Olytico’s analysis of Irish Sport on Social Media for December 2025 covers 10,100 posts, 2.6 million public engagements, and close to 10 million TikTok views.
While overall social activity dipped across platforms, X (-15%), Facebook (-13%), and TikTok (-18%) standout moments, major announcements, and big-hitting performances still cut through – from potential World Cup opponents to record-breaking swims and viral rugby clips.
Total TikTok views are up significantly from less than 8 million a year ago to close to 10 million in December 2025, reflecting a shift in engagement dynamics across social media channels.
Today, in the third of four articles on the Social Media metrics from last month, we are focusing on Instagram, and another dip in engagement numbers.
In the infographics below, we have ranked each organisation across a range of metrics for each network, including the most active, the most engaged, the most engaging content, and, where possible, engagements per 1,000 followers.
It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available data. It does not include any analysis or insight into paid or promoted content. When % figures are used (unless otherwise stated), they refer to the previous month’s figures.
Here is how our monthly report coverage will look this week.
X Analysis – Monday
Facebook Analysis – Tuesday
Instagram Analysis – Wednesday
TikTok Analysis – Thursday
December 2025 Highlights on Instagram
Instagram activity rose 6% to 2,715 posts yet saw a significant 58% fall in engagements to 1.98 million. This itself is 20% down on the level of engagements that were generated in 2024.
The NIFL (511, +30%) were the most active account on the platform as they featured some of their clubs’ retro badges.
View this post on Instagram
They were followed by the League of Ireland (366, +14%) as they showcased a young Evan Ferguson’s finish for Bohs MU17s, and Leinster Rugby (150, +206%) as they started their Investec Champions Cup campaign against Harlequins.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Canoeing Ireland (33, +154%) crowned Caitriona MacDonald as the Senior Women’s Canoe Polo Athlete of the Year, and Cycling Ireland (25, +150%) bought us 12 pictures from 12 months in their look back on 2025.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Ireland Football (5,284, -56%) topped the average engagement per post chart, and they were followed by Irish Rugby (4,043, +14%) and the GAA (3,447, -33%).
Team Ireland (690, +139%) saw Rory McIlroy and Kate O’Connor named as the Allianz Male and Female Athlete of the Year respectively at the Olympic Sport Awards.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The NIFL (2,242) claimed the top spot for December’s ‘highest engagements per 1,000 followers’.
With over 40,000 public engagements to date, Hollie Davidson claimed the top spot for the URC with the most engaged with Instagram post in December.
View this post on Instagram
X Analysis – Monday
Facebook Analysis – Tuesday
Instagram Analysis – Wednesday
TikTok Analysis – Thursday
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and be added to the list, email us today and let’s see what is possible. If you would like a more detailed analysis of your social media activity, contact ross@olytico.com
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