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Love that they’ve done this after the WT last Sunday mentioned social media. Some in my Cong were going to extremes and saying we shouldn’t be on social media 🙄. Guess this has shown them 😂😂

I need to screenshot when we get at 144000 followers 😂

As of May 31, 2026 at 21:51:11 Eastern Time Too bad it wasn't at 19:14 or 14:40:00 lol just joking

We know and are well aware that the new social media account are aimed at academics, journalists, and government officials. However, that does not mean we should not follow, share, or engage with that account. In fact, if nobody engages with them, the pilot program could be considered a failure. How? Well, think about it. A reputable or official social media account for a company or brand typically has the following: a verified badge, a high number of followers, and a high level of engagement, including likes, shares, views, etc, or a combination of all of them. Without those things, a social media account would hardly be considered an official or influential account. So for JW Pressroom, how can we show academics, journalists, and government officials that the account is official? We engage with it. That is one of the main ways. Those academics, journalists, and government officials are not going to randomly visit or pay attention to just any social media account. They are more likely to pay attention to an account that appear established, active, and official. As for the congregation announcement, as @Shawnster quoted, it is worded very neutral. And I think that is a good thing. Why? Because we all know that if the organization specifically says we should do something, many in our brotherhood will try to do so as their circumstances allow. When it comes to social media, if the announcement had specifically said, "Please follow this account," it might not have sounded good because it could put pressure on those who do not use social media or who do not want to use it at all. We all know that social media can be a dangerous place, so the organization would never recommend that publishers create social media account solely to follow a single account. By not saying it, they avoid putting pressure on anyone who does not have social media or does not want to use it. But for those who already have social media, it is their personal decision whether to follow the account or not. At the same time, I am pretty sure the OPI understands that when something comes out from the organization, many of us in the brotherhood will always naturally want to learn or know more about it. So there is really no need for a specific instruction telling publishers to follow or not follow. And since these platforms are Instagram and TikTok, the primary way people engage with them is by following, liking, sharing, and interacting with the content. What many publishers may not realize is that by following the new social media account, they are actually helping the pilot project succeed. For the project to be successful, the account need enough visibility that academics, journalists, and government officials will actually recognize and acknowledge them. As I mentioned earlier, that usually comes from having a verified badge, a large number of followers, and strong engagement through likes, shares, views, etc. Without those things, the account may not receive enough recognition. Some academics, journalists, and government officials might simply overlook them or even wonder if it is an unofficial account. That is obviously not something the OPI would want. In the end, everyone will make their own decision. No one is being pressured to follow the account. Yes, I might say, "Don't forget to like and follow," but that is simply a phrase we have all heard for years from people who post videos and content online. It is just a joke and a familiar expression.

The announcement is already out. Congregation elders in the US received it yesterday. Some may already have had this announced last night at their mwm or tonight if any have a Friday meeting. There are no instructions in the announcement that publishers should not like, share, or subscribe. The announcement does state this is a pilot program, the content is intended for media outlet and publishers should continue to use jw.org to receive news and updates. That's it. That's the entire announcement. If the Organization did not want us liking, sharing, or subscribing, they would not have made the account live, nor released an announcement to the congregations. The Slave knows how us sheep think and act

JWB June 2026 159th Gilead Graduation transcript

I was in a call with the Office of Public Information and the team handling the social media accounts are completely aware of such fake accounts and are working on it. They are also evaluating about bringing back the verified badge again. However, we will only know the result based on what we are seeing on the social media accounts within the next several days or weeks. For us, we just need to make sure we post correct information in this topic. Because search engines and AI searches are using our comments from this topic as their source of information. Instagram has the authority to evaluate each account and can remove a verified badge if it determines that further review is needed. If everything is verified again, the checkmark may return. Another possibility is that the OPI social media team adjusted something on the account, such as the profile details or links, which may have placed the badge on hold while Instagram reviews the changes. Once Instagram verifies the account updates, the verified checkmark may return.

There seem to be some accounts impersonating the JW Pressroom account. If possible, we can all help by reporting those fake accounts to Instagram as “pretending to be someone else” and linking the report to the official account. Instagram is more likely to take action if many people report the impersonating accounts.

Yep. Just got back from the meeting. It was announced This is my first post on this site btw.

