The Drum: As Social Media's Social Side Falters, 2025 is the Year of Community-Driven Brands

As social media devolves from its (forgotten) community vision to squabbling and worse, Hopscotch’s Marcus Hernon argues that now’s the time for brands to fill the gap.

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The Drum, Marcus Hernon, Hopscotch, December 19, 2024

As we head into 2025, brands that build, nurture, and grow their own loyal communities find themselves with a unique advantage. Social platforms have faltered in their ability to foster lasting, authentic relationships with consumers. Community-first brands are filling the void by offering something people crave: real human connection.

This is not a passing trend; it’s a seismic shift in how brands communicate, connect, and thrive. The bad news? If you’re still relying solely on social platforms to build meaningful engagement, it might be time to reconsider – because they’re not exactly delivering on their “social” promise anymore.

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(Photo courtesy of The Drum)

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