The Future of Social Media đŸ”Ž

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As the larger social media platforms become more saturated with the goal of being “everything apps”, my hunch is more companies (and users) will gravitate towards focused social experiences. That could be novel concepts (like BeReal) or niche interests.

Niches All The Way Down

Take Letterboxd for example. Sure, you can post your thoughts on the latest Miyazaki film on X (aka the artist formerly known as Twitter), or you could speak directly to film fans on the “social network for film lovers”.

I wouldn’t call this a new idea per se. Goodreads, a community for book lovers, has been around since 2006. Before that, one could argue that every popular blog in the height of blogging was its own ecosystem, with thriving (and friendly) forum and community.

Perhaps every social media platform initially starts off as a niche—like LinkedIn being business focused—and (if you survive long enough) you eventually try to do everything so you can capture the most eyeballs, similar to how a brand that sells one great product (i.e. Amazon with books, MUD/WTR with a coffee alternative, etc) and inevitably feels the urge to expand into other categories.

This isn’t bad per se—business gonna business. However, it does potentially dilute the products original intent. Is Instagram still a photography app? Is TikTok still a short form video app? Technically, yes. But it’s not quite that clear and cut anymore.

Questions I have:

  • Q: Is social media fragmenting into more and more “channels”? Similar to how tv networks originally began with three channels in the 1940s with NBC, CBS and ABC, and eventually into a gazillion different options we have today.
  • Q: Is there a “Dunbar’s number” equivalent to social apps? How many social apps can one possibly keep up with at the same time? 3? 5? 10?
  • Q: Does everyone try all the social apps like me or am I just crazy?
  • Q: Will the big social companies continue to build large apps designed to do it all, or will they create their own social multiverse, a collection of niche apps tailored to specific interests? (Likely both.)
  • Q: Will the Fediverse save us?

If you’re unfamiliar, the Fediverse is a decentralized social platform eco-system, that allows you to take your information with you to any other app on the open protocol.

Taking the fediverse a step further, I could see a future where every person is their own individualized social media platform, particularly celebrities or personal brands. Why follow T. Swift on Instagram, when you follow her directly on the “swifty” app? Imagine a one-stop shop for the latest music, news, merch, and tour updates. And a place to connect with other fans. This is basically taking the idea of a blog or newsletter and platform-izing it. 

What’s The Core Driver?

It’s interesting (to say the least) how connected our world feels, yet simultaneously the majority of people today feel increasingly isolated.  

Everyone wants to be heard, but nobody wants to listen. 

Personally, I’d love to see more social platforms focus on helping others create strong, meaningful relationships and communities. More quality relationships and less comparison. 

Never rule out novelty as a powerful motivator. Staying innovative is a prerequisite to stay competitive in an ever increasingly saturated market.

— Josh Waggoner

Thoughts? Where do you think social media is going in the future? What are your thoughts on digital life? What platforms do you use?

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