Frequently used channels
Twitter / X
Twitter, now known as X, is a great way to share your work with peers, and to interact with them. It lets you share information in 280 characters or less, it's also a useful channel for staying up-to-date on news and events.
You can schedule posts using TweetDeck, for example, to make it easier to stay active and stick to your personal social media schedule.
Facebook
Facebook can be a very effective tool for creating an online profile, finding others with mutual interests, and communicating with potential readers. You can discuss topics related to your field with those who have liked your page, share news about upcoming conferences you're taking part in, and announce new publications. Invite friends and colleagues to like your page, and keep it updated.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an ideal place to share content in a business context. You can write posts, share your article and book homepages, photos, links and videos. In addtion, it allows you to display your qualifications, work history, published research, interests and social media accounts on your profile.
LinkedIn Groups are a great way to find other professionals with similar interests and take part in the online discussions in your subject area. Once you’re accepted into a group, you can post discussion items, updates and links to your research.
ResearchGate
ResearchGate is a scientific online network specifically designed to foster research communities. It is also a particularly effective tool for finding the latest research and colleagues in your field, as well as asking questions and finding answers to research problems.
Learn more about our collaboration with ResearchGate
Weibo
Weibo is a Chinese platform that allows users to send short posts and responses. It is often referred to as the "Chinese Twitter”. If you are based in China or familiar with the platform, it’s an ideal way to keep in touch with your audience in this region.
Similar to Twitter, you first you select a name for your account with an @ symbol. Then you can add a short bio. Once you’re set up, make sure you follow the key figures, publishers, journals and organizations in your field. Then you cant get started by sharing your latest publication and initiating conversations with related content and questions.
It’s important to remember that online censorship in China includes strict controls on what can be shared. Some keywords and topics are prohibited, and related posts can be taken down at any time.
WeChat
WeChat is one of the world’s largest mobile apps. Mostly utilized by a Chinese audience, it is a powerful platform that reaches over one billion users a month. If you speak Chinese, it is a great tool for promoting your work. Just be sure that what you share is truly relevant for your audience, or you run the risk of losing interaction.
Reddit
Reddit is an online platform where registered community users can submit content like posts, images, videos and links. The setup is similar a message board where people can chat about various topics of interest, or vote "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to determine the popularity of the content.
On Reddit you will find topics divided into Subreddits, each with its own moderator and set of rules. The scientific community is well represented on Reddit, with multiple Subreddits across general and niche topics. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the rules; when you’re ready, you can begin engaging with the community by voting and commenting on posts, and by posting items for discussion that are related to your research.
Blogs
If you enjoy writing, you can also create a blog or become a guest writer for a blog that reaches your community. If you prefer to tell your story and record it, a podcast might be the right tool for you to promote your research and publications.
Videos on YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform where you can upload videos and create playlists for your subscribers. Videos can be liked, shared, and commented on.
If you’re new to video, the best way to get started is to create some videos with your smartphone or camera. Practice makes perfect, and you may be able to get support from your university's or organization’s communications department. Or you could try using a video abstract service (e.g. from our partner Research Square) to highlight newsworthy publications.
Social media is great for maximizing the visibility of your research. Feel free to share your publications on your professional and private social media accounts. Your work may also be valuable for people who are not part of your immediate professional environment.
Top tips
Frequently used channels
Twitter / X
Twitter, now known as X, is a great way to share your work with peers, and to interact with them. It lets you share information in 280 characters or less, it's also a useful channel for staying up-to-date on news and events.
You can schedule posts using TweetDeck, for example, to make it easier to stay active and stick to your personal social media schedule.
Facebook
Facebook can be a very effective tool for creating an online profile, finding others with mutual interests, and communicating with potential readers. You can discuss topics related to your field with those who have liked your page, share news about upcoming conferences you're taking part in, and announce new publications. Invite friends and colleagues to like your page, and keep it updated.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an ideal place to share content in a business context. You can write posts, share your article and book homepages, photos, links and videos. In addtion, it allows you to display your qualifications, work history, published research, interests and social media accounts on your profile.
LinkedIn Groups are a great way to find other professionals with similar interests and take part in the online discussions in your subject area. Once you’re accepted into a group, you can post discussion items, updates and links to your research.
ResearchGate
ResearchGate is a scientific online network specifically designed to foster research communities. It is also a particularly effective tool for finding the latest research and colleagues in your field, as well as asking questions and finding answers to research problems.
Learn more about our collaboration with ResearchGate
Weibo
Weibo is a Chinese platform that allows users to send short posts and responses. It is often referred to as the "Chinese Twitter”. If you are based in China or familiar with the platform, it’s an ideal way to keep in touch with your audience in this region.
Similar to Twitter, you first you select a name for your account with an @ symbol. Then you can add a short bio. Once you’re set up, make sure you follow the key figures, publishers, journals and organizations in your field. Then you cant get started by sharing your latest publication and initiating conversations with related content and questions.
It’s important to remember that online censorship in China includes strict controls on what can be shared. Some keywords and topics are prohibited, and related posts can be taken down at any time.
WeChat
WeChat is one of the world’s largest mobile apps. Mostly utilized by a Chinese audience, it is a powerful platform that reaches over one billion users a month. If you speak Chinese, it is a great tool for promoting your work. Just be sure that what you share is truly relevant for your audience, or you run the risk of losing interaction.
Reddit
Reddit is an online platform where registered community users can submit content like posts, images, videos and links. The setup is similar a message board where people can chat about various topics of interest, or vote "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to determine the popularity of the content.
On Reddit you will find topics divided into Subreddits, each with its own moderator and set of rules. The scientific community is well represented on Reddit, with multiple Subreddits across general and niche topics. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the rules; when you’re ready, you can begin engaging with the community by voting and commenting on posts, and by posting items for discussion that are related to your research.
Blogs
If you enjoy writing, you can also create a blog or become a guest writer for a blog that reaches your community. If you prefer to tell your story and record it, a podcast might be the right tool for you to promote your research and publications.
Videos on YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform where you can upload videos and create playlists for your subscribers. Videos can be liked, shared, and commented on.
If you’re new to video, the best way to get started is to create some videos with your smartphone or camera. Practice makes perfect, and you may be able to get support from your university's or organization’s communications department. Or you could try using a video abstract service (e.g. from our partner Research Square) to highlight newsworthy publications.