What is Social Media?

More About Social Media

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Social media refers to internet-based platforms and applications that facilitate interaction, content sharing, and community building. Unlike traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television, social media is a two-way communication channel. This means users can not only consume content but also create and share their own.

For example, on Instagram, you can post photos and videos, interact with followers through comments and likes, and engage with a broader community through Stories and Reels.

Let’s check out the Instagram profile of National Geographic on the Instagram platform:

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Let’s see how social media works:

Each social media platform operates uniquely, but there are common features that most share.

• Profile: Users create personal or business profiles where they can upload photos, add bio information, and create a unique account name. For instance, creating a profile on TikTok allows you to share short videos and engage with other users.  
• Sharing Content: Users can share various types of content, such as text, photos, and videos. For example, on YouTube, you can share longer videos and even live stream events.
• Direct Messaging: This feature enables private communication between users. Apps like WhatsApp are built around this feature, while platforms like Instagram offer it as an additional feature.
• Algorithm: Social media platforms use algorithms to display content based on user interactions. For example, the Instagram algorithm prioritizes posts from accounts you interact with most.
• Feed and Timelines: These aggregate posts from accounts you follow, suggested posts, and relevant ads. On Facebook, your feed shows a mix of posts from friends, pages you like, and sponsored content.

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Check out this example of a Facebook feed:

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Let’s look at some examples of social media platforms.

Here are some major social media platforms:

• Instagram: Known for photo and video sharing, Instagram also offers features like Stories and IGTV.  
• Facebook: The largest social media platform, Facebook allows users to share a wide range of content, join groups, and create events.  
• WhatsApp: A messaging app that allows for text, voice, and video communication.  
• TikTok: A platform focused on short video content, often featuring music and viral challenges.  
• YouTube: Primarily a video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, and comment on videos.  
• Twitter: Known for its short text updates, Twitter is a platform for real-time news and discussions.

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Here’s how a TikTok profile and the platform look:

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Let’s see the benefits of social media for personal use-

Social media is integrated into daily life for many, offering several benefits:

• Building Relationships: Social media platforms like Facebook are excellent for connecting with friends and family, as well as meeting new people.  
• Developing a Personal Voice: Social media allows you to express yourself, share interests, and showcase talents. For example, you might use TikTok to share dance videos or cooking tutorials.  
• Encourages Discovery and Education: Platforms like YouTube offer a wealth of educational resources, from how-to videos to expert talks.

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Here’s a screenshot of Twitter on desktop:

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Now, let’s explore the benefits of social media for businesses and creators-

For businesses and creators, social media offers numerous advantages:

• Budget-Friendly Marketing: Social media marketing is cost-effective compared to traditional advertising. Tools like Instagram Ads allow for highly targeted campaigns.  
• Increased Brand Exposure: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide access to billions of users, increasing brand visibility.  
• Content and Event Sharing: Social media is a natural way to keep your audience updated. For instance, you can share event details on Facebook or promote new products on Instagram.  
• Targeted Marketing: Social media advertising allows for precise targeting. Using tools like Facebook Ads, businesses can reach specific demographics and interests.  
• Customer Engagement: Social media platforms are effective channels for customer service. Quick responses to queries on platforms like Twitter can enhance customer satisfaction.

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