Threads, Bluesky, and Beyond: New Social Platforms Influencers Should Watch

The social media landscape is shifting fast. New platforms are popping up seemingly overnight, and they’re changing where and how content creators, micro influencers, and brands connect with audiences. In the aftermath of Twitter’s transformation into X and other big-platform drama, users have been flocking to fresh alternatives like Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, Lemon8, and Spill. For content creators, ecommerce entrepreneurs, and Amazon sellers, these rising networks present exciting new opportunities – if you know how to navigate them.

In this post, we’ll explore Threads, Bluesky, and a handful of other up-and-coming social platforms that influencers and brands should keep on their radar. We’ll dive into what makes each unique, how they’re relevant for influencer marketing and brand partnerships, and the benefits and challenges of getting in early. You’ll also find practical tips for micro influencers and ecommerce brands (yes, Amazon sellers, we mean you!) on testing and growing your presence on these new channels.

Let’s get started with a quick overview of the new platforms making waves in 2024–2025, and why they matter for influencer marketing.

New Social Platforms to Watch in 2025

Emerging social platforms are capturing users’ attention – and in some cases, millions of users – by offering new experiences or filling gaps left by older networks. Here are five rising platforms every content creator and brand marketer should be watching, each with its own flavor and community:

• Threads – Meta’s new text-based platform linked to Instagram, touted as a “Twitter killer” focused on friendly conversations.

• Bluesky – A decentralized, Twitter-like microblogging app backed by Twitter’s co-founder, emphasizing community and chronological feeds.

• Mastodon – A federated open-source network of communities (servers) that surged after Twitter’s changes, offering ad-free, user-controlled social feeds.

• Lemon8 – A visually rich app from ByteDance (TikTok’s parent) blending Instagram-like photos with Pinterest-style discovery, geared toward lifestyle content and shopping.

• Spill – A culture-driven, Black-owned social app born from ex-Twitter employees, known for its meme-forward “visual conversations” and inclusive vibe.
  

Comparison of Emerging Social Platforms

As you can see, each platform offers something a little different – from Threads’ built-in Instagram integration to Spill’s community-first approach. One major difference is scale. Some of these networks already have substantial user bases, while others are still very niche.

Estimated user base (in millions) of emerging social platforms as of early 2025. Threads (launched mid-2023) quickly dwarfed others with around 275M users, whereas Bluesky surpassed 30M after a surge of growth in late 2024. Mastodon and Spill remain smaller niche communities (roughly 1–2M actives each), and Lemon8 has garnered tens of millions of downloads globally.

Despite varying sizes, what they all have in common is potential. These platforms are new enough that influencers and brands can still establish an early presence and organic reach before the crowds (and algorithms) catch up. Let’s take a closer look at each and why it matters for influencer marketing.

Threads – Instagram’s Text-Based Sibling

What It Is: Threads is Meta’s answer to Twitter, a text-focused social app launched in July 2023 and linked to your Instagram account. It gained over 30 million users on its first day and skyrocketed to 275 million monthly users in a year, thanks to easy signup via Instagram. Threads emphasizes friendly, conversation-driven posts over the snark and controversy often seen on Twitter. Think of it as the group chat vibe, but on a social scale.

Influencer Marketing Relevance: With its huge early adoption, Threads became a “shiny new object” for influencer marketing. Brands and creators jumped in quickly – within 48 hours of launch, influencers were already posting sponsored content (even Hulu ran a promo with a creator on Threads). For content creators, Threads offers a more casual way to engage followers with text and quick updates, while still allowing images, videos, and links. In fact, during the first post-launch Prime Day, one creator shared an Amazon affiliate link on Threads and found it more seamless than on Instagram stories – a promising sign for e-commerce promotions.

Meta is keen to make Threads brand and advertising-friendly, leveraging its Instagram know-how. Within a week of launch they were already exploring branded content tools. While features like hashtags and robust search were missing initially, Threads has rolled out updates (chronological feeds, topic feeds, etc.) to improve discovery. The vibe on Threads is relatively positive and brand-safe – even Mark Zuckerberg noted the goal is to keep it “friendly” as it grows, a subtle contrast to Twitter’s anything-goes approach. For micro influencers, this platform is a chance to engage audiences with authentic storytelling and conversation rather than highly produced content. If you’re already big on Instagram, Threads lets you carry over that follower base easily, giving you a head start in building an audience.

Early Challenges: As an early-stage platform, Threads had limited analytics and no advertising out of the gate. Some creators have been cautious not to overwhelm Threads with ads to avoid alienating users who see it as a fresh start. Additionally, user retention dipped after the initial rush – so the community is still finding its footing. But with Meta’s resources and integration with Instagram, Threads is likely here to stay and develop more robust tools for creators and brands. If you thrive on text or have a thought-leadership angle, Threads is a playground to test content that might not fit the polished Instagram grid.

