Feed, Reels, Stories and all the other important social media terms

Published: November 20, 2025 · By Maggie

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:

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

One LinkedIn feature worth highlighting for nonprofits: LinkedIn Articles. Unlike regular posts, articles are long-form content that live permanently on your profile and can be found through LinkedIn search. Publishing a quarterly impact update, a letter from your executive director, or a thought leadership piece as a LinkedIn Article builds your organization's credibility with exactly the kind of audience — funders, board prospects, and corporate partners — that's most active on the platform.

The key takeaway is that nonprofits don’t need to master every format perfectly. Instead, use each one for what it does best:

• Feed posts for lasting visibility and storytelling

  
  

• Reels/videos for reach and discovery

  
  

• 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.

A Quick Reference Guide: Which Format to Use When

Not sure which format fits your next post? Use this simple guide:

You have a program update or milestone → Feed post (photo + caption)

You want to reach new audiences → Reel (short video, 15-60 seconds)

You're at a live event or want to share something in the moment → Story

You want to explain something step by step → Carousel (multi-slide post)

You're sharing a report, announcement, or thought leadership → LinkedIn Article or long-form feed post

You want to connect with donors on a personal level → Video (any platform)

The format doesn't have to be perfect. What matters is that it's consistent, mission-aligned, and shows up regularly enough that your audience knows you're there.

What Funders Are Looking For Online

It's worth saying directly: funders notice your social media. When they're evaluating a grant application, many will visit your social profiles to assess whether your organization is active, credible, and capable of communicating its impact.

What they want to see:

A consistent posting schedule — not a flurry of posts followed by weeks of silence.

A mix of content types — not just text announcements, but photos, videos, and stories that make the mission tangible.

Evidence of community engagement — comments, shares, and responses that show people are paying attention.

Clear, professional messaging that aligns with your website and grant proposals.

You don't need a viral moment to impress a funder. You need a profile that consistently tells the story of an organization that's active, trusted, and effective. That's exactly what the right mix of feed posts, Reels, and Stories can build — over time, without any single post needing to carry all the weight.

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.