5 Instagram Tips Every Science Account Should Follow

Science meets art, science meets creativity, and most definitely science meets social media. One may tend to think of online platforms as ways to connect with people and share their personal lives, but it is not evident to think of social media as a way to share scientific knowledge. And yet, Instagram opens the gate to science as it allows users to share their love of science and progress. Science accounts are something you ought to add to your feeds if you’re looking for something a little different. Whether following scientists or just people who love science, Instagram includes several influencers and large names in the scientific field that will most likely satisfy your quest for knowledge. Some major science posts are made simple and attractive to facilitate the process of knowledge and learning. Some people love following these types of accounts to stay updated on recent scientific innovations, get the latest scientific news, and learn more about different topics. This article will be tackling a few tips that every science account needs to follow to grow its audience on Instagram.

Use The Right Hashtags:

Just like Twitter, Hashtags are always a good way to attract people and get them to follow you. Hashtags are a series of keywords that allow Instagram users to filter posts according to their preferences. Some would use public and over-general words such as “science”, “books”, “food” etc. while others may use more specific terms such as “astronomy”, constellations”, “covid news” etc. When you’re starting your science account, make sure to use the right hashtags. If you can’t come up with one, you can try using one of the hashtag generators available. WP Dev Shed provides a list that can help you greatly in your search for the best hashtag generator. The search function of the platform will allow people from all over the globe to find your posts and access your account. Label your illustrations, memes, and videos with the dominant science hashtags of the time. Make it global, inclusive, and abundant. You’ll be surprised at how high the rates of views will reach. #ScienceRules!

Be Consistent:

Think of your Instagram account as your science portfolio. You want your followers to scroll into your page without feeling the need to skip many of your posts because they don’t abide by what they signed up for. You want people to speak about your page as a science Instagram account, and not some random person sharing a few scientific posts on his profile. To highlight that consistency, try to publish regular and engaging content that targets your audience. Use anesthetic to your Instagram page, and edit your pictures with similar filters to make your posts look relevant and catchy. Most importantly, be consistent with your content. If you decided that your account will be dedicated to science, keep your content related to it. Post facts, stories, news, and products that can help improve the scientific field. 

Be Engaging:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that all people get bored easily. Give a social media user a detailed and complex article to read, and they will get distracted by a speck of dust! But how about science videos and funny science memes? People are more attracted by visual sources and graphic content than long blocks of writing. They like to be fed information funnily and entertainingly. The videos don’t have to be lengthy! Even a one-minute video can make you go viral! 

Post-Breaking News:

Posting old scientific facts that everyone already knows is something good. However, posting breaking news about discoveries is better! People want to know what’s happening in the world. They don’t want to look for information, they want the information to come right to them. To attract your followers’ attention, post breaking news and use up-to-date topics to engage your community.

Target Your Audience:

Yes, pictures of cats and dogs are always a perfect hook to attract an audience. I mean, how can you resist those cute and big glowing eyes? Certainly not me! Then again, remember, that is neither the audience you’re aiming for nor the long-term followers who are interested in your content. Photos of cats and dogs are roaming the internet abundantly, but unique scientific content that is both engaging and interesting is rare to find. Post relevant content that targets your audience – or the audience you want to build. 

Written by Austin Crane

Austin is the principle web director for Untamed Science and Stone Age Man. He is also the web-director of the series for the High School biology, Middle Grades Science and Elementary Science content. When Austin isn't making amazing content for the web, he's out on his mountain bike or in a canoe.

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