Brands with great social media have become the gold standard in digital marketing. These brands with great social media understand how to connect with audiences in authentic ways. The best brands with great social media create content that people actually want to see. These brands with great social media build communities, not just follower counts. In this article, we'll dig in to 12 brands with great social media that every marketer can learn from.
Social media has changed from a simple marketing channel to a key part of business strategy. With over 5 billion daily users spending an average of 143 minutes on social platforms, the opportunity is massive. But only a few brands truly stand out. These companies have cracked the code on creating content that resonates, builds loyalty, and drives real business results.
1. Duolingo: Master of Chaos Marketing
Duolingo has turned language learning into a social media phenomenon. Their TikTok strategy, led by their chaotic owl mascot, has taken the platform by storm.
- Key strategies:
- Character-driven content with their owl mascot
- Reactive posting that jumps on trends quickly
- Willingness to be weird and unexpected
Learn more about Duolingo's viral TikTok strategy.
2. Nike: Storytelling Through Sport
Nike's social media presence goes beyond selling products—they sell inspiration. Their content focuses on athletes and everyday people pushing their limits.
- What makes Nike great:
- Focus on empowerment and achievement
- Mix of professional athletes and real users
- Consistent brand message across platforms
See how Nike creates cultural moments through social media.
3. Wendy's: The Roast Master
Wendy's has built a massive Twitter following by being unapologetically sassy. Their social team isn't afraid to roast competitors and engage in playful banter.
- Why Wendy's works:
- Distinct personality that stands out
- Understanding of internet culture
- Willingness to take risks with humor
Read about Wendy's famous Twitter presence.
4. Use Assembo.ai to Create Custom Backgrounds
Assembo.ai helps brands create professional-looking social media content quickly. The platform uses AI to generate product photos and backgrounds that grab attention.
- How it helps social media:
- Create multiple content variations fast
- Maintain consistent brand visuals
- Test different visual approaches
Discover how Assembo.ai can level up your social media visuals.
5. Gymshark: Fitness Community Building
Gymshark has built a fitness empire through smart influencer partnerships and community focus. Their strategy revolves around authentic fitness content.
- Gymshark's approach:
- Strategic partnerships with fitness influencers
- User-generated content campaigns
- Building a lifestyle brand, not just a clothing company
Explore Gymshark's influencer marketing success.
6. Glossier: Beauty Through Community
Glossier treats social media as a two-way conversation. They regularly ask followers for product feedback and feature user content prominently.
- Glossier's community focus:
- Customer co-creation of products
- Heavy use of user-generated content
- Building a beauty movement, not just a brand
Learn about Glossier's community-driven approach.
7. Chipotle: Early TikTok Adopter
Chipotle was one of the first major brands to fully embrace TikTok. Their fun, challenge-based content has generated millions of views.
- Chipotle's TikTok success:
- Early adoption of new platforms
- Challenge-based content like #GuacDance
- Understanding platform-specific humor
See how Chipotle mastered TikTok marketing.
8. Red Bull: Content Beyond the Product
Red Bull creates content that's so good, people forget it's marketing. Their YouTube channel features extreme sports and adventure content that stands on its own.
- Red Bull's content philosophy:
- Create entertainment, not just ads
- Own specific content categories
- High-production value storytelling
Discover Red Bull's content marketing approach.
9. Dove: Purpose-Driven Social Media
Dove uses social media to promote positive messages about beauty and self-esteem. Their campaigns start important conversations.
- Dove's purpose-driven approach:
- Campaigns with social impact
- Focus on real people and stories
- Consistent brand values across platforms
Read about Dove's Real Beauty campaign.
10. Netflix: Master of Cultural Conversation
Netflix uses social media to join cultural conversations about their shows. They understand fan culture and create content that fans want to share.
- Netflix's fan-focused strategy:
- Memes and content from their shows
- Engagement with fan conversations
- Platform-specific content strategies
See how Netflix engages with fan culture.
11. Airbnb: Visual Storytelling
Airbnb's social media focuses on beautiful visuals and unique travel experiences. They inspire wanderlust through stunning photography and user stories.
- Airbnb's visual strategy:
- High-quality travel photography
- User-generated content features
- Focus on unique experiences, not just places
Explore Airbnb's visual storytelling approach.
12. Spotify: Data-Driven Personalization
Spotify's Wrapped campaign has become a cultural event. They use user data to create personalized, shareable content that users love.
- Spotify's data-driven approach:
- Personalized content for each user
- Yearly campaigns that create buzz
- Making data visual and exciting
Learn about Spotify's Wrapped campaign success.
Key Takeaways from Brands with Great Social Media
These brands with great social media share several common traits. They understand their audience deeply and create content that adds value to their followers' lives. The most successful brands treat social media as a conversation, not a broadcast.
No matter if you're a small business or a large corporation, you can learn from these brands with great social media. Focus on building genuine connections, creating content people actually want to see, and staying true to your brand's personality. Social media success comes from consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to experiment.