Social Cotinga

Instagram

What's Instagram?

Instagram is a free social media platform where users can share photos, videos, and stories with their followers. It’s especially popular among college students, making it a valuable tool for building community, promoting events, and encouraging academic engagement.

In a college setting, Instagram can be used by departments, faculty, and student organizations to connect, communicate, and celebrate achievements. However, understanding how to use it responsibly and safely is essential for everyone involved.

Below, you’ll find easy-to-follow tutorials, safety tips, platform guidelines, and creative ideas for using Instagram effectively in educational environments.

How to create an account

To make an Instagram account, download the app or visit instagram.com. Tap “Sign up,” enter your email or phone number, create a username and password, and fill in basic profile details. Follow the prompts to complete setup. You can then customize your profile, add a photo, and start following accounts.

To navigate the Instagram home feed, open the app and view posts from accounts you follow. Scroll down to see photos, videos, and stories. Tap posts to like, comment, or share. Swipe left or tap profile icons for Stories. Use the refresh gesture to load new content at any time.

To post on Instagram, tap the “+” icon at the bottom or top of the screen. Choose a photo or video from your gallery or take one directly. Edit with filters or adjustments if desired. Write a caption, tag people, add a location, and then tap “Share” to publish your post.

On Instagram, hashtags help categorize your posts and make them discoverable to others interested in similar topics. Add relevant hashtags in your caption or comments (e.g., #ArtClass). Tagging lets you mention other users by typing “@” followed by their username. Tagged users are notified and may share your post.

Instagram Stories are temporary photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours. You can create a Story by tapping your profile picture or the “+” icon and selecting “Story.” Add text, stickers, music, or filters to make it fun and engaging. Stories appear at the top of the home feed, and followers can tap to view them. You can also see who viewed your Story. Highlights allow you to save Stories permanently on your profile for later viewing.

Instagram Reels are short, engaging videos up to 90 seconds long. Users can create Reels by recording clips, adding music, effects, and text, then posting them to their feed or the Reels tab. Reels can reach a wider audience beyond followers, making them great for creativity, storytelling, and discovery.

Do's and Don'ts of student use

  • Do’s:

    • Do keep your account settings private to control who sees your posts.

    • Do think carefully before posting photos, videos, or comments.

    • Do use Instagram to share positive, creative, or educational content.

    Don’ts:

    • Don’t share personal information like your address, phone number, or school schedule.

    • Don’t post anything hurtful, offensive, or that you wouldn’t want teachers or future employers to see.

    • Don’t engage with or respond to strangers or suspicious messages.

Students can manage their digital footprint on Instagram by keeping their profiles private, thinking before posting, and regularly reviewing old posts. They should avoid sharing sensitive information, untag themselves from inappropriate photos, and engage respectfully. Staying mindful of what they post helps build a positive and professional online presence.

Students can use Instagram for projects by creating dedicated accounts or hashtags to document progress, share research, or present creative work. They can post photos, videos, and Stories to showcase their learning, collaborate with classmates through comments, and even engage wider audiences by using relevant educational or project-specific hashtags.

Here are 4 safety tips for students using Instagram:

  • Set your account to private so only approved followers can see your posts.

  • Think before you post — avoid sharing personal information like your location or school.

  • Only accept follow requests from people you know and trust.

  • Report and block anyone who sends inappropriate or suspicious messages.

Ideas for using Instagram in education

  • Share class projects and student work through photos and short videos.

  • Post daily or weekly learning highlights to keep parents and students engaged.

  • Create Stories for quick reminders about homework, deadlines, or events.

  • Use Reels to showcase experiments, performances, or field trips.

  • Highlight student achievements and celebrate classroom milestones.

Use a classroom Instagram account by keeping it private and only accepting students and parents as followers. Post regularly with updates, project highlights, and reminders. Protect student privacy by avoiding names or faces without permission. Use Stories, captions, and hashtags to keep content engaging, positive, and connected to learning goals.

Teachers should maintain boundaries on Instagram by using a separate professional account, keeping communication public and class-related, and avoiding private messaging with students. Set clear expectations for interactions, follow school social media policies, and prioritize student safety and professionalism. Regularly review posts and followers to ensure a safe environment.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is important because it protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents and eligible students the right to access and control the disclosure of their educational information. Click HERE for a link to the form.

You will also need to get parental consent for their students to use social media in the classroom. Click HERE for a sample parental consent letter to use as a reference.

Why students use Instagram

Students may use Instagram in the classroom to creatively share projects, document learning experiences, and collaborate with classmates. It allows them to build digital communication skills, engage with educational content, and celebrate achievements in a safe, guided environment. Teachers monitor use closely to ensure privacy, responsibility, and positive online interactions.

Teachers use supervision tools like private class accounts, content filters, and regular account monitoring to keep students safe online. They may also require approval before posting, limit who can follow the account, and review comments. These tools ensure that students use social media responsibly while protecting their privacy and safety.

  • Talk regularly about what apps they use and why.

  • Set clear expectations for online behavior together.

  • Encourage honesty by staying calm and listening without judgment.

  • Explore social media together to understand their experiences.

  • Remind them they can come to you with problems anytime.

  • Sudden changes in mood after using Instagram.

  • Secretive behavior about accounts, messages, or followers.

  • Receiving messages from strangers or suspicious accounts.

  • Posting inappropriate content or oversharing personal information.

  • Obsession with likes or followers, affecting self-esteem or behavior.

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Our mission is to provide clear, up-to-date resources that help families understand platforms, privacy settings, online etiquette, and digital wellness. With expert insights, practical guides, and engaging tools, we aim to bridge the technology gap between generations and foster smarter, safer online habits. Whether you’re a parent or student, Social Cotinga is your trusted source for guidance.

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