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.

Group of runners| We. Communications

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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