Wikimedia Foundation/Communications/Resource center/Social media/Understanding social media

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Understanding social media

Presentation slides for "Understanding Social Media" at Wikimedia Conference 2016

What is social media?

Web 2.0 applications hosting user-generated content shared from profiles that connect with other users and groups.

Why does the Wikimedia Foundation use social media?

• 77% of our Twitter followers use Wikipedia daily. Only 55% have ever edited.
• Our Instagram and Pinterest communities are more than half women.
• Many Wikipedians do not share their projects.
• We help people become more involved with the Wikimedia movement, and we help the movement reach out to the world.

Who does social media for Wikimedia Foundation?

The Wikimedia Foundation's social media accounts are managed by the Foundation's Communications Department.

The Wikimedia Foundation social media huddle group on Facebook is a group where you can connect and shape social media for the movement.

Which social media platforms does the Wikimedia Foundation use?

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest

What does the Wikimedia Foundation do on social media?

Our posts generally fall into two categories: Crowd-pleasing content, and explanations of the Wikimedia movement.

How does the Wikimedia Foundation NOT use social media?

• Do not endorse any products or political candidates
• Do not engage in any dispute with other accounts
• Do not post sarcasm, “snarky” or unfriendly tones
• Do not retweet or repost anything that contains any of the above
• Do not post media that is not either owned or co-owned by the Wikimedia Foundation (such as photos we take), in the public domain or licensed under CC0
• Remember the “five pillars” of Wikipedia’s fundamental principles

What can you do right now?

• See our best practices, strategy and tactics and resources.
• Join our Facebook group for the Wikimedia community, the Wikimedia Foundation Social Media huddle.
• Like us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
• Tell us what to post and what you are posting.
• Stay in touch.

How can the Wikimedia Foundation help you?

• We can reshare your posts when they have broad appeal.
• You can reshare our posts when you need content.
• We can offer guidance or advice on managing your accounts.
• We can help you connect with social media companies and other social media people in the movement.
• We can support your events via #hashtags and mentions.