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.

Read more...

(Photo courtesy of The Drum)

Explore more

Marisa Lalli named as Head of Consumer Sector for North America | We. Communications

We. Communications Appoints Marisa Lalli as Head of Consumer Sector for North America

Purple and blue illustration of blood cells | We. Communications

Health Study: Reputation Influences Prescribing Behavior

We. Communications, Australia team | We. Communications

We. Communications Confirms New Leadership Team

Dawn Beauparlant on PRWeek Podcast | We. Communications

The PR Week Podcast with Dawn Beauparlant

2022 agency of the year | We. Communications

PRovoke: We. Named Global Tech PR Agency of the Year

Headshot of Sarah Gooding | We. Communications

Future of Communications at PRCA South Africa 2025