Effective CU Instagram pages

Instagram is one of the most powerful tools for reaching students today. With 75% of 18–25-year-olds using the platform, it’s where the students around you are already spending their time. For CUs, Instagram is more than just a place to post - it’s a space to welcome, connect, and share the gospel visually and creatively.

A well-curated Instagram page can help your CU stand out from other societies on campus. It’s often the first impression someone will have of your community, so it should reflect who you are and what you’re about.

---

Communicate your vision

Every post you share tells a story about your CU. Ask yourself: what do you want people to think when they land on your page? A welcoming feed communicates that you’re a group of students who love Jesus, care about others, and want to make Him known on campus. Use warm language, bright visuals, and clear messaging to reflect that.

---

Build a brand

Consistency is key. Choose a colour palette and fonts that reflect your CU’s personality and stick with them across your posts. This helps students instantly recognise your content in their feed. You don’t need to be a design expert - free tools like Canva make it easy to create professional-looking graphics. If someone in your CU enjoys design, invite them to help shape your visual identity.

---

Choose the right format

Instagram offers a variety of ways to share content. Use them strategically:

• Reels are great for testimonies, event previews, or welcome messages. Keep them short and engaging - under 60 seconds is ideal for attention spans.
• Photos work well when they’re high quality and people-focused. Show real students, real moments, and real community.
• Stories are perfect for quick updates, polls, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. They can be saved to Highlights for future viewing. Use them to share reminders, ask questions, or highlight events.

---

Maximise your reach

Instagram posts perform better when they're reshared. Tag your university, SU, or event venue to increase your chances of being seen. You can also share posts from other accounts to your story to boost visibility. Don’t forget to tag @UCCF if you want to share what your CU is doing.

Keep captions short and clear. Focus on what people see first. If you’re sharing a flyer or announcement, make sure the key info is easy to read at a glance.

---

Connect with Facebook

Linking your Instagram to your CU’s Facebook page saves time and helps you reach a wider audience. You can share posts and stories across both platforms, but be sure to adjust captions for Facebook - phrases like 'link in bio' don’t translate well.