How to promote your research on social media

• Enhance collaboration: Build connections with researchers across the globe. Online discussions, forums and communities can lead to exciting collaborative opportunities.
• Increase visibility and impact: Studies have shown that research shared on social media can lead to increased citations and broader media attention, thus amplifying your academic influence.
• Broaden your audience: Share your work beyond traditional academic circles. Social media helps you reach educators, practitioners, policymakers and even the interested public.

As the digital environment evolves, it’s important to select platforms that fit your goals and audience.

Here are a few current considerations:

LinkedIn:

• A platform for professional networking where you can share long-form posts about your research, industry insights and professional milestones.
• Its emphasis on career development makes it a valuable tool for building an academic brand and finding interdisciplinary collaborations.

Bluesky:

• A promising emerging platform, Bluesky offers an alternative to X for academic discourse.
• It’s well-suited for sharing short-form research updates, engaging in thoughtful discussions and connecting with a community that values academic integrity.

Multimedia platforms:

• If you’re comfortable with visual or audio content, platforms such as YouTube or podcasting services can be excellent for explaining your work in more accessible terms. Visual abstracts, video summaries and interviews can significantly enhance audience engagement.

Develop a professional profile

• Use a high-quality headshot and maintain a consistent, professional bio across platforms.
• Clearly link to your institutional profile or personal academic website, ensuring that your audience has easy access to your work and credentials.

Share your work thoughtfully

• Translate complex findings into concise, accessible language. Share summaries, infographics or short videos that highlight key insights.
• Regularly update your audience on ongoing projects, upcoming publications or conference participation to keep your profile dynamic.

Engage and network

• Respond promptly to comments and questions to foster meaningful conversations.
• Join academic discussions, participate in webinars or initiate Q&A sessions to further establish your expertise.
• Explore dedicated groups and communities on your chosen platforms to expand your network.

Monitor your impact

• Use analytics tools — whether provided by the platform or through third-party services — to track engagement, reach and feedback.
• Refine your strategy based on what resonates with your audience, focusing on content types and topics that drive meaningful interactions.

Uphold academic integrity

• Always cite sources and maintain transparency about the status of your research (e.g., preprints vs. peer-reviewed publications).
• Clearly communicate the context and limitations of your findings to avoid misinterpretation.

Don't share confidential information:

• Avoid posting details about unpublished research, peer reviews or sensitive data.

Don't engage in personal attacks or public spats:

• Maintain professionalism and handle disputes privately to protect your professional image.

Don't post without fact-checking:

• Ensure accuracy before sharing news or research to maintain credibility.

Don't overshare personal or promotional content:

• Balance personal posts and self-promotion with sharing other researcher’s updates and resources to maintain professional credibility.

Don't forget about digital permanence:

• Remember that posts can be archived or screenshotted even if deleted.

The social media landscape is continuously evolving.  

It’s essential to:

• Regularly review and adapt: Keep an eye on new platforms, updates and digital communication trends. Experiment with new features that might benefit your academic outreach.
• Participate in training and workshops: Many institutions and organizations offer digital communication courses specifically designed for academics.
• Engage with peer leaders: Learn from colleagues who are successfully navigating the social media space to continuously refine your own approach.

Harnessing the power of modern social media platforms can significantly boost your research’s visibility and foster collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. By curating a professional profile, sharing content thoughtfully and engaging actively with your community, you can elevate your academic presence in today’s digital age.