Havard top visited with Facebook 4.8M, Twitter 702,6K and Instagram 375K
Top ranked universities are also most followed universities on social networks
ILMENAU, Germany: Three largest social networks, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, claim over 2.2 billion users globally out of whom many are in their late teen and early 20’s. Facebook is the largest social website, secretarial for just over 68% of total use among the big three social networks according to the bestcollege.com report.
The Educationist aimed at knowing how frequently youngsters use social media networks to get information related to university activities and admissions.
Further down, here you see ranked the top academic institutions around the world by their social media presence. According to the gathered a weighted average of likes on Facebook and followers on Instagram and Twitter from each institute’s verified accounts.
All of these universities and colleges recognize the influence of Facebook, as even the lowest-ranked Facebook account has more likes than the highest-ranked Instagram. Instagram recently passed Twitter as the second most-used platform globally, and it appears that academia have yet to exploit their trademarks there. Only one Harvard, currently has over 100,000 followers on Instagram while about half the universities on our list have more than 100,000 followers on Twitter. Social media platforms flow and fall quickly though, and it’ll be interesting to monitor these universities and the social networking sites they use over the next several years.
1
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
@Harvard
One of the world’s most prestigious schools, Harvard is the star of all three social media platforms. Harvard has over four million Facebook likes, a number that more than doubles Yale’s tally and exceeds the combined likes of the next four schools combined. This tremendous popularity carries over to Twitter and Instagram as well. Recent Harvard posts on Facebook highlight a professor who writes crossword puzzles, along with photos of stained glass windows across campus.
Facebook 4.8M
Twitter 702,6K
Instagram 375K
2
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
@Stanford
Stanford is consistently visible across all three social media platforms, as one might expect from a school in the heart of Silicon Valley. Stanford’s Facebook and Twitter feeds recently featured an interview with Michael Levitt, winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, about the importance of funding science education and research.
Facebook 1.16M
Twitter 486,8K
Instagram 204K
3
YALE UNIVERSITY
@Yale
Yale’s Facebook page combines research news from campus with interesting stories from students. One post featured an article about a possible mass extinction, while another from Yale’s Medical School argued that a doctor’s judgment is better at determining a stroke patient’s long-term prognosis than the commonly-used scientific calculator.
Facebook 1.26M
Twitter 321K
Instagram 132K
4
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
@UMich
Michigan’s strong Instagram presence pushed them above rival Ohio State in the overall rankings. The school’s feed is filled with photos of students, the campus and projects students and faculty are engaged with. One photo is from Kumasi, in south-central Ghana, where UM doctors are working with physicians at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to treat neurological ear diseases.
Facebook 763K
Twitter 173K
Instagram 137K
5
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
@Ohiostate
Ohio State’s feeds are regularly filled with photos and stories about students, staff and graduates. Seasonal photos and holiday decorations are also prominently featured on Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook 707,9K
Twitter 252K
Instagram 133K
6
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
@TAMU
Texas A&M Facebook feed is dominated by graduation photos and stories about the school in the national media. A&M’s Instagram feed is much more social. Here, the school posts photos from around campus while also highlighting recent athletic and academic events.
Facebook 587.2K
Twitter 222K
Instagram 145K
7
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
@UF
Florida’s feeds are in synch with each other and they all send a consistent message about the school. The photos are gorgeous, highlighting Florida’s beaches and sea turtles, while also supporting student activities and school sporting events.
Facebook 660.3K
Twitter 143K
Instagram 103K
8
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
@MIT
MIT’s social media feeds feature photos of robotics, electro-microscopy and other projects from around campus. Though MIT’s use of Instagram lags behind its Facebook and Twitter feeds, the school’s message is clear— research and learning at MIT is fun and engaging.
Facebook 940,1K
Twitter 651K
Instagram 33.6K
9
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
@Isu
Most of LSU’s social media posts are student-centered, including an article on members of the Tiger Band who won an Elevator Pitch student incubator competition for their invention of a smart device to display sheet music. LSU’s Twitter feed regularly includes research articles from professors, ranging from scientific computing to the nutritional needs of soldiers.
Facebook 771,5K
Twitter 206K
Instagram 15.7K
10
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
@Princeton
Princeton’s Twitter feed is particularly popular, and it includes a recent post highlighting Princeton researchers’ involvement in a study to boost support for vaccination. The university’s Facebook page links to stories pertaining to the academic achievements of students, professors and alumni.
