Social media can feel overwhelming for nonprofit leaders, especially when every platform seems to have its own rules, formats, and features. But understanding the different types of posts available on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you use them strategically to build awareness, engage your community, and even catch the attention of potential funders. Each type of post plays a unique role, and learning how to mix them together creates a strong online presence without needing to post constantly.
The most common type of post on any platform is the feed post. These are the updates that live on your organization’s profile and stay there long-term, making them the “front door” of your nonprofit online. Feed posts can take a few different forms:
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Static image posts: A single photo with a caption. These are simple, effective, and great for updates like thanking volunteers, showcasing an event, or sharing a quick impact story.
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Videos: Short clips that tell a story or highlight a program. On Facebook and LinkedIn, these show up in your feed like images. On Instagram, however, videos are automatically posted as Reels.
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Carousels or albums: Multiple images or slides that users can swipe through. These work well for step-by-step stories, event highlights, or explaining programs in digestible chunks. According to Hootsuite, carousel posts tend to generate higher engagement than single-image posts on Instagram (https://blog.hootsuite.com).
On Instagram specifically, videos take on another level of importance. Every video you post is published as a Reel, which lives in its own dedicated section on your profile. Reels are also pushed out beyond your followers, making them discoverable to a much wider audience. That’s a big opportunity for nonprofits that want to reach new supporters, not just stay in front of existing ones. For nonprofits, that means your program highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, or community success stories have a greater chance of spreading to people who might not know your organization yet.
Stories are another tool that deserves attention. Stories are temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours, and they appear at the top of users’ feeds. Unlike feed posts, they don’t live permanently on your profile unless you save them to highlights. Stories are great for casual, in-the-moment updates, like a live look at a volunteer project, a staff spotlight, or a quick fundraising appeal. Because stories feel less polished, they can make your nonprofit feel approachable and authentic. Sprout Social notes that 58% of people say they’re more interested in a brand after seeing it in Stories. For nonprofits, this translates into higher trust and deeper connection.
On LinkedIn, the content types work a little differently, but the core principle is the same: feed posts (whether image, video, or article) are your professional storefront. LinkedIn is particularly powerful for posting thought leadership content, impact reports, or funding announcements. Funders, partners, and board members are more likely to follow you there than on Instagram, so tailoring your content to emphasize outcomes and credibility pays off.
When you put these formats together, they create a layered strategy. Feed posts show your credibility and long-term story. Reels (on Instagram) and videos (on Facebook/LinkedIn) expand your reach and grab attention from new audiences. Stories keep your existing followers engaged and connected in real time. The mix matters because different people interact with content in different ways, some want to scroll through your highlights, others want to see the raw, in-the-moment updates.
The key takeaway is that nonprofits don’t need to master every format perfectly. Instead, use each one for what it does best:
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Feed posts for lasting visibility and storytelling
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Reels/videos for reach and discovery
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Stories for connection and immediacy
Funders pay attention to this mix, too. A nonprofit with a vibrant, active profile demonstrates both community connection and communication strength, two qualities that make organizations more appealing grant partners. When funders see a nonprofit consistently telling its story across formats, they see an organization with credibility, momentum, and the ability to engage people.
If you want to keep your posting consistent without the stress, Maggie, the social media tool at Vee, makes it easy. Maggie helps you create and schedule feed posts, reels, and stories so your nonprofit can show up with the right type of content in the right place. That way, your mission stays visible, your community stays engaged, and your funders see the full strength of your impact.
