7 Ways to Use Social Media for Storytelling

When we were kids, stories had a rhythm.

Author

Stephen Stanberry
October 19th, 2025

In partnership with

friend!

So, let’s be honest for a sec…

Most people use social media like a digital garage sale.
Random stuff everywhere.
No structure.
No story.

And then they wonder why no one stops scrolling to look.

But here’s the thing:
Good stories still stop people.
Always have. Always will.

Think about the stories we grew up on…
They had a beginning, middle, and end.
Some conflict.
A lesson.
Something that made you feel something.

That’s what great storytelling still does even online.

So, let’s get into it.
Here are 7 ways to actually use social media for storytelling instead of sounding like another “look at me” robot.

1. Create a Story Journey.

Most creators post like goldfish.
No memory, no direction.

You need a journey.
What’s the bigger story?
Where are you taking your audience over the next 3, 6, 12 months?

Think of your posts as chapters.
Each one should move the plot forward.

Example: Dove didn’t sell soap they built a decades-long story about confidence.
And we’re still watching.

2. Prove It Visually.

Don’t tell me your product “changes lives.”
Show me how it changed yours.

Show me behind the scenes.
The outtakes. The screwups.

That’s what makes it real.

Example: GoPro doesn’t say their camera is powerful
they show people jumping out of planes with it.

3. Write Like a Movie.

Yeah, I know. Obvious.
But most creators write like LinkedIn PowerPoint decks.

Start with a moment.
Drop me into the action.
Make me feel like I’m there with you.

Stories aren’t built on bullet points.
They’re built on tension, rhythm, and truth.

Example: Ryanair’s tweets? 12 words or less,
and every one feels like a sitcom punchline.

4. Collaborate With Intention.

Collabs are cool.
But only if you actually share values.

Don’t just chase reach.
Chase relevance.

When audiences see alignment, they trust you more.
That’s character development for your brand.

Example: GymShark’s #GymShark66 didn’t sell leggings
it sold transformation stories through real people.

5. Let AI Be the Assistant, Not the Author.

Use it to draft, research, brainstorm… fine.
But don’t let it touch your soul.

AI can replicate tone.
It can’t replicate truth.

Your messy, human moments?
That’s the secret sauce.

Example: One travel creator uses AI to outline captions,
then rewrites them after living the experience.
That’s balance.

6. Turn Your Audience Into Characters.

This isn’t a one-way performance.
Talk to people. Ask questions. Respond like you mean it.

You’re not building an audience you’re building a cast.
Without them, there’s no show.

Example: Scrub Daddy’s TikToks aren’t ads
they’re sketches starring their followers.

7. Add a Pulse.

Every story needs a heartbeat.
If you’re only posting to promote, people can tell.

So ask yourself: why does this matter?
Not just to me but to them?

When you find that answer, you’ll start building a brand that lasts.

Example: Milk Makeup didn’t launch with ads.
They launched with attitude. Clean, vegan, and human.
That’s why Gen Z listens.

So yeah… next time you hit “post,” ask yourself:
Does this make anyone feel something?
Or is it just content?

Because content gets ignored.
Stories get remembered.

Till next time,
Stephen “Turning stories into strategy” Stanberry

P.S. If you read this far, here’s your challenge share one story this week that actually says something about you.
Then tag me.
I’ll hype you up like a proud friend.

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