Facebook 530,4K
Twitter 246K
Instagram 101K
11
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
@UTAustin
Texas’s Facebook feed recently featured stories covering how children “fit in” socially, a video game company founded by UT alumni and a profile on the women’s volleyball team. Instagram followers will find pictures of the school’s beautiful campus and announcements for upcoming events.
Facebook 673.7K
Twitter 174K
Instagram 57,7K
12
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
@michiganstateu
Ever trendy, Michigan State’s Facebook feed was filled by Stars Wars posts last month to coincide with the release of The Force Awakens. Along with fun posts about the movie, an interview with MSU’s Richard Lunt discussed the science behind light sabres.
Facebook 467,6K
Twitter 158K
Instagram 97.7K
13
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
@nyuniversity
NYU’s Facebook feed has an institutional feel, often highlighting professors who have been recently interviewed in the media. Their Instagram account is much homier, with photos and videos showing students enjoying their time in New York City.
Facebook 708,64K
Twitter 83,8K
Instagram 85,8K
14
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
@penn-state
Penn State’s Instagram account is popular and eclectic, highlighting campus events, breathtaking settings and student photo contests.
Facebook 392K
Twitter 163K
Instagram 91,1K
15
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LOS ANGELES
UCLA’s Instagram has a little of everything: amazing architecture, sunny scenery and news from campus events. They like to feature students wearing “UCLA” t-shirts in their photos and, befitting a school dubbing itself the Bruins, there are many pictures of bears as well.
Facebook 436.6K
Twitter 121K
Instagram 103K
16
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
@UofAlabama
Alabama’s Facebook feed offers a mix of stories about the school, its research and student achievement. Given the popularity of Alabama’s championship football team, it’s no surprise to see links to football-related photos and videos across all three accounts.
Facebook 548.7K
Twitter 108K
Instagram 25,7K
17
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Among the usual Facebook posts about research, student life and sports, Oregon recently highlighted a staff member who is also a master charro. Oregon’s Instagram feed focuses on student life and outdoor photography.
Facebook 370.8K
Twitter 127K
Instagram 58,3K
18
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
@universityofky
Kentucky’s Facebook feed often mentions the school’s medical research accolades and award-winning hospital. The school also uses Facebook to highlight fundraisers and charity drives. One recent post featured Kentucky students raising more than $6,000 as a Christmas present for a longtime employee of the campus Starbucks, just to say “thank you.”
Facebook 406,8K
Twitter 75,6K
Instagram 36,7K
19
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
@UofOklahoma
At the end of last semester, Oklahoma’s Instagram feed was “taken over” by students using the hashtag #OUIGStudentTakeover. Each took a photo and wrote about something personally relevant, highlighting a particular club or activity, or listing a favorite place or memory on campus.
Facebook 371,8K
Twitter 126K
Instagram 66,8K
20
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – BERKELEY
@UCBerkeley
California-Berkeley’s Twitter feed reviews research conducted by the school’s professors and students. On Instagram, the school shares images of campus and local events, highlighting student stories and passions over on Facebook.
Facebook 438.7K
Twitter 108K
Instagram 66,2K
21
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
@Cornell
Cornell has a strong Twitter presence, tweeting stories about technology, food sciences and art. Their Instagram feed is a combination of student life and photos of Cornell’s lakefront campus.
Facebook 353.8K
Twitter 186K
Instagram 88,5K
22
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – MADISON
@UWMadison
Wisconsin’s Instagram feed went all out for the holidays, showing photos of student life and the winter graduation ceremony. After longtime men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan retired in December, Wisconsin’s Facebook feed linked to several posts covering his career.
Facebook 279,7K
Twitter 148K
Instagram 89,4K
23
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
@AuburnU
Both Auburn’s Facebook and Twitter feeds recently highlighted stories from the College of Veterinary Medicine. On Facebook, the post was about extending pet dog’s lives while on Twitter, they shared a holiday pet care video.
Facebook 349,9K
Twitter 93,9K
Instagram 63K
24
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
@BYU
Several of BYU’s recent Facebook posts have featured the football team and its home, LaVell Edwards Stadium, including a gingerbread replica created by one of the players.
Facebook 354K
Twitter 49K
Instagram 84,1K
25
INDIANA UNIVERSITY – BLOOMINGTON
@IUBloomington
Indiana’s high-ranking Twitter page features holiday notices, football and basketball news and links for students looking for things to do over winter break.
