Background: Cochrane entities continue to seek effective ways of communicating information, both within the Collaboration and to those interested in our work, such as consumers and other stakeholders. Social media is one of the fastest growing areas in modern communication technology and allows users to share, create, discuss and modify content and information quickly and effectively. Any communication plan should consider the importance of incorporating a social media strategy to promote news about the entity’s work, attract larger audiences and offer opportunities for engagement.

Objectives: Design and share an effective Cochrane social media strategy which could be adapted by any Cochrane entity. Any plan should allow entities to share news and resources with a wider audience, and promote more effective communication, engagement and participation.

Methods: This work will be developed in collaboration with several Cochrane entities who are at different stages in their use of social media. In developing a social media strategy, we will identify benefits in terms of participation and engagement on topics with other Cochrane entities; recognise improvements in understanding by users of our services; and evaluate increased interactions with stakeholders. As part of the strategy we will also consider the value of a social media policy and how developing a social media strategy fits in to the broader context of an entity communication plan.