Barstool is an unofficial, student-led Instagram page inspired by the ‘Barstool Sports’corporation, a major digital media company founded by Dave Portnoy specializing in sports, pop culture, comedy and lifestyle content. This student platform style is common among thousands of dedicated accounts nationwide. The objective of these pages is to highlight school spirit, sports events, and campus culture. Establishing an outlet for communication among a school’s entire student body, these social media accounts are more intricate than they appear on the surface. When taking a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes of weekly “Almost Friday” posts, many are surprised to discover the creative hoops these Barstool pages routinely jump through.
Behind every Barstool profile is a large list of cohesive parts. A fundamental aspect of the account’s success is an organized coordinator. Without a directing manager overseeing the account, the page wouldn’t operate. Responsible for creating and approving all posts made to the account, running Barstool is no easy task. The anonymous job of a director is demanding and tedious.
“It takes a while to go through all the pictures sent in by everyone; you also have to take into account who was featured the week before,” said West High’s Barstool manager, concerning “Almost Friday” posts.
Given their far-reaching influence, these directors aim to use their platform’s popularity as a positive impact, frequently highlighting student accomplishments. Managers work to build an interactive community by encouraging the student body to submit media, allowing them to transform daily school life into relatable and entertaining content.
“Even though sometimes it can be annoying being in charge, it is cool to see all the pictures sent in and how everyone comes together,” West High’s Barstool page manager said.
A school’s student body is the core of any Barstool page. Without student interaction, the account would be irrelevant and disregarded. It takes the entire school community working together to create a quality Barstool. One of the account’s most important responsibilities is retrieving material directly from the students themselves. By creating posts with pictures and videos sent by students, the Barstool page gains traction and encourages student cooperation. A vital aspect of every Barstool page is the dynamic among a school’s student body. An active student body with school spirit is necessary for the overall outcome of the page.
“It is a good platform to make school more fun and encourage people to get more involved,” Alan San, 11, said.
As Barstool pages build a more connected student community, they become tools used to uplift and congratulate hardworking students for their accomplishments.
“Barstool gives students the spotlight and makes them feel recognized for their achievements,” Etinosa Egharevba, 11, said.
These accounts also create public opportunities to spread awareness. Considering Barstool’s widespread stage, students are given a chance to collectively advocate for themselves and the issues they value most.
“Barstool is a good way for students to express themselves and see what is really going on,” Mackenzi Van Winkle, 12, said.
By highlighting school spirit and fostering communication, these nationwide platforms serve as essential outlets for student life behind the scenes. More than just memes, these pages require significant, creative effort. As a central avenue of expression, these accounts unite communities and shed light on pressing issues. Barstool gives students a voice, providing them with the chance to socially develop by connecting and relating to one another. The true mission of Barstool is to make school a place where students want to be and give them the opportunity to discover their own personality.
