State departments to celebrate 14th annual Michigan Social Media Day June 30

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed Michigan Social Media Day, today, June 30, 2026, marking the 17th global and 14th statewide celebration. Commemorating social platforms and their impact on modern global communication, connectivity, and digital culture, the annual celebration has grown into a vibrant global movement—spotlighting ways digital tools enhance connectivity, creativity, news-sharing, and for government agencies civic engagement in our everyday lives. 

View and download a full copy of the 2026 Michigan Social Media Day proclamation.

Michigan has and continues to be an industry leader in its use of social media. 

• Michigan was the third U.S. state to officially recognize Social Media Day in 2012.
• The Great Lakes State is one of only a few states that employs a centralized social media governance structure for all executive branch state departments. 
• Boasting an impressive following, in 2026, the state’s social media program surpassed 12 million followers.
• Adding to its long list of accolades, multiple agencies were awarded digital industry recognition and awards since our celebration in 2025. 

“Across the program’s more than 900 executive branch social media accounts on 12 platforms, state agencies are engaging with the visitors, residents, and businesses of Michigan, encouraging followers to voice their opinions, contribute ideas, and help shape state policy,” stated Andrew Belanger, statewide social media director and digital content administration with the State of Michigan. “Since 2008, state agencies have embraced the use of social media to expand constituent outreach and transparency, build robust online communities and further reach, engage in two-way dialogue, and share critical public health and safety updates in real-time.”

Social media plays a critical role in state communications during times of crisis. In response to storms in April causing statewide flooding, state agencies in partnership with the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and Joint Information Center (JIC) under direction from the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) shared over 670 social media posts over the course of a few weeks to keep communities, residents, and businesses informed and safe.

Screenshot of a social media post from MSP/EMHSD during the SEOC and JIC’s statewide flooding response. The post highlights the SEOC expansion to cover statewide flooding.

“Social media allows us to get critical, and sometimes life-saving information to people from all across the state when they need it most,” said Clayton Cummins, public information officer with MSP/EMHSD. “By amplifying local partner messaging, sharing state resources and updating social and web content in real-time, we can help ensure Michiganders have access to reliable and accurate information. That information empowers citizens to make informed decisions before, during and after an emergency.”

Using popular social platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, the state’s April storms content was far reaching.

• The MSP/EMHSD saw 8 million views from over 1.7 million viewers on their Facebook page content. The team gained over 9,300 organic Facebook followers in a matter of weeks, and they amassed over 37,600 reactions, 6,000 comments and 6,700 shares during the SEOC activated response.
• The State of Michigan Facebook page saw over 899,100 views, 4,900 reactions, 703 comments, and 923 shares on its related April storms content.
• For the first time, MSP/EMHSD utilized an innovative livestreaming solution at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex in Northern Michigan, giving local residents and viewers worldwide direct access to real-time flooding conditions through multiple live camera feeds. Statewide media outlets simulcasted the livestream on their platforms when the platform was used to announce the hydro dam was brought back online.

• World and national news outlets sourced and often included state agency social media content in their news coverage.
• Social media content was a key driver in helping get residents to visit Michigan’s response websites. Between the April storms and Cheboygan Dam response websites users took over 1.2 million actions while visiting the sites.

“From accessing evacuation route information, road closure, and flooding safety information, our staff worked to keep residents informed around the clock,” added Belanger. “Social Media Day in Michigan is also a day to celebrate the talented staff behind the scenes managing our many state agency brand and organizational accounts.”

Across the State of Michigan, dedicated teams of communications and social media professionals are strategizing, producing daily content, and expanding robust communities of followers. Their work, and the work of government social media professionals across the state and globe, is helping highlight the value social media professionals play in government communications.

On this day and every day, the State of Michigan encourages users to be a positive force for change and use social media as a tool to listen and to engage in meaningful conversations. You can view Gov. Whitmer’s 2026 Michigan Social Media Day proclamation, access Michigan Social Media Day resources, and learn more about the state’s use of social media by visiting Michigan.gov/SocialMedia.