I think the Office of Public Information (OPI) might have been directed by the Governing Body to find more ways to fight misinformation and fake news about the organization. Some of this false information can be very damaging if it is not addressed. For many years, we were usually low-profile or quiet, and not very public or responsive when fake news or misinformation spread about us. Maybe the thinking was that these issues would eventually fade away, and in many cases, they did. Sometimes, legal action was also used when needed. But nowadays, things are very different. The information landscape, especially on social media, is not the same as it was 10 years ago. We can no longer always use the strategy of staying low-profile or only dealing with matters in court, because fake news can spread very fast and take over the story. Many people today get their news from social media instead of going directly to a website. Some people may not even bother checking the official website and may just believe whatever they see online. So if we are not more present and visible, false information could continue to spread and damage the reputation of the organization. That may be why we are now seeing more effort to provide accurate information through official public channels. Because of this, I think we may hear more from the OPI than ever before.

Unless they discourage us from subscribing, it’s bound to go viral, that’s for sure, and in a few days, we might reach millions of subscribers. We’ll never be as good as Ronaldo or Mr. Bean, but who knows, after all? People are becoming less and less reachable and more and more active on social media, whether they’re media professionals or not. It’s a smart way to reach them. It’s just a means of communication. Every journalist and every newsroom on earth is connected to these networks. When Jehovah innovates, it’s never for nothing. It serves a purpose, and it always succeeds. Who is this preparing for? It’s going to be interesting to follow the story...

Forgive me, brothers, it was my fault. I asked the brother who made the announcement if he had said not to follow the official account, and he replied that he hadn't said that. He even follows it himself and found it quite interesting. It was my mistake. I've already apologized to him, and I apologize to you all.

I just heard the announcement about the organization's new official accounts on the social media platforms Instagram and TikTok at the English Congregation of Barcelona.

It has been discovered that there’s an official JW.org presence on Instagram and TikTok: jw_pressroom I haven’t heard an announcement yet but I imagine one is coming. Instagram reports that this account began in December 2025. https://www.instagram.com/jw_pressroom

Just a reminder that this pilot program is intended for government officials, reporters, and researchers, not as a supplement to preaching. Also, the comments section was turned off and may stay that way permanently, so it's not about having discussions with people - just posting links to the news section of our website. Posting the exact same articles from the website onto social media does not make the information "unsteady". The official channels have verified blue checkmarks so people know which one is real. We can do far more by praying for a beneficial outcome than we can by hoping it fails.

Years ago, Watchtower.org was started as a pilot program. Many then felt it was wrong and wouldn't last. Use the Internet?? Ridiculous!! We now have JW.org as a main source of information and spiritual food. I am not an Instagram or TikTok user, but I do understand that many are and go there for useful information as well as entertainment - just like they do websites.

After hearing the announcement last night at our midweek meeting that JW.org will now have a presence on certain social media platforms (Instagram and TikTok I think) for the "press" - makes me think we are closer than ever to the GT. I have always felt that the fastest way to get that message out that the end is near is through social media and news outlets - this would make it almost immediate and worldwide.

Hello Friend, how are you doing today? I found this thought from a talk very encouraging and thought I'll share with you. I'll be brief. The final Assignment we all have is to Endure. ( Mat. 24:13). So even when you can't do much anymore, due to health issues, age, persecution or economic hardship, endurance becomes your final assignment, that becomes all that Jehovah requires of you. That alone is a big assignment, because, if you don't endure whatever you are facing now, you could give up and fall into Satan's traps. And Jehovah would lose you. So your endurance daily, is a big deal to Jehovah, and your gift in hand to him. If you just focus on your hope for the future, and endure (Comparing yourself to your past achievements or to others will only make you sad) then you are doing as much as those active in various forms of service, in Jehovah's eyes ( Heb. 12:2) Your endurance is your best now, and Jehovah appreciates your best more than anything else. Trust in Jehovah. Never lose sight of him. He will help you. He has promised (Isa 41:10,13) So keep on enduring. Don't give up. You are doing great in Jehovah's eyes. 🤗 Thanks for your time🙏

I don't understand how you reached this understanding. The Slave has and will never give us a list of approved websites, social media accounts, movies, music, books, or any other form of entertainment. I understand your concern and, as stated above, held the same opinion until it was made clear this is a legitimate account ran by the Organization. The same way they are protected from apostates when using any other social media platform such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, any news site feedback and comments section, etc... It is up to each of us to "make sure of all things and hold fast to what is fine". This particular Instagram account is not a means apostates can use to freely comment on. There are no comments allowed. Apostates have no direct access to anyone through this Instagram account. If any of us receive unsolicited messages from people we do not know, we should be extremely cautious. This is simple safe internet conduct regardless of where we are accessing online.

