The Black Joy Parade and the Sharing Black Stories Team at Instagram invited an exclusive list of entrepreneurs, leaders, business owners and influencers to Instagram for a curated Masterclass centered on how to maximize our use of Instagram. We all know what Instagram is but who and what is the Black Joy Parade?
Well let’s see what their website says:
The Black Joy Parade exists to provide the Black community and allies a live experience that celebrates our influence on cultures past, present and future. We will unite a diverse community by creating a space to express each of our unique contributions to the Black experience. We invite you to be creative, be open, be present, be free. www.blackjoyparade.org
POWERFUL!
YASSS! All This melanin Bay beee * Kawhi voice*
I attended the Instagram masterclass and loved feeling the passion from both teams had about the Black Joy Parade and the ever evolving growth of Instagram. Trust me I took notes.
Here are 3 things I learned from the Instagram Team:
Post Videos To IGTV
Post to IGTV. Video is king on Instagram. I am drawn to videos on the Instagram explore page and on Instagram Stories. If you are not posting video content, start today. The Instagram team stressed how powerful IGTV is to being seen on Instagram. Another tip: keep your IGTV video titles to less than 4 words. Instead of titling your video: Come with me backstage to NYFW use, Backstage at NYFW. Follow @Creators on IG for more ideas and to hear the story of successful Instagrammers.
Dare To Be Different
Dare To Be Different. Stand out. When creating content, create your own set. Film your video using a unique style. Tell a story. Share an experience. Yeah, basically do the most on Instagram if you want to be seen and build a community of people who love you for you. I do this by using a colorstory and sharing my story in the caption of each post. You can see more here.
Hashtags Still Work
Hashtags Still Work. There are so many rumours about hashtags not being effective. But I heard it myself from the team at Instagram with my own ears, hashtags still work. The more specific the better. While hashtags like #happy #NewYork, or #icecream are no longer the key to more followers, hashtags like “#blackjoyparade, #thebestpizzainnewyorkcity, and #gelatoicecreaminfrance are the new wave. Main take away: be more specific with your hashtags so you can be found on Instagram. The Instagram team also suggested following hashtags to you can see new trends and be a part of that specific hashtag community.
BONUS: Design Your Instagram Stories
BONUS: Design Your Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories is my favorite feature on Instagram. When I am using Instagram Stories, I feel like I am designing a live scrapbook with all of the GIFS, boomerangs, and different texts. Don’t shy away from it. Instagram loves when you use their designs. Try using more today and check out my Instagram to see how I use them everyday.
Visiting Instagram HQ during Black History Month was empowering and informative. I loved meeting up with my black brothers and sisters in a space that appreciates our creativity.
Thank you Instagram and Black Joy Parade for the invitation.
I will be back to learn even more about your awesome app.
Aquila
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