In the era of social media prevalence, those who conquer online public opinion can conquer the world. US universities, in order to showcase their student-friendly image and attract more applicants, have flocked to social media platforms and put great effort into promotion and publicity.
Today, let’s take a look at which US universities excel in social media, being the most influential and savvy players!
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New York University
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NYU is considered a top player on social media platforms, especially on Facebook, where it has attracted over 930,000 followers. Its Facebook page showcases a vibrant student life and promotes important academic programs. The content on its Twitter and Instagram accounts is synchronized with Facebook.
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University of Michigan
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UMich is highly active on various social media platforms. Its Facebook page promotes school events and highlights research achievements. On Instagram, by searching for #UMSocial or #GoBlue, you can find posts from over a million UMich students and alumni.
UMich’s Twitter account shares updates and accomplishments of faculty and researchers, such as their findings that junk food advertisements elicit more positive emotions than healthy food advertisements.
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The Ohio State University
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OSU’s Facebook page has approximately 710,000 followers. The content posted there is mostly related to student life, such as recent photos and videos from graduation ceremonies. During the pandemic, they also share guidelines on reducing infection risks during holiday travels.
The content on OSU’s Twitter account is synchronized with their Facebook account, but Twitter offers additional OSU-related accounts, including the OSU football team and the Buckeye mascot, providing more official news and interesting content.
OSU’s Instagram account has over 340,000 followers, primarily showcasing campus scenery and student life. The university frequently uses this platform to launch initiatives, such as encouraging social distancing through the hashtag #TogetherAsBuckeyes during the pandemic.
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Louisiana State University
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Despite not ranking high, LSU has managed to attract such a large fan base on social media platforms, demonstrating its strong operational capabilities. 2020 was a year of significant challenges for higher education, yet it turned out to be the year with the highest enrollment rate since the establishment of LSU.
LSU’s Twitter account showcases events organized by various offices and departments, and also retweets the latest posts from affiliated accounts such as LSU Research and LSU Football to encourage more user engagement. With over 230,000 followers, LSU’s Instagram account primarily highlights student campus life. LSU also features TikTok content in the highlights section of its Instagram Stories, demonstrating a savvy approach to cross-promotion.
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Princeton University
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On Princeton University’s Facebook page, you can find numerous captivating videos. One notable event is the “Forward Fest,” a university forum that focuses on advancements in data science, education, and public health. Followers can also view live broadcasts of graduation ceremonies and alumni reunion celebrations.
Princeton’s Twitter account primarily focuses on academic-related content, aligning with the school’s emphasis on research. The content covers various aspects, including the launch of new initiatives such as innovative training camps for graduate students and federal funding consultations for postdoctoral researchers interested in entrepreneurship.
In contrast, the Instagram account offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Using the hashtag #TellUsTigers, the account shares glimpses of student life. Previously, they shared a heartwarming story about friendship between two Muslim and Jewish students, which garnered sincere appreciation from the audience.
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Yale University
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Yale University boasts over 2.3 million followers across three platforms. On their Facebook page, posts receive an average of 25 shares, highlighting academic programs and innovation. For instance, architecture students and faculty constructed a new coastal research and teaching center.
Achievements in research are primarily shared on Yale’s Twitter account. With over 2,700 posts, their Instagram account showcases breathtaking campus scenery and features stories of Yale community members. Two years ago, they shared an inspiring story about a former U.S. Army sergeant pursuing a graduate program, capturing the essence of determination and motivation.
03
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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More than 1.4 million Facebook users follow MIT, with an average of 451 reactions and 50 shares per post. MIT’s Facebook account primarily shares important news, academic research progress, and achievements. For example, they highlighted a mobile application developed by MIT students that connects refugees with volunteer translators.
MIT’s Instagram account features beautiful campus photos with the unique hashtag #aroundMIT. They also showcase accomplishments of faculty and staff, providing relevant links. On MIT’s Twitter account, the focus is on research innovations in the medical school, MIT’s energy initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with organizations like the Koch Institute.
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Stanford University
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Stanford University’s Facebook and Twitter accounts have similar content, often featuring achievements of faculty and news about alumni donations. In addition to official announcements, followers can also find videos on topics such as remote education, U.S. border detention facilities, and performances by students and visiting artists.
Stanford’s Instagram account has amassed over 1 million followers and is primarily used to showcase the daily lives of students and the accomplishments of outstanding faculty members. As a world-class institution of learning and research, Stanford’s Social Media Lab is also conducting research on the psychological and interpersonal effects of social media content. In recent years, their studies have delved into how technology influences people’s propensity to lie, tell the truth, and build trust.
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Harvard University
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Harvard University boasts over 10 million followers across its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, and this number does not even include the substantial following of subsidiary accounts such as Harvard Business School.
Harvard’s Facebook page regularly shares current events, the latest scientific research findings, and various large-scale online events organized by the university, such as virtual museum exhibitions. On average, each post receives 1,600 reactions and 165 shares. With over 2 million followers, Harvard’s Instagram account showcases the daily life of students and highlights the achievements of Harvard researchers and alumni. The Twitter account is primarily used to announce the accomplishments of Harvard University’s researchers and alumni.