Bluesky – Decentralized Buzz & Early-Adopter Energy

What It Is: Bluesky is a decentralized social app that grew out of an initiative by Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey. Launched in invitation-only beta in late 2022 and opening up more broadly in 2024, Bluesky looks and feels a lot like classic Twitter – short posts, reposts, and replies – but under the hood it runs on the open AT Protocol with user-run servers (much like email or Mastodon). For users, the draw is a familiar microblogging experience without the baggage of Twitter/X. Growth was steady at first, then exploded in late 2024 when major events drove people to seek alternatives. Notably, when Brazil banned Elon Musk’s X in fall 2024, millions of Brazilian users flocked to Bluesky within days. By January 2025, Bluesky had topped 27 million users, and over 33 million by Q1 2025. That’s still tiny compared to Twitter or TikTok, but the trajectory has everyone watching.

Influencer Marketing Relevance: For influencers, Bluesky’s appeal is clear: it’s a chance to get in on the ground floor of a network that could be “the next Twitter.” Many influencers missed the early Twitter days when gaining followers was easy – Bluesky offers a do-over. About 50% of Bluesky users have 1 or 0 followers (essentially half the user base is not yet connected), which underscores how early we are. This lack of saturation means a micro influencer who joins now and brings even a small fanbase could instantly become a top voice on the platform. In other words, early mover advantage is huge. You’re not competing against millions of established creators or fighting a ruthless algorithm. Bluesky’s feed is chronological and currently has no ads at all. Your posts aren’t getting sandwiched between sponsored content, which can lead to higher visibility and engagement for everything you share. For brands, the no-ads policy means the only way to do promotions on Bluesky is through influencer partnerships and organic engagement. There’s no paid media shortcut – which actually elevates the role of creators. Early adopter brands are already quietly scouting Bluesky for influential voices.

The community vibe on Bluesky is one of authenticity and casual interaction. Without heavy algorithmic feeds, content doesn’t “go viral” in the same way, but it reaches followers more consistently. Influencers on Bluesky often note the genuine conversations and sense of community – it “feels more like friends chatting than performing for an audience.” Engagement per user is promising (users spend 10+ minutes per session on average), and features like DMs have been added to facilitate connection. From a brand partnership perspective, any sponsored content on Bluesky tends to stand out because there aren’t many ads. Done right, it can come off as a natural part of community discussion rather than an intrusion. For example, an influencer might host a Bluesky-exclusive giveaway or Q&A with a brand – these creative collabs can thrive in the current environment.

Early Challenges: Bluesky is still technically in beta and requires an invite (as of early 2025), which limits its spread. The user base skews tech-heavy and U.S./Brazil-centric for now, so reaching a broad demographic may be tricky until it opens up further. There’s also no built-in analytics or creator tools yet. And like any decentralized network, moderation and community standards are evolving (each server can set its own rules). But if you’re an influencer or brand who likes to experiment, Bluesky is a prime candidate – it’s growing fast, and those who establish a presence now could become the go-to voices on the platform later. Just be ready to play the long game and adapt as Bluesky’s features and norms develop.

Mastodon – The Federated Community Network

What It Is: Mastodon isn’t brand new (launched in 2016), but it surged into prominence in late 2022 and 2023 as a Twitter alternative. It’s an open-source, decentralized social network made up of thousands of independent servers (instances) that talk to each other. Users join a specific server – often themed by interest or region – but can follow and interact across the “fediverse” of all servers. The experience is similar to Twitter (short text posts, boosts, replies) but without a central algorithm or company in control. Mastodon is entirely chronological and ad-free, and many servers are run by volunteer admins or nonprofits. After Twitter’s upheavals, Mastodon’s user numbers spiked: it went from a niche community to over 2.5 million monthly active users at its peak in late 2022, then leveled off to around 1–1.5 million active users in 2023–2024 (and over 10 million accounts created in total). While growth has slowed, Mastodon has a dedicated base that continues to grow gradually as people seek non-corporate social spaces.

Influencer Marketing Relevance: Mastodon’s decentralized nature means there’s no built-in influencer marketplace or ads, and many of its communities are somewhat averse to overt commercialism. So, does it matter for influencer marketing? The answer is nuanced. If your brand or content aligns with the ethos of a particular Mastodon community, you can gain a loyal following and high engagement. For example, tech bloggers, open-source advocates, artists, and journalists have found strong niches on Mastodon. Because users choose servers based on interests (like photography, gaming, or local city communities), micro influencers who are genuinely part of those communities can thrive by sharing content that resonates. The absence of ads means users’ “BS radar” is set to high – authenticity is paramount. A blatant product plug might fall flat, but a thoughtful discussion or a review by a respected community member can carry real weight.

