10 Tips for Starting a Teacher Social Media Account on Instagram or TikTok
Thinking about starting a teacher Instagram or TikTok account but not sure where to begin? Whether you want to inspire fellow educators, share classroom tips, or even grow a side hustle, getting started on social media as a teacher can feel overwhelming!
Here are 10 practical, beginner-friendly tips to help you launch and grow a successful teacher account on Instagram or TikTok in 2025!
1. Start with Your “Why”
Before you post your first Reel or TikTok, ask yourself why you’re starting your teacher account. Is it to:
Share classroom ideas and activities?
Build a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) business?
Connect with other educators?
Document your teaching journey?
Knowing your purpose will guide your content and help attract the right audience.
🧠 SEO Tip: Use keywords like “teacher content creator,” “new teacher influencer,” or “teacher on TikTok” in your bio and captions.
2. Pick a Memorable Handle
Your username (also called a “handle”) should be easy to remember, spell, and relevant to teaching. Examples:
@MissMorganInTheMiddle
@TheKindergartenCoach
@ScienceWithSmith
3. Set Up a Clear Bio
Your bio should tell people who you are, what you do, and why they should follow you. Include:
Grade level or subject
Location or teaching niche (optional)
A call-to-action like “Follow for classroom tips!” or “New teacher advice weekly!”
📍 Bonus Tip: Add a link in bio to your TPT store, Amazon storefront, or a freebie opt-in.
4. Choose a Niche (But Keep It Flexible)
Pick a focus to help your content stand out. Popular teacher niches include:
Classroom organization/decor
Tech tips for teachers
Teacher style/outfits
Teacher Lifestyle (in and out of the classroom)
Don’t be afraid to evolve over time!!! I did! I started sharing my classroom & lessons but then people started asking about my outfits & makeup. Starting with a niche helps you grow faster but you aren’t stuck with that forever!
5. Batch Create Content
Consistency is key on Instagram and TikTok (I am STILL horrible at this). Batch filming or planning content helps you stay ahead. Spend 1–2 hours a week recording short videos or outlining carousel posts.
⏱ Pro tip: Use trending audio and save them for when you're ready to record.
6. Use Trending Sounds + Hashtags
Hop on trends and sounds early to boost discoverability. On Instagram, use niche hashtags like:
#TeachersOfInstagram
#TeacherTok
#ClassroomIdeas
#TPTTips
#EduContentCreator
7. Show Your Face + Voice
People connect with people. Don’t be afraid to talk to the camera, share your day, or film “get ready with me” (GRWM) teacher content. Video builds trust and encourages followers to stick around. I truly saw a huge shift in my social media community when I started to show my face on stories. I know it’s scary for people in your real life to see it, but you have to not care!!
🎥 Popular video types:
“Day in the life of a teacher”
“What I teach vs. what people think I teach”
“My favorite Amazon classroom finds”
8. Post Value-Driven Content
Ask yourself before posting: Will this educate, inspire, or entertain?
Value-driven content can include:
Lesson ideas
Classroom hacks
Behind-the-scenes teaching moments
Mistakes you’ve learned from
💡 SEO Tip: Use keywords in your captions like “lesson plan idea,” “elementary teacher tip,” or “back to school teacher must-haves.”
9. Engage With Your Audience
Treat your followers like real people! Reply to comments and DMs. Ask questions in your captions. Comment on other teacher accounts. Engagement = growth.
🗣 Don’t just post and ghost!! The algorithm rewards interaction! Reply to comments as they come in to show the algorithm people are interacting with your content.
10. Done Is Better Than Perfect
Don’t wait for the perfect camera, lighting, or idea. Just start! You’ll learn and improve as you go. Many successful teacher creators started with zero followers and grew by being consistent, authentic, and relatable.
👏 Post your first video, celebrate small wins, and give yourself permission to learn publicly.
⚠️ A Quick but Important Disclaimer
Before you hit “post,” be sure to:
Check with your principal or school district for any policies around social media use as a teacher.
Never share student faces, names, or personal information unless you have written consent (and even then, it’s safest to keep students anonymous).
Avoid filming during instructional time unless it’s part of a pre-approved project or after-hours.
Your career always comes first and with thoughtful boundaries, you can build a social media presence you’re proud of and protect your students and job.
Final Thoughts
Starting a teacher social media account on Instagram or TikTok is one of the best ways to connect, share, and even earn extra income. With a little strategy and a lot of heart, you can grow a following that values what you bring to the table.
Need help turning your teaching content into profit? Sign up for the waitlist to A Beginner’s Guide to Teachers Pay Teachers: Turning Your Lessons into Profit and learn how to turn your ideas into a successful digital teacher business.
Need help turning your teaching content into profit?
Check out my signature course A Beginner’s Guide to Teachers Pay Teachers and learn how to turn your ideas into a successful digital teacher business.
