Instagram Revisited

If you are a longtime reader of my blog, you may remember that I have been reluctant to use Instagram for ministry, both for my own and for my ministry clients. Instagram features what the name implies instant images/photos or videos that share a message. It is a mobile platform requiring use of a mobile device. Usually the user takes a photo or video on the device and then shares it on Instagram with a description. You can share in the newsfeed which is like the newsfeed on Facebook where it stays or you can post it to your story where it stays for 24 hours or until a follower sees it and then it disappears, whichever comes first.

While Facebook and Twitter are the most popular social media platforms, Instagram is in third place. (FYI, Facebook purchased Instagram in 2012) What is of particular interest to Catholic evangelizers is that younger adults, 18-24 and 25-35, are very active on Instagram. Several years ago, I set up my own Instagram and then business (which I regard as “ministry”) accounts for Catholic Web Solutions and a few parish clients.

I didn’t really like it all that much, because everything had to be done on the mobile device and if I wanted to share something that I created on the computer which is where I normally create visual content, I had to email it to myself, download it and then post it. Occasionally, I took photos on my phone which I could post easily.

Canva and Vimeo

Eventually, I was able to share my computer creations from the Canva app. (Canva is my go-to picture quote image design platform).

I upload my videos to Vimeo and now I can post those to Instagram from the Vimeo app.

Still, I could not schedule these posts which is what I could do with my Facebook posts. That annoyed me.

Creator Studio

Enter Facebook’s Creator Studio. If you have business (read ministry) pages with Facebook, Creator Studio is its newest publishing space for editing, scheduling, managing and monetizing posts. Insights (stats about usage and your audience) are also available. If you also have Instagram Pages associated with the Facebook Pages, you can manage them all with Creator Studio from this one location. In February of this year Facebook launched a Creator Studio app which allows you to do the same thing using your mobile device.

The end result of these “improvements” by Facebook for Instagram, is that I am sharing regularly on the platform and my clients have another way to reach the people who are there. I share information on upcoming events as well as words of inspiration and encouragement usually drawn from scripture, and photos of activities that convey community and mission.

We Are Missionary Disciples in-Person and Online

Social media platforms mirror the world in which we live—the good and the bad parts. As missionary disciples, we are in this world. Our ministries need to be on social media—proclaiming “good news.” Otherwise, those who get their news mostly from social media will think that there is no good news in this life. We can tell them that there is much good to celebrate and that they are not alone in seeking it.

Are you using Creator Studio? Is your ministry on Instagram? Please share your experience with us.