For brands, Mastodon isn’t the place for splashy campaigns, but it can be used for community building and PR. Organizations from nonprofits to tech companies maintain Mastodon accounts to share updates with an audience that might not be on Twitter. If you identify micro influencers on Mastodon who love your product niche (say, a popular Mastodon photographer using your camera gear), forming a genuine relationship with them can lead to organic advocacy. User-Generated Content (UGC) is powerful here – for instance, an Amazon seller of a board game might engage with a Mastodon board gaming community by sending samples to a few enthusiasts who then post about their honest experience (not as a paid ad, but as content). Such grassroots influencer marketing can build trust among a tight-knit group.

Early Challenges: Mastodon is not “plug-and-play” for marketing. You’ll need to invest time to understand each community’s norms. Metrics are decentralized (no universal follower count or easy way to measure impressions across the fediverse). Also, content doesn’t go viral in the traditional sense, since there’s no central algorithm amplifying it – growth is more slow and steady via word of mouth. For micro influencers, one challenge is that each Mastodon server is like its own island. Your follower growth might be limited by your server’s size and the interests of the fediverse. But that’s also a benefit: it’s about depth of engagement, not breadth. If you’re an influencer known for expertise or a brand championing authenticity and community values, Mastodon could be a rewarding space to nurture an audience, even if it’s smaller. Just remember to approach with genuine participation – this is a space that rewards passion and punishes phony promotion.

Lemon8 – The Pinterest-Instagram Hybrid with E-Commerce Potential

What It Is: Lemon8 is a newer app from ByteDance (the creators of TikTok) that quietly launched in 2023. Think of Lemon8 as a mashup of Instagram’s glossy imagery and Pinterest’s discovery boards, with a dash of blog-like depth. The app focuses on highly curated, aesthetically pleasing content – users post photo carousels or short videos accompanied by long-form captions (almost mini blog posts). Popular topics include fashion, beauty, travel, food, and DIY – all presented in a very “Pinteresty” layout. ByteDance designed Lemon8 to encourage slower, deeper engagement: it’s not about quick TikTok-style swipes, but rather scrolling through a feed of visually rich posts and maybe even reading the captions. By encouraging longer captions and story-like content, Lemon8 gets users to stay and linger on content longer than the frenetic TikTok pace.

Importantly, Lemon8 is built with shopping and influencer collabs in mind from the get-go. It calls itself a “lifestyle community,” which is often code for “aspirational content that can sell products.” In fact, ByteDance has already been paying influencers to promote Lemon8 on other platforms – in late 2023, they ran TikTok campaigns where creators talked about new Lemon8 features and linked out to download the app. The result: Lemon8’s downloads spiked (160% growth in the second half of 2023) and it climbed into the top ranks of app stores. By early 2025, it even hit #1 free app on Apple’s App Store at times, signaling a real momentum. While its total user count is smaller than Threads or TikTok, Lemon8 has a foothold among Gen Z and millennial users who love curated lifestyle content.

Influencer Marketing Relevance: For e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers, Lemon8 could be a goldmine. The platform is explicitly described as a “dream for e-commerce integrations and influencer collaborations”. Why? Because everything about it is geared toward product discovery. Long captions allow influencers to include detailed product reviews or how-to-use stories. The visual focus means products can be showcased beautifully, and the UI even has a Pinterest-like “save” and “collection” vibe which hints at eventual shopping features. In other words, Lemon8 posts are shoppable content in the making. If you’re a micro influencer in beauty, fashion, or home décor, you can create magazine-quality posts on Lemon8 that not only inspire but also subtly (or not so subtly) feature products you love (or are partnering with). Brands can benefit by partnering with creators to make these native ads that don’t feel like ads – a skincare routine post, a travel photo diary featuring a certain gadget, etc. Because it’s early, the organic reach is still favorable – good content can get picked up in the “For You” style feeds as Lemon8’s algorithm works to match niche interests.

Another big benefit: early mover advantage. ByteDance clearly has global ambitions for Lemon8, especially if TikTok faces regulatory issues. If you start building an audience now, you could ride the wave if Lemon8 becomes the next big thing. Remember the days when Instagram’s organic reach was amazing and early adopters grew huge followings? There’s a chance to capture that on Lemon8 before it gets crowded. As one marketing expert put it, getting in early on Lemon8 could give you a head start “before it gets crowded,” much like the “glory days of cheap Facebook ads”. Already, some savvy Amazon sellers and D2C brands are experimenting with Lemon8 by repurposing influencer content from TikTok/IG or sponsoring Lemon8 posts that align with popular trends (like those “#100Days” bucket list challenges ByteDance promoted). User-generated content (UGC) shines here – authentic photos and stories perform well, which micro influencers excel at. A great Lemon8 post by a micro influencer can double as content the brand might reuse on their own site or Amazon listing for social proof.