Facebook 265,2K
Twitter 186K
Instagram 80,8K
26
University of Cambridge
@Cambridge_Uni
News and Events from the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
Facebook 1,8M
Twitter 308K
Instagram 167K
27
The National University of Singapore
@NUSingapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading global university centered in Asia, offering a global approach to education and research Singapore
Facebook 320,5K
Twitter 18,3K
Instagram 14,9K
28
University of Southern California
@USC
The official Twitter account of the University of Southern California. This is designed to be a public forum where we can share ideas, news and other communications about the University of Southern California. We reserve the right to delete your comment if it contains profanity; is selling or promoting a commercial product or service; is spam; contains material that we determine is unlawful, hateful, threatening, harassing, abusive, defamatory or libelous; contains copyrighted material or material that belongs to someone else; contains confidential or private information that is not your own. We also reserve the right to block repeat offenders.
Facebook 272,5K
Twitter 107K
Instagram 40,8K
29
University of Washington
@UW
The University of Washington encourages interaction, discussion, comments, questions and criticism but asks that you keep your comments and posts relevant and respectful. We may remove any post or ban anyone who violates these guidelines. We will not tolerate personal attacks, inappropriate language, racism, spamming and excessive posting. We reserve the right to delete excessive postings to improve the overall fan experience.
The University of Washington reserves the right to remove posts advertising commercial products as well as those that violate Facebook’s terms of service or are inaccurate.
Facebook 335,8K
Twitter 125K
Instagram 54,2K
30
University of Pennsylvania
@Penn
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest universities in America and, as a member of the Ivy League, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in all the world.
Facebook 189,6K
Twitter 90,3K
Instagram 60,4K
31
Columbia University
@Columbia
Columbia University welcomes written contributions to its Facebook page, which it is dedicated to maintaining as a safe and vital online community. By posting content on this page, you agree to abide by Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities
Facebook 314,8K
Twitter 210K
Instagram 103K
32
Duke University
@DukeU
Duke University abides by Facebook’s Terms and Conditions and asks you to do the same while in this community. Duke Facebook Comments Policy. The Duke University Facebook fan page is a place where students, parents, alumni and others can learn about and enjoy some of the great things happening at the university. We encourage our fans to post comments in this spirit, with respect for other users. Duke reserves the right to delete off-topic or abusive comments, and to ban users from posting to the page. We encourage students to embrace the Duke Community Standard when posting on the site, and do not permit messages selling products or promoting commercial ventures.
Posted comments do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the university. All content and posts are bound by Facebook’s Terms of Use and Code of Conduct. Facebook encourages users to use its “Report” links when they find abusive content.
Facebook 334,8K
Twitter 55,5K
Instagram 65,7K
33
Georgia Institute of Technology
@GeorgiaTech
Georgia Tech will define the technological research University of the 21st century. As a result, we will be leaders in influencing major technological, social, and policy decisions that address critical global challenges. “What does Georgia Tech think?” will be a common question in research, business, the media, and government.
Technological change is fundamental to the advancement of the human condition. The Georgia Tech community—students, staff, faculty, and alumni—will realize our motto of “Progress and Service” through effectiveness and innovation in teaching and learning, our research advances, and entrepreneurship in all sectors of society. We will be leaders in improving the human condition in Georgia, the United States, and around the globe.
Facebook 131,6K
Twitter 78,7K
Instagram 36,2K
34
The University of Melbourne
@unimelb
Welcome to the official page for Australia’s No. 1 University.
Facebook 252,6K
Twitter 69,7K
Instagram 36,1K
35
University of British Columbia
@UBC
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global Centre for research and teaching, ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.
Facebook 186,1K
Twitter 32,8K
Instagram 23,3K
36
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
@Illinois_Alma
Illinois’ flagship public university, a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge.
Facebook 208,6K
Twitter 57,7K
Instagram 28,2K
37
McGill University
@McGillU
This page is managed through the Media Relations Office, Communications & External Relations, McGill University. The goal of McGill’s Facebook page is to promote McGill University, including research and successes of its students, staff, faculty and alumni and to provide information on upcoming events and campus news. The University fosters freedom of expression, while valuing respect and collegiality. We encourage respectful dialogue and reserve the right to remove comments deemed offensive, abusive, derogatory, and irrelevant, as well as spam, to ensure a positive experience for the majority of people.
Facebook 193,4K
Twitter 101K
Instagram 23,6K