My dream come true. And I’m very happy that comments are off

If our brothers in the GB who pray for holy spirit before these decisions are made thinks this may be a direction to go in; than a positive spirit is what we need to have about it. I hope it succeeds in whatever the brothers want it to succeed in. If it doesn't than it doesn't. We will see so many changes as the end gets closer. We can ask why, and the GB has always explained their thoughts on changes that are made. My husband reminds me often how some thought having a VCR was "evil". Look at where we are now and how Jehovah has used technology. We will see where this goes.

Please don't tell Jehovah what to bless or not. Wait humbly.

\ Coming Soon.

We’re hitting almost to 70K on Instagram and over 10K on TikTok! Don’t forget to like and follow. 😂😂😂 Never thought in my life would I hear myself saying that. 😂😂😂

No, I don’t think we will see pictures of brothers and sisters, Bethel lunch posts, or JW memes. It seems to be more about giving accurate official information in a way that people outside the organization can easily understand. That is also why they may use words we do not normally use inside the organization. Many publishers probably follow it simply because it is an official account from the organization. Most importantly, it can help fight misinformation, especially since a lot of fake news and false information spreads on social media today.

I heard they are official Social Media accounts. As a pilot program, the organization has established official social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok under the name JW Pressroom. All materials will be posted only in English. The material on these platforms is specifically designed for a secular audience—government officials, journalists, and researchers. Publishers can continue to rely on JW Broadcasting and the “News” section of jw.org for encouraging updates on our activities.

Shannon, I understand you don't have a good opinion about those sites. They can indeed be a waste of time for many. But think of it this way. We need to go where people are. If we are going house to house and no one's home because everybody is in the park or in the market, that's where we should go and preach. Many millions today don't read newspapers or watch tv, they obtain their information and their news from Instagram and Tiktok. So the Slave thought: What if we go there where people can be found? It's a pilot program. Millions will be exposed, maybe for the first time, to accurate information about our work. If results are good, they will go on with it. If they aren't, it will be discontinued. Jehovah is in control.

I understand why some may find this surprising. At first, it can be hard to imagine the organization using Instagram or TikTok, especially because many of us personally do not view social media as a good use of time. But we should remember a few things: • Anything the organization officially launches or announces would need to be approved by the Governing Body. Nobody can just impromptu create an official account and represent the organization. • JW Pressroom is not a random social media page. There is a dedicated social media team under the Office of Public Information of Jehovah’s Witnesses that manages the account. • The purpose of JW Pressroom is mainly to provide factual information about Jehovah’s Witnesses for government officials, journalists, academics, and members of the public. • It is not primarily designed for publishers. However, many publishers will naturally follow the account because that is how social media works, and that support can help the JW Pressroom pilot program succeed. • This is currently a pilot program, similar to how JW Broadcasting started as something new in 2014 and later became a major tool for the organization. • The media landscape has changed a lot. Many people today do not first go to an official website when they want news or information. They often see news first on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, or other social media platforms. News website use has declined while social media and video platforms continue to grow as places where people discover information. • Because of that, opposers and malicious people can spread fake news and misinformation very quickly. On social media, one misleading video, fake news, or edited clip can spread like wildfire before many people ever check the facts. That can greatly damage the reputation of the organization, especially when people who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses do not know where to find accurate information. • So if the organization only stayed on a website and did not act on social media, many people would only see what opposers are saying. Providing real and factual information directly on social media helps circumvent that. It gives government officials, journalists, academics, and the public a direct source of accurate information where many of them are already looking. • The organization understands that fake news can be damaging if it is not addressed. JW Pressroom on social media can help provide factual information and counter misinformation. • JW Pressroom is not meant to directly spread the good news. That still remains through the house-to-house ministry, public witnessing, and other forms of preaching. • If you are still hesitant or unsure whether JW Pressroom is real, you can call the branch office directly and ask. You can also ask to be directed to the Office of Public Information and ask them questions, since that is part of the role of OPI. Here is the contact info for the United States Office of Public Information: https://www.jw.org/finder?docid=1027182

I was watching the new JWB with the Gilead, and an experience from a woman in Asia (approx 40 mins in): Notice she first used Google to eventually access our website and was learning things, before she even knew she was on JW.org ! So to those doubting this pilot program: let’s never forget how many only find our website using this “secular” web portal / search engine (Google). And let’s also remember that many people don’t even use search engines anymore, they simply receive links through various alternative “portals” like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, etc. certainly we wouldn’t be bothered to find out someone used Google to reach our website. Let’s not be bothered if they use social portals to reach it too. edit: almost missed another important point. Transcript: “so I joined social media groups that discussed changing religions.” She did that before using Google. Really drives the point home!

