Introduction
Most people have adjusted their Facebook settings so that only friends can see and share their posts. One downside of this if you create a highly shareable post, is that anyone who’s not your friend won’t be able to share it. Whether you want to make a post visible on your Facebook profile for anyone looking at your profile who isn’t your friend, or you want to set one of your posts so that anyone can share it, you can do so by making that specific Facebook post public. In this video I’ll show you how to make a post public on Facebook using both the Facebook app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, and the Facebook website.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Make a Post Public on Facebook on iPhone, iPad or Android
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. You’ll land on your Facebook home screen.
- Tap the “Menu” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap your Facebook profile picture at the top of the screen.
- Navigate to your Facebook post you want to make public, and then tap the ellipses in the top right corner of that post. A menu flies up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap “Edit Privacy” in this menu.
- Tap to select “Public” in this list, and then tap “Done.”
You’ll return to your Facebook profile screen, where you’ll see your new privacy selection displayed beneath your name. That specific Facebook post will now be publicly visible to people who look up your profile, and other Facebook users will be able to share it.
Steps to Make a Post Public on Facebook Website
- Open a web browser, navigate to Facebook.com, and then log into your account if prompted. You’ll land on your Facebook home screen. Click your profile picture at the top of the screen to view your Facebook profile page.
- Navigate to your Facebook post you want to make public, and then click the “Privacy” drop-down displayed beneath your name on that post.
- Click to select “Public” in that menu. The menu will close and your Privacy icon will be changed to a globe, indicating that Facebook post will now be publicly visible to people who look up your profile, and other Facebook users will be able to share it.
Who Can See a Public Post on Facebook?
A public post on Facebook can be seen by anyone who visits your profile or sees it on their newsfeed. This means that the post can potentially be viewed by a large audience, including people who are not your friends or followers.
When you make a post public, it’s important to keep in mind that it may be visible to a wide range of people. This can include your family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and even strangers. Therefore, it’s crucial to think carefully about the content you’re sharing on Facebook and ensure that it’s appropriate for a public audience.
It’s also worth noting that if someone else shares your public post, it can reach an even broader audience. The post may appear in the newsfeeds of people who are not connected to you on Facebook, which means that it could potentially be seen by millions of people around the world. So, always consider the potential reach of your public posts and be mindful of what you share.
What’s the Difference Between Making a Post Public and Sharing a Post on Facebook?
When you make a post public on Facebook, it means that the post is visible to anyone who visits your profile or sees it on their newsfeed. This allows a wide audience to view your content, but it also means that the post is not being shared by anyone else.
On the other hand, sharing a post on Facebook means that you are distributing someone else’s content to your own audience. When you share a post, it shows up on your timeline and in the newsfeeds of your friends and followers. The original post still exists on the other person’s profile, but your share allows it to reach a larger audience.
One key difference between making a post public and sharing a post is that when you make a post public, it is your own content that you are sharing with the world. When you share someone else’s post, you are distributing their content to your own network. It’s important to keep this distinction in mind when deciding whether to make a post public or share someone else’s content.
Can You Only Make Specific Parts of a Facebook Post Public?
When making a Facebook post, you can only make the entire post public or limit the visibility of the entire post to a specific audience. It’s not possible to make specific parts of a post public and other parts private.
This means that if you want to share a post with the world but keep some details private, you’ll need to create separate posts or choose a more limited privacy setting. For example, you could create one public post with the information you’re comfortable sharing with the world, and another post with more private details that is only visible to a select group of people.
It’s important to remember that when you make a post public, it’s visible to anyone who visits your profile or sees it on their newsfeed. Therefore, it’s crucial to think carefully about the content you’re sharing and ensure that it’s appropriate for a public audience. If you’re not comfortable sharing something with the entire world, it’s best to choose a more limited privacy setting.
Reasons to Consider Making a Post Public on Facebook
1. Reach a Wider Audience
Making a post public on Facebook can help you reach a much larger audience than you would with a post that is only visible to your friends or followers. This can be helpful if you want to spread the word about an event, share your message with a wider audience, or simply increase your visibility. By making your post public, you’re opening up the opportunity to connect with people who may not have otherwise seen your content.
2. Build Your Personal Brand
If you’re looking to build your personal brand or establish yourself as an authority in a particular field, making your posts public on Facebook can help increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. By sharing high-quality, valuable content, you can help establish yourself as an expert and grow your online presence.
3. Promote a Business or Product
Facebook is a powerful platform for promoting businesses and products, and making a post public can help increase the reach of your marketing efforts. By sharing your content with a wider audience, you can potentially attract new customers or clients and increase awareness of your brand.
4. Engage with a Community
Facebook is a great platform for connecting with people who share your interests and passions. By making a post public, you can engage with a wider community and potentially connect with new people who are interested in what you have to say. This can be helpful for building relationships, networking, and staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends in your field.
5. Share Positive News or Events
Making a post public on Facebook is a great way to spread positive news or share exciting events with a wider audience. Whether you’re celebrating a personal achievement, sharing good news about your business, or promoting a community event, making your post public can help you share the joy and excitement with a larger group of people.
What are the Risks Associated with Making a Post Public on Facebook?
1. Privacy Concerns
Posting content publicly on Facebook can make your personal information and thoughts accessible to anyone who has access to the internet. This could include people you don’t know or trust, which may result in unwanted attention or harassment. It’s important to be mindful of the privacy settings on your account to ensure you’re sharing only what you want to share.
2. Cyberbullying
The internet can be a harsh place, and making a post public can leave you vulnerable to cyberbullying. Strangers or acquaintances may make negative comments or send unwanted messages, which can be hurtful and emotionally damaging. It’s important to report any instances of cyberbullying to Facebook and take steps to protect your mental health.
3. Damage to Reputation
Once a post is public, it can be difficult to control who sees it and how it’s interpreted. If you make a post that contains controversial or offensive information or opinions, it could harm your reputation and damage your relationships. It’s important to think carefully about the potential impact of your posts and to avoid sharing anything that could reflect poorly on you.
4. Unwanted Attention
Posting publicly on Facebook can attract unwanted attention, such as spam, scams, or unwanted messages from strangers. This can be time-consuming and frustrating to deal with, and can be a source of stress and anxiety. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect yourself from unwanted attention.
5. Potential Legal Issues
Posting content that is defamatory, illegal, or copyrighted can result in legal issues, including lawsuits or criminal charges. It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding online content and to avoid sharing anything that could put you at risk of legal action.
6. Impact on Future Opportunities
Public posts on Facebook can have an impact on future opportunities, such as job opportunities or college admissions. Employers and admissions officers often review social media profiles to get a sense of an applicant’s character and behavior, and a public post that reflects poorly on you can potentially harm your chances. It’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of your posts and to ensure that they align with your personal values and goals.
