of the users being 34 years or younger.

Choosing a username

You can use up to 30 characters for your username.

Writing a bio

Create a short and simple description of your church, where it is and your purpose and values.

Choose a profile picture

Your profile photo should either be a photo of your church building, something that clearly identifies your church, or the Church of Scotland logo (which can be found on our visual identity webpage). The image size must be at minimum 320 x 320 pixels.

Adding a link

If you have a church website then you can add a link to it on your Instagram profile. If you do not have a website then include a link to your Facebook page instead. Find out more about setting up your Instagram profile.

Key features of Instagram

Hashtags

A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the hash symbol #, used on social media to identify messages on a specific topic.

Hashtags are how your photos will be found and how you can brand your congregation. Make an effort to assign relevant and original hashtags when promoting a church event. Using around 2-5 hashtags on all your image captions is considered best practice. This groups the photo with other photos of similar themes so that when people search, your photos can be found.

Learn more about how to use hashtags.

Filters

When posting an image to Instagram you are given the option of choosing from a range of pre-set filters to apply to your image. A simple tint could turn amateur looking photos into professional pieces with the tap of a finger. Learn more about how to apply filters.

Stories

Instagram Stories is a feature that allows users to post photos and videos that vanish after 24 hours. This feature is a little more advanced and we do not recommend that you focus on this while you are just getting started. Learn more about how to create an Instagram story.

Ways to engage your followers

Here are few ways to engage with your audience on Instagram:

  • Post every day, or at least frequently
  • Share short sermon clips with positive powerful messages
  • Share one or two meaningful pictures of your events – always pick your best
  • Post inspiring graphics, quotes, and meaningful scripture
  • Share graphic event reminders or announcements for upcoming events
  • Use 2-5 relevant hashtags
  • Tag your volunteers in your photos – people love social media praise (you will need their Instagram usernames to tag them)
  • Use Instagram stories to share some favourite moments of your day and to highlight your church's events, services, and people
  • Showcase the projects you are working on, charities you are working with and milestones within your congregation
  • Share other people's photos of your church, services or community (just make sure to ask for permission first)
  • Go behind the scenes in your church

Get inspired

Instagram accounts of churches in the Church of Scotland: