Social media can be a wild ride. Each platform has its own vibe, audience, and rules. If you want to win big—whether that means getting more followers, leads, or sales—you need to understand what makes each platform tick. Don’t worry, though! We’re breaking it down for you, platform by platform, with tips that’ll help you succeed.
Let’s get started!
Facebook: The Veteran
Facebook has been around forever (in internet years), so it’s no surprise that most of its users are adults. It’s a great place for businesses targeting people aged 25 to 55. If you’re into building online communities, Facebook Groups and Events are your jam.
How to Win:
- Video is king! People love watching videos on Facebook, especially live ones. Go live and get more eyeballs on your brand.
- Use Facebook Ads. Organic reach isn’t what it used to be. Boost those posts or run ads to reach more people.
- Create polls and ask questions. People love giving their opinion, and it boosts your engagement!
Watch out for:
- Declining reach? Your posts may not get seen unless you invest in ads. Don’t sweat it—it’s normal for Facebook these days!
- Tip: Avoid overly promotional posts. Facebook users prefer value-based content, like helpful tips or entertaining stories, over direct sales pitches. Keep it human and relatable!
Instagram: The Looker
Instagram is all about beautiful visuals and quick, snappy content. If your brand can tell a story with photos or videos, this is where you’ll shine. Instagram users are mostly in their 20s and 30s, so keep it fresh and fun!
How to Win:
- Post Reels! Instagram loves short videos, and so do users. Keep them quick, fun, and engaging.
- Be consistent. Try posting at least 2-3 times a week with a mix of Stories, Reels, and regular posts.
- Use hashtags like a pro. Mix popular ones with niche hashtags so new people can find you.
Watch out for:
- Low engagement? Mix it up! Try polls, quizzes, or asking followers to tag their friends. The more people interact, the more your posts will show up.
- Tip: Don’t over-edit your photos. Authenticity wins on Instagram. Overly polished, staged content doesn’t connect as well as more candid, behind-the-scenes shots.
TikTok: The Trendsetter
TikTok is where all the cool kids (and some cool adults) hang out. It’s perfect for short, snappy, and creative videos. If you can hop on trends or create your own, you’ve got a shot at going viral.
How to Win:
- Jump on trends. Keep an eye on what’s popular and join in with your own twist.
- Be quick! TikTok videos should be short and punchy—15 to 30 seconds is the sweet spot.
- Collaborate with influencers. TikTok influencers can help get your brand in front of a huge audience.
Watch out for:
- Struggling with reach? Jump on trending audio or hashtags to get your content in front of more people.
- Tip: Be spontaneous! Don’t overthink it—TikTok thrives on fun, casual, and imperfect videos. Overproducing might make your content feel out of place.
LinkedIn: The Professional
LinkedIn is all about business. If your company is in the B2B space or wants to connect with industry professionals, this is your go-to platform. Think of LinkedIn like a big networking event—don’t show up with a silly meme (save that for Instagram).
How to Win:
- Post thoughtful content. Share your knowledge, experiences, and industry insights. People love reading valuable, professional advice.
- Use LinkedIn Ads. You can target specific industries, job titles, and companies. It’s more expensive, but worth it for high-quality leads.
- Engage in conversations. Comment on posts, join LinkedIn Groups, and get involved in industry discussions.
Watch out for:
- Low engagement on posts? Try sharing personal success stories. Surprisingly, those do really well on LinkedIn!
- Tip: Avoid generic posts. LinkedIn is a place for valuable insights, not vague inspirational quotes. Offer real solutions or lessons learned to build credibility.
YouTube: The Long-Game Player
YouTube is the second-largest search engine (after Google), so it’s a great place for people searching for long-form content. Tutorials, how-tos, and educational videos do super well here. Plus, YouTube videos can live forever—people will find your stuff even years later.
How to Win:
- Make useful, informative videos. Focus on tutorials, product demos, or behind-the-scenes videos that help your audience.
- Use SEO. Yes, YouTube is all about SEO too! Make sure your titles, descriptions, and tags are packed with keywords so people can find your videos.
- Post regularly. Consistency is key—try posting once a week to start.
Watch out for:
- Not getting enough views? Your title and thumbnail are everything! Make sure they’re attention-grabbing and clear.
- Tip: Keep viewers hooked! Use engaging hooks within the first 10 seconds of your video to keep people watching till the end, and ask them to like or subscribe.
The Bottom Line
To really succeed on social media, you need to adjust your content to fit the platform and its audience. Whether you’re creating stunning visuals for Instagram, hopping on TikTok trends, or sharing knowledge on LinkedIn, make sure you know what works best for each platform.
Each platform has its own quirks, but with the right strategy, you can maximize engagement, grow your followers, and convert leads into sales. Just remember to stay consistent, stay creative, and have fun with it!
Need help creating killer videos for all these platforms? Popart Films has your back! Let’s chat about how we can bring your social media game to the next level.