Watch the Yard Recognizes SPC’s Instagram As One of Four HBCUs With Preexisting Verified Accounts

In research conducted by Watch the Yard (WTY), a media company focused on digitizing Black college culture, it was discovered that of 98 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) on Instagram, only four had verification status. The research, published in an article by WTY,  recognizes Spelman College, Morehouse College, Jackson State University and St. Philip’s College as the four HBCUs to have preexisting verified status. In addition to being recognized, WTY credits the colleges in catapulting efforts to increase the number of verified HBCU social media accounts. 

“As the nation’s only college federally designated as both a Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution, it is important for us to share our unique culture and history with the public. We strive to uplift our communities of color and provide a space where we can engage with our audience digitally. Being verified on social media allows us to reach a larger audience and share available resources with ease,” said Adrian Jackson, St. Philip’s College Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications.

Social media verification status is crucial in building brand awareness and reducing the spread of misinformation. The status also allows for pages to improve their marketing network, enhance consumer engagement, increases visibility and boost the impact of their marketing efforts. When verified, accounts receive a blue seal verified badge with a small checkmark that appears next to the brand username.

Since publishing their research, the media company has achieved to impel Instagram to verify an additional 71 HBCUs and attributes the ability to leverage its influence in verifying HBCU social media accounts to the four colleges.

To read the original article by WTY, click here.

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