Choosing Platforms to Share Your Thoughts
Sharing your thoughts and opinions these days is easy in the sense that there are many forms of communication, but that can also make choosing which platform to post on a daunting decision. In this article I want to talk about the uses of different social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and personal blogs and how to choose what fits your needs.
The content across these platforms range from just text posts, short videos, and long articles, so finding what you like and are comfortable with is key. Each platform offers different aesthetics and content so finding what fits your needs and lifestyle is the first step.
I took a social media strategy class where I had to find a topic I was passionate about then make social media accounts and a blog to post on about that topic every week for the whole quarter. I learned a lot about the different social media platforms and the different vibes that each one has and how to make content specifically for each platform.?
These are some of the takeaways I got from each social media platform that I used:
TikTok
TikTok is a video sharing app that lets you record 15 seconds to 3-minute-long videos about whatever topic you want. They offer many features like putting music behind the videos, editing, fun filters, and green screen effects. TikTok is geared more towards younger generations, but that does not mean there isn’t older generations participating as well. TikTok has influence over the market because once a video gets millions of views it can sell out products within a few hours of a video being posted.
That being said, not every video gets millions of views, or even just a few hundred, so don’t be discouraged if you post a video and it doesn’t go viral. If you enjoy making short videos and find a topic you are passionate about, TikTok is a great place for you to post on. One hobby I have is crocheting and I made a short video to post on TikTok to show off my work and the process behind making it. I made a crewmate that you can see in the picture on the left from the popular game Among Us and that seemed to be a hit on TikTok at the time. There are many communities on TikTok so if you find a niche like crocheting there are many people that will support you. Also, once you start posting consistently, especially if it’s about the same topic, your account should start picking up some followers and engagement.
Instagram is mainly for posting pictures of your life and what you have been doing. The app is a little more formal than TikTok or Twitter with how pictures and videos are presented. When I go on Instagram I know I am going to see very nice pictures of people or fun activities they are doing at the time. The app can be a bit deceiving in that many pictures are edited because people want to put forward their best self, so be aware so you don’t feel intimidated by seemingly impossible standards, because they are actually impossible.
You can also shop on Instagram, so if you see something you like you can buy it right then and there. If you are thinking about starting a business you could easily promote on Instagram, or get inspiration on what to post from other accounts.
I have found myself scrolling on Instagram for hours because the content can really pull you in. If you are looking to promote items, hobbies, and even a lifestyle like travelling, Instagram is a great platform for you.
We all know Facebook, it’s the social media giant that also owns Instagram. Facebook gets some backlash for being targeted towards older generations, but it can be a great way to connect with your community. Facebook has a few cool features like groups you can join, as well as Facebook marketplace.
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Facebook has a less formal feel than Instagram in that you aren’t looking at a ton of models and products but is more for seeing what your friends and family are currently doing. You may get more extended family members commenting on your posts and seeing your life updates.
Twitter is where your personality and wit can shine. On Twitter you can post short text posts up to 280 characters long, a picture or gif, or repost content from someone else. There is a variety of what you can post on Twitter, and it is mostly up to you. The content can range from a big brand doing an innovative campaign to you writing a random thought you have about the weather. I have found content on Twitter to be funnier and more sarcastic than the other platforms, so you do not have to hold back your funny quips.
When I posted on Twitter, I would get random accounts reposting my content to their much bigger accounts, so sometimes you might get more recognition than you initially think you will. I found Twitter to be great for quick and easy access when you don't have a lot of time to sit down and make a lot of content. It can be as simple of a process as typing a sentence or two and then putting some relevant hashtags on it.
Blogs
Creating a personal blog can be a lot of work but really fun. You get to make everything personalized to fit your personal brand and create a feed that is all your own. I made a blog last year for a class I was in, but I got to choose the topic of my blog. I made it using a free site builder called Wix and it had a lot of great features including templates which made the initial takeoff super easy while still fitting the idea I had created in my head of what I wanted the blog to look like.
Personal blogs are where you can write longer articles about specific topics you are interested in. For my blog I wrote about cooking and meal planning as a college student since that was something I was interested in and relevant to my life. There is a plethora of different types of blog posts you can write including tutorials, reviews, and infographics just to name a few. With blogs you have creative freedom to write as much or as little as you want. Then, you can promote those blogs on your other social media platforms!
The infographic below is one I made for my personal blog and I got to be creative and do some graphic design for it which I had fun doing.
I had a fun experience making my blog and writing a post for it about once a week for a quarter, and while it does take a bit of work, seeing the finished product is awesome. So, if you enjoy writing, blogs may be the way to go for you.
Writing blogs was my favorite form of posting because I got to share more detailed thoughts than I would on Twitter or Facebook. I made an infographic and tutorial and got to show step by step on how to make some of my favorite foods which I found to be really fun. My blog was also open to the public so other people can follow along with my recipes.
Overview
Social media platforms were made for people to connect and share their thoughts in different ways. You may enjoy using all of the social media platforms or you may only connect with a few so finding which one’s suite you the best may help you express more of your opinions. Each social media platforms has a different vibe and aesthetic so figuring out what you like and dislike is a good starting point. TikTok has a younger audience and is video based, Instagram is fine tuned pictures, Facebook is connecting with family and friends, Twitter is writing short thoughts, and blogs are made for those who enjoy writing longer and in more detail.
Megan Henderson is a Senior at Central Washington University who is studying Marketing, Management, and Digital Marketing and will be graduating this June in 2022. She has experience in marketing and management and sees digital marketing as the future of successful marketing.?She is passionate about the use of social media and how the use of online communication is changing the way of living.