4/18/25

High school volleyball in New Jersey has always been about more than just the final score. It’s about community, momentum, culture, and now, more than ever, it’s about visibility. Social media is reshaping how players, teams, and fans experience the sport, both on and off the court.

What used to be highlights shared between friends or school announcements pinned to a bulletin board is now an instantly accessible, global conversation. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X are not just entertainment anymore — they’re the new arenas for New Jersey’s high school volleyball scene.

Volleyball Participation: A Growing Force

Volleyball continues to be one of the most popular sports among high school students in the United States. In the 2023–24 school year:

• Girls’ Volleyball: Approximately 479,125 girls participated, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year and reaching the highest number ever recorded in NFHS reports. 
• Boys’ Volleyball: Participation grew to 85,255, nearly 8,000 more than the previous year, making it the fastest-growing boys’ team sport by percentage over the past five years. 

In New Jersey, volleyball has seen a steady increase in participation. The state boasts the second-highest number of high school boys’ volleyball players in the country, trailing only California. 

The Digital Playbook: Teen Engagement on Social Media

Recent surveys indicate that social media platforms remain integral to teens’ daily lives:

• YouTube: 90% of U.S. teens use the platform, making it the most popular among this age group.
• Instagram: 87% of teens report monthly usage, up from 80% the previous year.
• TikTok: Used by 79% of teens, it’s the second most popular platform.
• Snapchat: 71% of teens use Snapchat, though this marks a decline from previous years.
• X (formerly Twitter): Usage among teens has decreased to 17%.

These platforms serve as dynamic spaces for athletes to share highlights, celebrate victories, and connect with their communities.

Instagram: The Digital Trophy Case

Instagram has become the heartbeat of high school sports culture, especially for volleyball teams aiming to share their journey, celebrate achievements, and showcase school spirit.

With over 87% of U.S. teens active on the platform, Instagram is where volleyball programs can turn game-day moments into shareable memories.

• Reels & Highlights: Short clips of kills, digs, and game-winning points.
• Stories: Quick updates from the team bus, locker room hype, and crowd energy.
• Posts: Senior nights, commitment announcements, and tournament victories.

For student-athletes, it’s more than just a photo app — it’s a personal highlight reel that can even catch the eye of college recruiters.

Snapchat: The Team’s Private Locker Room

Snapchat remains a staple for real-time, unfiltered communication. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at pregame rituals or silly team moments from the bus ride home, Snapchat is where trust and team chemistry thrive.

With 71% of teens using the app, many NJ volleyball squads have private group chats or “team stories” that act as the digital equivalent of a team huddle.

TikTok: Volleyball Goes Viral

While TikTok gets most of the spotlight for viral dances and comedy, sports content — especially volleyball — has exploded on the platform. The hashtag #volleyball has surpassed 30 billion views globally, and high school teams in New Jersey are catching the wave.

• Training routines.
• Trick serves and creative warmups.
• Match highlights edited to trending sounds.

TikTok allows players and teams to share their unique vibe with the world, sometimes garnering thousands of views overnight.

YouTube: The Long-Form Legacy

For deeper storytelling, analysis, and game footage, YouTube remains essential. Coaches upload full matches for scouting. Players post their recruiting tapes. Schools share recap videos that not only showcase the final scores but highlight teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.

Some NJ teams are even producing weekly vlog-style recaps to document their season journeys — something that can become both a recruiting tool and a treasured keepsake.

X (Formerly Twitter): Real-Time Updates

For fans, parents, and alumni who can’t attend every game, X (formerly Twitter) is the go-to place for real-time scores, standout plays, and postgame reactions.

During state tournaments or county championships, hashtags like #NJVolleyball often light up with updates faster than local sports news outlets can publish them.

The Big Picture: More Than Just Likes

Social media has turned New Jersey’s volleyball gyms into amplified stages. Beyond the stats, the wins, and the highlight reels, these platforms are helping players:

• Build confidence.
• Inspire younger athletes.
• Document growth.
• Celebrate diversity and community.

And for many, the digital journey is as memorable as the games themselves.

Final Serve: The Power of Storytelling

Whether it’s an Instagram post about senior night, a TikTok showing a new serve, or a YouTube video highlighting a team’s underdog playoff run, social media gives every player and team a voice.

In New Jersey, high school volleyball isn’t just growing on the court, it’s thriving in feeds, stories, and streams. The sport has found a new generation of fans, teammates, and mentors, one post at a time.

Hey! Don’t forget to connect with us on social too…