Big Technology Podcast Is Social Media Doomed To Die? — With Ellis Hamburger
May 3, 2023
Ellis Hamburger, former head of marketing strategy at Snap and now a storyteller at The Browser Company, shares his insights on the evolution of social media. He discusses how platforms often sacrifice their unique identities to mimic TikTok. Hamburger delves into the lifecycle of social media companies, highlighting the shift from idealism to monetization pressures. The conversation raises critical questions about user trust and healthier online interactions, exploring the future of platforms like Blue Sky and Be Real amidst the challenges of growth and ethics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Novel Formats
- Social media apps often begin with a novel format like filters or ephemeral messaging.
- This format usually reflects an unmet cultural need or desire.
Timing and Luck
- Timing and luck are crucial for social media app success, more so than just having a good idea.
- Distribution in the right networks at the right time is key.
The Pristine App
- Initially, social media apps are pristine, ad-free, and focused on close friends.
- As they grow, pressure mounts to monetize, leading to feature creep and ads.