If you’re a content creator, then you’re probably familiar with the frustration of acquiring and retaining a following of fans who enjoy your content. Whether you’re a video creator, a blogger, or any other type of creator, keeping a following can be challenging at times.
Some of the most popular social media sites where creators post their content include Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and with good reason, because all of these platforms allow monetization and they see tons of active users every day.
But some types of content by certain creators are better suited for other platforms, and many creators know this. Here are a few platforms to look to expand or even create a new following.
#1. Facebook Groups
More than likely, you have a personal Facebook page, and you may even have a public page dedicated to your content. Another page to consider is a group page where you can add members and allow them to post their own content related to yours, or allow members to have discussions. This can be especially beneficial to you if you sell some sort of merchandise.
You can choose to either have an open group, where anyone can join as a member, or you can have it set as a closed group, where potential members have to request access. The only catch is that with closed groups, people who are already members have the ability to invite others to join, meaning that you lose some control over who can request to join.
#2. Twitter
Twitter is still a popular social network used by more than 80 million people. It also offers many helpful tools to build a following, especially with its famous use of hashtags. Twitter was in fact the first social media platform to use the hashtag, which has been helpful in allowing creators to gain more followers through niche-specific hashtags for writing, videos, photography, and other creative outlets. Users can also follow these hashtags and be constantly updated with content attached to them.
Similar to Facebook Groups, Twitter has “lists” that its users can follow. Following and becoming a member of lists in your niche are also a good way to get your content to reach more people and gain a bigger audience.
#3. Tumblr
Still in use today, Tumblr was especially popular in the early to mid-2010s. In fact, Tumblr still had over 16 million active users in 2019. Tumblr is somewhat of a cross between a social media platform and a blog, so this is likely a good place for bloggers to gain a new following.
In addition to text and pictures, you can share videos, music, links to more content, and even quotes decorated with large quotation marks. Tumblr is also widely known as a social blog that reflects the personality of its owner – this is a unique way to allow your current followers to get to know you in a different way.
#4. Usenet
Usenet isn’t exactly a true social media site, but more so a social platform in the form of a discussion forum. An interesting fact about Usenet is that it’s actually the oldest social platform ever. It was created back in 1979 by college students using telephone modems to enable their computers to send information to each other.
Today you can share an unlimited amount of uncensored videos, audio files, photos, and text – all of which you can also access from other users. All downloads are secure, so there’s no need to worry about security issues. This is a good platform to gain a following as Usenet hosts a unique demographic of people eager for user-generated content.
Unfortunately, some content creators won’t see the same success on certain social media platforms as other creators will. It doesn’t mean that that particular creator isn’t as good, it just means that there’s a saturation of content on these platforms, making it harder for everyone to stand out. Try promoting your content on other platforms. You just might be able to gain a larger following on a different platform.