Social Media for Journalists

Instagram Stories - 10 x tips for success

Damian Radcliffe
October 2022
 Tip 1:
Think Structure

Have a beginning and a clear end

• Establishing shot (what/where, possibly why)

• Clear ending (call to action, link to more etc.)
 Tip 2:
Plan (if you can)

• Map it out in advance

• Consider creating offline then uploading
Tip 3:Unleash your inner designer

Font (size, style)

Consistency Possible template (e.g. NYT News vs. Non-News)

Clean design (Avoid overlapping images, TOO MUCH TEXT)

Usability Not too busy (Less is more)
 Tip 4:
Keep it moving
• Pacey
• Mix of images/video
• Boomerangs
• + Other tools (GIFS, Polls, Music etc.)
• Hashtags Tip 5:
• @people/places
• Capture more than you think you will need…
Don’t forget the basics
Tip 6: Make it ”sound agnostic”
 Tip 7:
Use Templates

• Canva
• Mojo app
• In Shot
• + others (including IG’s own templates)
Tip 8: Curate
• Highlights
• Grid
• Reels
Tip 9: Practice

• Get hands on with apps

• Experiment
• Have fun!
 Tip 10:
Consume Critically

• Other journalists
• Brands
• Influencers
Good luck!