30+ social media ideas for your next post (on any platform)

Hey there 👋

This week, I filmed my first YouTube video. 

And let me tell you — it has tested me in a way no other content format has ever done.

I’m no stranger to social content creation. I’d consider myself at least intermediate on most platforms, especially since I started at Buffer, and I’m pretty proud of some of the success I’ve had.

So when Hailley, Tami, and I (aka the Buffer content team) decided to level up our YouTube presence, I thought it would be manageable. Not easy. But not all that difficult.

I could not have been more wrong. 

Creating well-lit, audible, coherent content that lasts longer than 90 seconds is a whole different ball game. The troubleshooting has been off the charts, and the blooper reel longer than the video itself.

At any rate — it’s almost there. And I’m weirdly excited about getting cracking with the next one. 🤔  My first foray into long-form video will be up on Buffer’s YouTube channel in the next couple of days. 

YouTubers: You have my unwavering respect.

Also, any tips for a newbie..?

Warmly, 

Kirsti & the Buffer team

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🖊️ Deep dive: Ideas for Your Next Social Media Post

Remember when social media content was limited to Facebook statuses and, er, “pokes?”

It seems bizarre now, given how much you can do with social media today. With the ever-growing list of platforms releasing new features daily, it can be overwhelming to decide what to try — and how.

I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the various content types available, plus several ideas of how you can use each.

There are loads more in the full article — along with real-life examples — linked below.

1. Chop up long-form content into threads

Written a great blog post or newsletter? Platform character limits don’t mean lengthier posts like this are off the table. In fact, thread functionality on platforms like X, Threads, and Bluesky (if you post with Buffer) really lends itself to summaries of long-form content.

2. Share behind-the-scenes stories

Audiences love to connect with brands (business or personal) on a deeper level. Sharing a relatable story that will make a viewer think, “Hey, I totally get that,” or, “They’re just like me,” can be an excellent way to strengthen their support of your work. The more authentic, the better.

3. Record ‘stock’ footage

Start an album of ‘stock footage’ you can use for short-form videos with a simple text overlay.

This could be anything: working at your desk, going about your day, putting the finishing touches on a new product, or even some beautiful scenery you happen to pass by.

4. Give step-by-step instructions and advice

Carousels are a great way to share step-by-step instructions or guides. This can be useful for sharing how-to content, tutorials, or tips. For example, you could create a carousel that walks users through setting up a specific software or tool.

5. Try a ‘spend a day with me’

Whether you’re a creator, a business owner, or a marketer, this versatile trend can work. These videos, which give your target audience a fly-on-the-wall view of a day in your life, are actually relatively easy to make.

5. Try a weekly photo dump

Out: Perfectly polished feeds. In: Messy, authentic, candid snaps. This trend lends itself perfectly to carousel-style posts, where all you need are some recent snaps from your camera roll.

⌛ "We save 2 hours per week with Buffer"

We pride ourselves on being an excellent tool for creators and business owners to grow on social media — and our users are more than happy to back us up. 

Michael Piperno says: “What used to take me hours now takes me minutes. Easily 2 hours saved per week.”

Want to skyrocket your growth? Get started with Buffer today!

🤳 What's happening in social?

• Instagram is adding comments to stories

• Bluesky has added new ‘anti-toxicity’ features

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• Big read: If TikTok is banned, creators may turn to Facebook over Instagram

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