The University of Pittsburgh’s official Instagram account, @PittOfficial, has reached 100,000 followers after eight years of activity. The account, which began on March 20, 2018, has evolved alongside changes in social media platforms. It now serves as a tool for sharing news, connecting with the university community, and promoting research.
A statement from the university expressed appreciation to its followers: “Whether you’re currently part of the campus community, a recent graduate, a prospective student or just bleed blue and gold, thank you for being a part of this story.”
Content created by students and interns has played a significant role in shaping the account. For example, Arjun Manjunath (BUS ’25) produced content about the history of George Ferris and his invention during a visit to downtown Pittsburgh. In another series from 2023, student worker Sarah Salaman (CGS ’24) collaborated with the social team to highlight local cultural institutions such as the Heinz History Center.
The Instagram page also documents changes in Pitt’s visual branding over time. Older posts feature the “Pitt block” logo while more recent ones use the updated “Pitt script.” Engagement initiatives have included interactive campaigns like asking students to guess football opponents based only on logos before announcing Pitt’s schedule.
A post showing snowy scenes around campus landmarks such as the Cathedral of Learning and Hillman Library became the most engaged-with post on the account.
The university continues to use its Instagram presence to foster connections within its community and showcase various aspects of campus life.