Social media has the power to capture moments, tell stories and connect with your most important audiences. Throughout 2024, our talented clients at universities and colleges across the nation did just that, using their platforms to celebrate milestones, share traditions, and showcase their unique voices. From heartfelt graduation posts to the excitement of move-in day and cherished annual events, their creativity has been nothing short of inspiring.

As the year wrapped up, we asked our clients to submit their favorite social media posts from 2024 — and wow, did they deliver! While every submission shone in its own way, a few stood out as truly exceptional, earning our “Top Favorites” recognition. Of course, we couldn’t overlook the rest of the fantastic work, which we’re proud to feature as honorable mentions. Dive in and relive some of the most creative, engaging, and memorable social media moments of 2024.

Let’s celebrate the stories they shared and the communities they built.

William & Mary’s Graduation

William & Mary took commencement content to a new level by creating this Instagram reel of seniors giving advice to future first-year students. When you cover the same events every year, a new spin is essential and it was a creative way to allow students to tell the story of the W&M experience. It would be hard to watch this as a high school student and not be excited to get to campus for the next four years. 

Flagler students calling home

Not us tearing up while watching this Reel of students telling their support people how much they love them from a bench on campus. Flagler College did a great job with this video, from the authentic student interviewer to the high-quality camera work, this is prime higher ed social content right here. 

Sacred Heart University’s student athletes have jokes

As social media managers juggling countless priorities and requests, it’s easy to forget that part of our job is to entertain. SHU reminded us of that in the best way possible with their hilarious photos of student athletes embracing a trend and paying homage to the classic comedy, “Step Brothers.” We couldn’t help but keep scrolling through their perfectly executed carousel.

Honorable mentions (in no particular order):

Soka University of America – best authentic content for the institution’s mission and values

Pomona College – best Student Life feature

Centre College – best use of a president (and a “Friends” reference!)

Wesleyan – the best thoughtful content around a heritage month

Adelphi University – best use of student ambassadors

(Watch it on Instagram; this one was not embeddable)

Students in Instagram

University of Denver – best photography

Occidental – best student-led content

Franklin & Marshall – best flipping the script on an annual event

Bentley University – best low-pressure high-impact content

Meredith College – best use of short-form video content trends

American University of Afghanistan – best example of overcoming adversity to celebrate + succeed

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A post shared by AUAF (@auafofficial)

Semester at Sea – Best long-form video

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – best alumni feature

Golden Gate University – best earned media highlight

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – best feature of a campus tradition

University of Arkansas at Little Rock – best feature of a campus resource

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A post shared by UALR (@ualr)