Social Media Guidelines

All social media networking platforms have terms and conditions (i.e., rules) that govern the use of that particular community. If users decide to participate in these communities, users should familiarize themselves with the terms of service before they begin to engage, because signing up for an account means they agree to the terms. Here are links to terms and conditions for some of the most popular social media sites:

• Facebook: ;https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms
• Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/help/guidelines
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/about/legal/terms
• Threads: https://help.instagram.com/179980294969821
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement >
• Pinterest: https://about.pinterest.com/en/terms-service
• Reddit: https://www.redditinc.com/policies/user-agreement-september-12-2021
• Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/term
• Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/policy/en/terms-of-service
• X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tos
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms

Requirements

• All University-affiliated accounts must be approved for branding and logo use
• Accounts must be created by an authorized employee or representative
• Accounts must be tied to a University-managed email account (not a personal email)
• At least two University employees must have administrative access
• Students may not serve as account administrators
• Accounts must not be linked to fake or “dummy” profiles

Units must also provide account and administrator information to the University’s social media specialist.

Setting Up Your Account

When creating or updating a social media account:

Best Practices:

• Naming: Use a name that clearly aligns with UMB branding
• Bio: Describe your unit and its connection to UMB
• Profile Image: Use a consistent, recognizable image (UMB logo recommended)
  • Avoid frequently changing profile images, as this can confuse users.
• Cover Image: Use high-quality images that reflect your unit or campus

X (Twitter):

• Profile: 400 x 400 px
• Cover: 1500 x 500 px

Facebook:

• Profile: 170 x 170 px
• Cover: 1200 x 628 px

LinkedIn:

• Profile: 300 x 300 px
• Cover: 1128 x 191 px

Instagram:

• Profile: 320 x 320 px

• Facebook: 1–2 posts per day
• Instagram: 3–7 posts per week
  • Focus on Reels and limit excessive Stories
• X (Twitter): 1–5 posts per day
• LinkedIn: 1–5 posts per day

Avoid overposting, which can reduce engagement.

UMB encourages open and respectful dialogue on social media platforms.

Expectations for Comments

• Relevant to the topic
• Constructive and respectful
• Free of profanity, threats, or personal attacks

Moderation Guidelines

• Inappropriate content (e.g., abusive, threatening, spam) should be reported to the platform
• Spam, advertising, or harmful links should be reported
• Comments that do not align with University values may be hidden (if the platform allows)

As a public institution, UMB must respect free speech. Comments generally should not be deleted, unless permitted under platform policies.