My wife was pleasantly surprised at "The Inside Story" when she saw the couple—he from the USA and she from Spain—who had served for 10 years at Bethel in Kampala, Uganda. My wife told me, "I know those brothers; they were in my congregation when I lived in Kampala, Uganda." My wife attended a Kingdom Hall near Bethel, where several Bethel brothers and sisters were assigned. When we were dating a few years ago, my wife told me, "There was a couple in my congregation who served at Bethel in Kampala, and his wife is Spanish." So it was quite a surprise for her to see them at the Gilead Graduation.

No, you are expressing your feeling, not logic. Let Jehovah do the logic work.

That is a fake account. There is an extra “s” in the handle. Please report it to instagram as fake/impersonating account.

and Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@jw_pressroom

Friends have been sending me the same reel of the jw pressroom new social media account (Instagram and apparently TikTok). I was looking for some mention on jw.org but the account seems legit based on the followers being some in the video/reel. Do you think this will be a new way to engage with the public?

400K on Instagram and almost 67K on TikTok and a new video as well!

Do you realize it is the GB that approved this? It’s announced in the congregations. By criticizing the action, you are essentially criticizing Jehovah as he and Jesus are directing the work.

100K following on Instagram!! whoop! whoop!

He can like and follow any account he wants - whether official or unofficial. He doesn’t mention any unscriptural account so if he encourages to like or comment, that’s his prerogative.

There's a Watchtower on the topic ~ How Christians Cope with Public Reproach w95 4/1 pp. 26-29 "Whether we ignore false information in the media or defend the truth by appropriate means depends on the circumstances, the instigator of the criticism, and his goal". And C. T. Russell said "If you stop to kick at every dog that barks at you, you'll never get very far". These platforms will do a lot of good by bringing to the attention of the world how we are being persecuted in Russia, Ukraine and elsewhere. The brothers write letters to the State Department and the UN about the violations of human rights, but those agencies haven't taken any action except maybe writing their own letter to those governments. These platforms could potentially accomplish what Nick Shirley did in Minnesota and fraud. He put a social media spotlight on it, and just look at the result. If our IG and TikTok put a spotlight on the criminal injustice we are subjected to, imagine what it could do for our brothers over there!!!!

I'll like and repost everything even if my Instagram account is private and only full of JWs

Well, what do I know. I stand corrected. It's official.

I'm going to say that is an imposter. Look how many "s" are in the handle. Incorrectly spelled, but so easy to overlook.

120,000 followers on Saturday.

The jwpubs.org has published a new article about ensuring people are following the official JW Pressroom account. I decided to write it because when people search online, it’s important to make sure the information that appears in search results is accurate. Right now, I think it’s full of misleading or apostate content. The organization might update the website to show the social media, we will see. Still, having third-party articles showing in the search results that provide accurate information is always better than showing the ones that spread false information. Just a reminder to everyone that all our comments in this topic are being logged and used by Google Search AI.

The name is "JW Pressroom" but the handle is different which is '@jw_pressroom'. The handle/username cannot have a space hence an underscore is there. The announcement said the name but not the handle. If you're a bit still unsure you can still contact the branch next week. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1027181&srcid=share

Oh no, thanks for confirming that... maybe I no longer see it because I reported the post 😂

Please stop writing this… when you get the announcement at the meeting, you’ll look foolish for encouraging witnesses to do this.

The number of followers—even before the news was made official—demonstrates the power of virality and the immediate impact on social media users. What a time we live in!

They just posted their 2nd post!. Time to turn on those notifications!! Their new bio: https://t-sml.mtrbio.com/public/smartlink/pressroom

One thing I’m just worried about here in Canada would be the censorship. I hope the pressroom on Instagram won’t be censored. All news on Instagram and Facebook are censored by Meta because of the government. We can’t get CNN or CBC news on Instagram.