Let’s Talk: Being Original in the Content-Saturated World of Social Media
Hey guys! I’m back with another “Let’s Talk” post today opening a discussion on a topic that’s been on my mind lately: originality on social media, especially in the lives of those of us who make an income off of it. It’s a tough industry and it seems like everyone is just trying to follow the crowd and recreate what works to stay on top, and relevant too. Keep reading for my thoughts (AKA a total brain dump) on being original in the content-saturated world of social media.
Being original? Easier said than done sometimes. We’re consuming more content on a daily basis than we likely realize, and since the social media world (particularly Instagram) is so saturated with content, it’s so incredibly difficult to come up with images and concepts that feel totally unique to you and your brand. You know, stuff that your favorite bloggers and photographers haven’t already created or regurgitated.
Creative ruts, lack of inspiration, feeling ten steps behind and inadequate are all feelings that can coincide with careers on social media — or within active users in general. Unlike many other jobs, the stats on social media are right in front of you. Your numbers, content and creativity are all on display for literally everyone to see and it’s easy to feel like you’re not on top of your game. When you see other people growing faster than you, gaining more exposure and getting more opportunities, an immediate reaction of self reevaluation can set in. What am I not doing that I could be doing? Are there trends that I’m not following that I should be?
Then comes the frantic copy-caters. Someone in particular probably just popped into your head, am I right? I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve seen people copy other’s photos without crediting them for inspiration whatsoever time and time again. Part of me wants to give them the benefit of the doubt because it’s hard not to do something that hasn’t already been done these days, but it also can be hard to believe that two people happened to think of the exact same photo idea (sometimes down to the location, angle of the shot, pose and even the outfit) within weeks of each other who also happen to follow one another ft. uncredited captions and not even a simple shoutout… but I digress.
With that being said, it can feel like everything has already been done, which is really discouraging sometimes. I’ve always been someone who’s wanted to be different for as long as I can remember (I basically wore an animal print dress to my senior prom if you needed any more convincing), but it can be difficult to find your unique identity online AND find time to execute it. If you have an ideal image of what your brand is and the content in which you’d like it expressed but just can’t quite seem to get it right, there’s a million of us feeling the exact same way. I honestly think Instagram could be a full-time job if you let it be (planning photoshoots, engaging, creating story content, etc.) — who else agrees?!
Being original doesn’t equate followers or “success” either (this sentence made me gag a little, but what’s the point of social media presence without the tiniest bit of desired growth for your brand/business?). Being one of the hardest workers in the game doesn’t always rank you higher, which is also a tough pill to swallow. Unlike many other jobs, social media effort doesn’t necessarily equate results. No one knows it took you hours to plan and execute that perfect shot, and your highest quality image may not do as well as someone else’s worst. Instagram (and social media in general) is a difficult game with no playbook. People who aren’t neck deep in the platform don’t always realize this, but successful ‘grammers don’t have any cult secrets — I don’t consider myself one whatsoever (like at all, you guys), but like many of you probably do too, I know the game. There are no rules and there is no formula for success, as much as that reversal would be highly beneficial for our sanities.
Sometimes I think originality can’t be taught — or at least the instinct to act on it, that is. I’m not the queen of originality, but boy do I wish I was! That’s the kind of quality I’m drawn to on social media and strive for (successful or not), and I think that quality is what’s going to keep social media and the brands/businesses surrounding it afloat. I think focusing less on the content we’re viewing and more on the content we’re creating (this is something I struggle with) is what will help us find or originality in the content-saturated world of social media.
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I want to know your thoughts — how do you feel about originality on social media? Thanks so much for reading my brain dump & be sure to head over to my Instagram for an exciting GIVEAWAY that ends next Thursday! 🙂 Have a great weekend, guys!
