Embracing these guidelines and trends will contribute to the effectiveness and resonance of our content with our target audience. Remember, it's a learning process, and continuous adaptation is key to staying relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of social media content creation.

Carousels

Our wonderful Design team has created an introductory social post template for each department using our collaborative design tool, called Figma.

This artwork has been made especially for you to customise and pop up on your socials!

Each one of these panels is a different slide for you to customise with your preferred intro message to all your followers (and UMSU's mains, too!)

Image Placeholder


How do I use a template?
Step 1
Download your Figma template by clicking on your department name at the bottom of this page and saving the file. Don't forget to save this file too. It contains the fonts you'll need.

Step 2
Get familiar with Figma! It'll take you 10 minutes, tops.

Get started:


The basics on how to edit your template:


Step 4
Edit your text! Make sure your department, location, preferred names/s etc. are all as you'd like to show them off to the world. We have some writing tips just below.

Step 5
Proof read and final check! Make sure there aren't any typos or spinach in your teeth and then EXPORT!
Make sure you export as PNG file. It's the drop down menu item
Image Placeholder
We recommend:

Using photos of your faces! People are far more likely to feel comfortable approaching your department if they know who they're talking to

Drop mentions of regular events you'll have coming up throughout the year (not your SummerFest event more like collectives etc, saves the post dating too quickly!)

How do I post?
Post them on your Facebook and Insta accounts! Tag us on Facebook if you'd like the UMSU mains to share it (you don't have to).

For Instagram, if you'd like to share with both your audience PLUS UMSU's audience. 


The Files

Here are your files! Ready to download and pop your words and photos into. Don't forget to download and install the fonts you need as well.


Stories and Reels

Text & Captions

  • Our designated font is Monsterrat. While there may be exceptions based on content type, consistency in font usage is encouraged.

  • Make sure that all text and subtitles in videos are clearly visible. Avoid placing content on parts of the screen where elements of the Instagram interface are displayed.

  • Before posting, meticulously proofread subtitles and captions.
    • Verify the accuracy of locations, dates, times, and names for events.
    • Follow our style guide for dates, e.g., "Sunday 17 March."
    • Conduct a grammar check and eliminate any typos.
  • Seek feedback on tone and appropriateness of jokes or puns if unsure. Best practice is to run things by someone else.

  • Leave subtitle editing until the end, as content approval from multiple parties may require changes that could disrupt your work.


Engagement Tips

  • Instagram's algorithm prioritises reels that use their editing features, so save adding music to your reel until it is in the IG editor (unless it needs to be synced to the video).


  • When adding music, it is best to keep the volume below 15 to not overpower the voiceover.
Image Placeholder

  • Prioritise the visual appeal of reels' thumbnail image in the feed to attract engagement.

Image PlaceholderImage Placeholder

  • Utilise personal presence (face and voice) in content when appropriate, reinforcing our brand as 'student-powered' and enhancing personal connection with our audience. (Example Reel)

  • Short and snappy reels work best. To shorten content, trim breaths and pauses in dialogue, speed up panning shots, and keep text sequences brief.

  • Reels containing a strong music/sound hook within the first 1-3 seconds are likely to capture the viewer's attention. Bonus points if it's a sound that's currently trending in the app.

  • Set location to "UMSU University of Melbourne" to increase reach and brand recognition.

Image Placeholder

  • Seek inspiration from other organisations' content, adapting and repurposing as necessary.

  • Cater to our primary audience of gen Z students by staying in touch with trends and incorporating trendy elements into content. (Example Reel)

  • Collaborate where you can! Collaborate with UMSU, any of the departments you are collaborating with, Life@Unimelb have said they're happy to collab with too!

  • Consider trendy elements such as audios, fonts, font size, emojis, font colours, and transitions to align with current preferences. Current trends include:

    • Utilising smaller font size for story descriptions.

    • Not using stickers/transitions on stories or reels (where possible).

    • Using custom colours for text instead of the default font colours IG provides.

    • Avoiding the use of GIFs in stories and reels.


Additional Resources


A beginner's guide to making Instagram Reels.

Attendees learn some handy tips and tricks to apply to planning, creating and publishing Reels on social media. Some of the key takeaways include:

  • Planning Reel content
  • Finding and choosing a video editing program
  • Sourcing and applying sounds and other visual effects
  • Considering trends and how they can enhance (or harm) a Reel’s success

Making Reely Good Reels