Social media in sports has shifted the way teams and athletes engage with fans. From real-time X reactions to TikTok highlight reels, platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook provide an unprecedented level of behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. With billions of active users, these platforms bring the excitement of sporting events to new audiences worldwide.
The power of social media in sports also provides a powerful platform for building team and athlete brands. Still images and video capture attention more quickly than text, and sports organizations frequently share action shots or videos of highlights from past games to help build their brand profile and excite fans about upcoming matches. In addition, leveraging hashtags or viral challenges on social media can amplify reach and drive global campaigns.
Athletes themselves benefit from social media, allowing them to connect with fans year round and promote their personal brands in ways that align with their values. They can also use their platforms to advocate for social causes and engage in activism, enhancing their personal brand, boosting public perception, and helping to drive positive change in the world.
Athletes are closely monitored on social media, with many colleges and universities requiring their athletes to receive training about appropriate content sharing and usage. In this article, TrueSport Expert Charron Sumler offers a step-by-step guide to helping student athletes develop a healthy and positive social media use.