Storytelling through Social Media

Ever think about how social media ads, campaigns, or how pictures are created?? They're all carefully thought out with the intention of their audience members. Any TikTok video you see, or Instagram photoshoot that pops up on your timeline, they take hours, days, or weeks to make. This is the power of storytelling but also keeping the audience engaged by hooking your attention the first 3 seconds of an article, enticing picture, or video.

1. The Queen of Instagram: Selena Gomez

Her first post amidst the Hailey Bieber debacle shows wholesome moments with her little 9-year old sister and grandpa. After surpassing 394 million followers on Instagram, and disabling her TikTok account after some major girl drama, she posts cute family pictures of them fishing.

Despite all of the chaos, we know this post isn't a pre-thought out campaign or ad. It is Selena's raw and authentic self just posting whatever she wants. We see her humble self through this. We see her love for her family. No filters, makeup, or glam necessary when her other opponents in the industry worry so much on aesthetics. We also see her maturity and removing herself from the situation- even though everyone is supporting her and siding with her against her bullies! She posted on March 2nd and got over 12 million likes, click on the photo to see more.

2. Camila Mendes for Armani Beauty

Paid partnerships and campaigns take lots of time to plan and execute their ideas. Many require directors, needing company approval... long story short- it takes a village.

Here we see Camila promoting Armani's new generation of brand ambassadors called "GEN A". Armani Beauty gathered an upcoming generation of talents "who believe in individuality, simplicity, and authenticity." These names include, Maude Apatow, Lili Reinhart, Isabela Merced, Jonathan Daviss, Chase Stokes, and more. For the audience, who are fans and look up to these young and upcoming actors on our screens makes us feel connected and supportive of their paid partnerships. The ad shows simplicity in the actors shooting in plain white t-shirts and jeans showcasing their "normal-ness" but also applying their products on themselves like we would at home. It is so smart to see these celebrities videos and behind-the-scenes experiences in action. Click on the video to watch Camila's TikTok.

3. Madeleine White's "Get Dressed with Me"

If you don't know this TikToker, she is just the absolute cutest with impeccable style. Everyday she talks to her audience in a way where we almost choose her outfits with her. In this specific video, it was her getting dressed for attending Dior's fashion week show in Paris. Because you have to be exclusively invited, brands often send the influencer/celebrity a borrowed outfit to wear.

Madeleine talking to her phone (really her followers), she pegs the questions of "this bag or this bag" or "skirt tucked or untucked?" or "tan tights or black tights?" It is easy to detect her storytelling in all the different events or environments she's in effecting her outfit choices. We feel as if we are on a "best friends" relationship with her since her videos and whole image is personal and intimate. Her personality and fashion sense is enjoyable to watch and takes you out of reality to imagine living the dream life she has. Click on the video to watch and take a quick scroll on her account too!

Try to pay attention to storytelling whenever an interesting picture or video pops up! The more you know :)