TCU’s social media is tops thanks to great content and the loves, likes and follows from the Horned Frog community. Out of all Division 1 colleges and universities, TCU was ranked the No. 3 Overall Higher Education Institution by Rival IQ, a social media analytics firm.
“Texas Christian University, we see your epic investments in social media this year: the Frogs managed to rise at least 15 places on every channel and ended the year with a 3rd-place overall ranking after finishing 42nd last year,” reads the ranking.
Those channels include Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, where TCU earned a bronze recognition. Rival IQ attributed this Facebook success to posting about twice as frequently as the average D1 school and earning four times the average total engagement. Rival IQ called the posting strategy smart and consistent.
“At TCU, our social media strategy reflects the experience that our audiences expect from TCU – a celebratory focus on our campus experience, plus a deeper look at impactful academic research, service and scholarly activity,” Amy Peterson, TCU’s assistant director of social and multimedia strategy, told Rival IQ. “Most importantly, we’re supporting the strategic goals of the university when we elevate our people and tell TCU’s story through the accomplishments of the Horned Frog community.”
There is no doubt, Peterson said, that the university’s news from the year contributed to success. In a single year, TCU celebrated its Sesquicentennial, graduated the first class of medical school students, announced a new president and – a social media favorite – was the first team in Texas to make it to the College Football Playoff and play in the National Championship.
But it had to be backed with substance on social.
“To capitalize on the momentum, the social team created an ambassador program, engaged social influencers, expanded our video content and leaned on social as part of an integrated communications strategy to share news that was meaningful and engaging,” Peterson said.