Sean Cannell, host of the Think Media Podcast, discusses the future of social media with expert insights for marketers and creators. He reveals how AI is transforming engagement strategies and emphasizes the shift towards authenticity in content creation. Cannell highlights the importance of meaningful connections and storytelling over mere metrics. He also addresses the growing trend of vulnerability among older creators, showcasing their relatable experiences as a way to foster deeper audience connections in 2025.
Social media algorithms now prioritize user interests over subscriptions, necessitating a focus on attracting the right audience rather than vanity metrics.
Authenticity is essential in content creation, with audiences favoring raw and relatable stories over polished formats for deeper connections.
Deep dives
Social Media Algorithms and Their Impact
Social media algorithms have undergone significant changes, leading to a decline in organic reach for many creators. The platforms now prioritize showing users content based on their interests, rather than what they subscribe to, resulting in viewers seeing more content from strangers than their favorite channels. This shift is often frustrating for marketers and content creators, as simply increasing posting frequency does not guarantee greater visibility. To adapt, creators should focus on attracting the right audience rather than obsessing over vanity metrics like follower counts.
The Shift Towards Authenticity
In the current social media landscape, authenticity has become a crucial element for engaging audiences. Creators and marketers are encouraged to share raw, unpolished content that showcases real stories and struggles, moving away from overly produced, entertaining formats. This trend reflects a growing audience desire for genuine connections and relatable content that resonates on an emotional level. By embracing vulnerability and sharing personal challenges, creators can foster deeper connections and create content that encourages engagement and community.
The Transformation of Business Models
As the dynamics of social media shift, traditional metrics like views and likes are losing their importance in favor of alignment with business objectives. Creators are urged to focus on building sustainable income models rather than solely relying on ad revenue or creator funds from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This approach requires understanding and attracting the right audience that is genuinely interested in what is offered, rather than chasing broad reach. A more targeted strategy can lead to meaningful connections and ultimately result in achieving business goals.
The Rise of AI in Content Creation
Artificial Intelligence is poised to disrupt the creative landscape significantly, offering new tools that empower creators to enhance their productivity and content generation. As AI technologies advance, they provide capabilities beyond simple text generation, including image and video creation that can revolutionize how content is made. This technological evolution creates opportunities for new creators to enter the field with less friction, leading to increased competition. Adopting AI tools and strategies can lead to a competitive advantage in the rapidly changing ecosystem, allowing creators to maximize their output while minimizing effort.
Michael Stelzner reveals three trends essential for marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs in an exclusive interview with Sean Cannell, host of the Think Media Podcast.