Top 10 Social Issue Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow
By Anam Alam
The last year has not only been one of endless lockdowns and Zoom meetings; it has also been a year of social movements and political justice.
From the Black Lives Matter protests to marches for Palestine, the world has been active in pushing for societal change.
And there is one way the world has been educating and spreading good messages, and that is through social media - in particular, Instagram.
Instagram has been a powerhouse for individuals and organisations to share news and content, but there are so many accounts to follow. So we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the top Instagram accounts that not only will keep you updated with the world's events, but also educate you on specific topics.
The list is ordered alphabetically:
Anti-Racism Daily
Instagram: @antiracismdaily
Followers: 641k
"News, insights, education and actions to dismantle white supremacy." – Anti-Racism Daily
As explained in its name, Anti-Racism daily devotes its Instagram to educating its followers on topics surrounding racism and keeping them up to date with current events on said matters. Every day, you will learn a new topic and how certain issues affect people of colour. The account also informs through different platforms and mediums with its daily newsletter, podcast and bookstore.
Anti-Racism Daily is perfect for those who want to know more about racism and how it affects society today.
Black Lives Matter
Instagram: @blklivesmatter
Followers: 4.5M
"Official IG for the #BlackLivesMatter Global Network Foundation." – Black Lives Matter
In 2013, African-American teen Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by Geroge Zimmerman after an altercation. Zimmerman's acquittal led to #blacklivesmatter being used on social media. Then three Black organisers Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi — created a movement-building project called #BlackLivesMatter.
@blklivesmatter is not only the official Instagram for the movement but is also a platform to educate its followers about Black Lives Matter and why the movement is a thing in the first place. The account also shows history, current events and highlights key figures this world has to offer.
Cheer Up Luv
Instagram: @cheerupluv
Followers: 33.9K
"💪 Tackling sexual harassment & misogyny" – Cheer Up Luv
If you want to know what it's like to be a woman in today's society, then Cheer Up Luv is for you. Founded by Eliza Hatch, the activist shares a series of photographs of women who have faced harassment in public and shares them on her Instagram. It was after being told to 'cheer up' by one of her harassers that Hatch decided to create Cheer Up Luv.
It's a platform for people to understand and learn what women face daily in public and disregards the narrative that it may be the woman's fault. Hatch also has a podcast where she interviews artists, activists and creatives about their work and discusses submitted stories of sexual harassment.
earthrise
Instagram: @earthrise.studio
Followers: 181k
"A creative studio dedicated to communicating climate and imagining a new world 🌏" – earthrise
The world went into a panic after the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report stated that the Earth has until 2030 to avoid irreversible damage due to the rising Earth temperature. There was a rise in veganism, climate-change protests and of climate change activists.
With the rise of activists comes dedicated social media accounts dedicated to spreading awareness on climate change; and earthrise is one of those accounts. If you want to know how the world is being affected by the changing climate and what you can do to help, then this platform is perfect for you.
impact
Instagram: @impact
Followers: 1.7M
"We share digestible and socially-impactful content. 🧡" – impact
Although the platform is mainly American-focused, impact often shares international issues. There's no harm in keeping tabs on what's happening across the pond.
impact has dedicated its account to inform its followers on events, issues, and laws worldwide and why they must know about it. At the same time, the platform also continues conversations on social issues that affect everyone.
If you go to its website, you will be able to find a plethora of resources, from articles, petitions and donations, for you to learn and share and help make an impact in society.
LET'S TALK PALESTINE
Instagram: @letstalkpalestine
Followers: 262k
"New thinking for liberation 🌍" – LET'S TALK PALESTINE
Palestine is a country that is often in the news for the wrong reasons. For years, the country has faced oppression and conflict.
If you are unsure of what is happening in Palestine, then this page is perfect for you. LET'S TALK PALESTINE is devoted to talking about the country's oppression, documenting each event, people affected and educating on why the issues are there in the first place and how we can help. The page also lists resources on supporting Palestine and templates for letters and tweets to spread awareness.
lgbt_history
Instagram: @lgbt_history
Followers: 714k
"Have Pride In History®" – lgbt_history
lgbt_history strives to recount the history surrounding the lgbtqia+ community and their struggles to get the rights they have today.
From protests to iconic figures, the platform educates its following while also reminding them of the past. The account also shows intersections of pride and race. It also has a list of charities to support and more historical resources to gain further knowledge.
No Borders
Instagram: @nobordersmcr
Followers: 5.7K
"Manchester-based activist group, envisioning an alternative to border regimes and violent exclusion." – No Borders
Despite this being a relatively small platform, No Borders strives to educate its following on issues surrounding refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in the UK.
From bills to accommodation, No Borders ensures that every aspect surrounding migration is covered. It also updates its followers with news surrounding migrants and shares their opinions on governments' comments.
Not only that, but the charity also has templates to write letters to your local MP concerning deportations or immigration bills, remote English classes and a fundraiser to support people seeking asylum.
So.Informed
Instagram: @so.informed
Followers: 2.8M
"when we’re more informed, we’re more willing to take action." – so.informed
If you're going to have a conversation about a particular topic, this account is for you. Like @impact, @so.informed is primarily American-focused but touches topics that affect everyone worldwide.
The account finds topics surrounding social issues or politics and explains what it is and why we should know about it in a simple yet aesthetically pleasing format. Not only that, @so.informed also updates its followers on what's happening in society and ensures to share the good news as well.
The Female Lead
Instagram: @the_female_lead
Followers: 2M
"Educational Charity The Female Lead." – The Female Lead
Want to find out about iconic female figures, view empowering tweets and reels, then The Female Lead is perfect for you.
The charity, created by Edwina Dunn, strives to give women an outlet to share their stories and celebrate them. The platform also updates its followers on current events affecting women and published a book showcasing 60 inspirational women and an eight-part podcast series spreading the feminist message.