Welcome to UF/IFAS Social Media Services
*A note on COVID-19: All images depicting individuals indoors must include masks. If the photo was taken prior to these guidelines, please say so in the video or photo. If people are outside, masks must also be worn if they are at a close distance.*
We are glad you are interested in social media. By the year 2023, it’s projected the number of social media users around the world will reach 3.43 billion, according to Statista.
Virtually dynamic platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and more allow you to expand your reach and touch audiences in innovative ways.
Before You Start
Social media platforms are a bit like committing to bringing home a new puppy. You have to feed it content daily, check back regularly to make sure there aren’t any accidents or issues you need to address, and give it lots of love to help it grow.
So, before you start a page, ask yourself if you really have the time to commit to starting a new account.
Here are some great tips we recommend following first:
If one Extension office has multiple Facebook or YouTube pages, we’re fracturing our audience and our efforts. Since we serve ALL the people in the county, some who can benefit from more than one of our programs and initiatives, making them go to or follow different pages can be cumbersome.
Follow UF/IFAS Communications on social media:
Instagram , Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
A complete listing of all UF/IFAS accounts
Have questions? Put a request in Workfront.
Please use queue titled social media requests.
Create your account first, but don’t post any content. Next, submit a request in Workfront with a link to the social media account asking for approval.
All accounts should follow the policies and standards below.
Images
Facebook: 180 x 180 pixels (Displays 170 x 170 pixels on Desktop)
Twitter: 400 x 400 pixels (Displays 200 x 200 pixels)
Instagram: 110 x 110 pixels
YouTube: Recommended 800 x 800 pixels. Displays as 98 x 98 pixels.
Account naming
Facebook/YouTube -
*Note* YouTube might not recognize the "/" mark. If this is the case, you can use a space instead of a symbol.
Facebook Pages
The University of Florida [description of unit if applicable] intends to educate, inform and provide updated information on [unit’s or UF’s] activities [or specify a narrower focus] and to support and promote the [unit’s or UF’s] objectives for these activities through its social media site. All [unit or UF] comments are made by [unit or UF] designees. This site is not a public forum. Social media users may share ideas through commentary that is consistent with and furthers the objectives of a [unit or UF] post and the University of Florida [unit if applicable] reserves the right to remove any comments that do not fall within this purpose.
By posting a comment on this social media site, users agree to follow the terms of use of the site, Florida and federal laws and University of Florida regulations and policies, including but not limited to the University’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. The [unit or UF] reserves the right to remove from the site any comments that violate these requirements.”
Create a Social Media strategy
Checklist for IFAS Approval
UF Policies and Standards
All sites with UF content are required to be in compliance with UF social media policies. Here is the UF Human Resources policy for social media.
Gator Logo
UF athletic logo, trademark, mascot and name are only authorized for athletic sites with prior approval from the UAA licensing department.
Stay on the right side of Copyright law
U.S. copyright laws protect literary works, musical or sound recordings, and pictorial or graphical designs. Prior to using any creative works that do not belong to the University of Florida, please make sure you have the proper license and/or permission from the owner of those works.
UF/IFAS Resources:
Direct Messages:
Don't have time to answer Facebook messages? Don't miss an inquiry - follow these steps
Q: How often should I post?
A: Daily
Q: What are the best times to post?
A: This will be different for every audience. Here is a more global look.
Q: What's the ideal character length for a post?
A: Keep it short! Here is a global look.
How long/short should a post be?
How to deal with unfavorable/hostile postings since we are a public institution?
Things to know about posting pictures mainly for volunteers posting their own phots as the page.
Can I find stock video footage somewhere?
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLKPGdUcCzXTMFTwq_uQmhvmE-uX5Yw20
How do I schedule a post on Facebook?
Adding captions to a Facebook video
Facebook polls
Getting access to a Facebook location page
You have to claim it first, then delete it. But Facebook takes 72 hours to get back with you.
Merging Facebook pages
Converting a Facebook profile to a page
Claiming an old Facebook page
One option is to have the person who would like to take over the account directly message the page you are trying to gain access to and explain you’d like to take over the page and could they please give you access. If they do give you access, make sure to add one more person. When you gain page access, navigate over to settings at the top, then page roles on the left-hand side. This page will show you who has what permissions.
I’d first try to claim the page and if that doesn’t work try to go through the reporting route. When I followed the reporting route prompt it looked like there was a space to explain what the issue you are facing is, so that might be a good way for Facebook to review your individual case.
Facebook Business Manager
Uncomfortable about attaching your business Facebook page to your personal profile? Try setting up Facebook business manager.
The latest on the Facebook algorithm
This link will bring you up to speed for 2020. For future updates, make sure to monitor This Week in UF/IFAS Communications emails that are sent to the IFAS-Announce listserv weekly.
Storytime Live Planning Guide
Story-time Live Planning Guide
Creating an engaging video for Facebook
How to optimize your Facebook live broadcast
We recommend using hashtags for Twitter and Instagram, not Facebook.
We offer training for UF/IFAS units on setting up a social media account, effective use of social media, and best practices. If you have questions or to set up a training session, please submit a request in Workfront.
Professional Development
Should 4H clubs use Facebook pages or groups to communicate?
It is highly recommended that clubs use private groups with the county having administrative access. The private group limits personal information as related to minors' full name and other sensitive location.
How do photo releases play into these groups?
Youth with no photo release, image, and likeliness should not be shared in private groups and club leaders who will share information in the group must be aware of these limitations.