Early Challenges: Lemon8’s user base, while growing, is still building. It’s highly skewed to lifestyle categories, so if you’re outside those niches, you might not find your crowd yet. Also, being a relatively new platform, there’s a bit of a learning curve to get the aesthetic right – polish and visual storytelling are important (it’s not the place for off-the-cuff meme posts, for example). For brands, it’s another platform to create content for – you may need to invest in high-quality imagery and find creators who can deliver the desired look. There’s also the looming question of regulation: since ByteDance owns it, a TikTok ban in some country could possibly affect Lemon8 as well. So there is some risk in fully committing. That said, the experimentation upside is high. If you’re a content creator or Amazon seller in a visually driven category, give Lemon8 a try – you might tap into a fresh audience that’s eager for new content (and new products to buy).

Benefits of Joining New Platforms Early

New social platforms can feel like the Wild West – and that can be a good thing for influencers and marketers. Here are some big benefits of being an early adopter on Threads, Bluesky, Spill, and other upstarts:

First-Mover Advantage

With relatively few users and creators, it’s easier to stand out. Early adopters often become the de facto influencers of that platform. For example, joining Bluesky now, when about 50% of users have virtually no followers, means you can quickly become a top voice in your niche. Getting in early on Lemon8 or Threads could similarly cement your position before the masses arrive.

Organic Reach & Growth

New platforms typically offer higher organic reach. There’s no pay-to-play requirement (heck, some don’t even have ads yet), and algorithms – if they exist – are more favorable to showing diverse content since they’re figuring out what users like. This means your posts are more likely to be seen and engaged with, without needing an ad budget. Many creators recall the “golden age” of Instagram or TikTok when growth was explosive; early days on these new apps can feel the same.

Community Building & Loyalty

Early users on a platform often form tight communities and are very receptive to genuine engagement. By joining a platform early, you can help shape its community norms and build deep relationships with your followers. Those followers will remember you as one of the OG creators on the platform, leading to strong loyalty. Brands that engage authentically (not just broadcast ads) can become beloved community members, which is marketing gold you can’t buy.

Press & Cross-Promotion Opportunities

Being early and innovative can attract media attention and cross-platform promotion. Creators who establish themselves on a hot new app often get featured in “top users to follow” lists, interviews, or cited in industry conversations. Brands can get PR by experimenting publicly (“XYZ Brand is the first to run a campaign on [new platform]”). Also, the platforms themselves might even spotlight you – for instance, Spill’s team actively interacts with its user base on Twitter/IG, highlighting cool content from Spill users. Threads and Bluesky have had their staff pick interesting posts to boost. Riding that wave can amplify your reach on older platforms too.

In short, the upside of joining a platform early is the chance to grab land in a low-competition environment and shape your own success story. Many micro influencers have vaulted to macro status simply by being early on a rising app and riding the network’s growth. For Amazon and ecommerce sellers, an early presence on a new social platform can drive traffic and sales with far less ad spend than mature networks – essentially free real estate for marketing while it lasts. It’s a bit of a lottery which platform will truly stick, but the ones that do could carry you upward with them.

Challenges of Early-Stage Platforms

Before you rush to sign up everywhere, let’s balance the equation. There are definitely some challenges and risks when investing time or money into emerging social platforms:

Uncertain Future

Not every new platform will become the next Instagram. Some will fizzle out or plateau at a niche audience. If a platform doesn’t grow, the time you spent there might not yield a big return (remember Google+ or Clubhouse’s fade?). There’s also regulatory risk – e.g. if TikTok were banned, ByteDance’s Lemon8 could also be affected. Betting on a single new platform is risky; it’s wise to diversify your efforts and not abandon your proven channels.

Feature Limitations

Early platforms often lack the tools that make content creation and analytics easier. You might not have things like post scheduling, robust insights, advertising tools, or even basic moderation controls. As noted, Threads launched without hashtags or a follower feed (initially), and Bluesky only recently added DMs. For brands, the lack of analytics on new apps can make it tough to measure ROI or gather demographic data. You’re kind of flying blind and need to rely on manual observation or creative UTM tracking for links.

Small Audience (For Now)

By definition, new platforms have fewer users. If you have 10k Instagram followers and you get 500 of them to follow you to a new app, you’re speaking to a much smaller crowd there. Reach and engagement numbers may be modest at first, which can be discouraging or hard to justify if you’re used to big numbers. Brands might find that a campaign on a nascent app only moves the needle a little – e.g. a promo code shared on a small platform might yield few sales until that platform’s user base grows.

Finding the Right Audience

Each new platform tends to attract a certain demographic or community early on. If that doesn’t align with your target audience, you could be barking up the wrong tree. For instance, if you sell B2B software for Boomers, investing in Spill (young, pop-culture-driven users) or Lemon8 (mostly Gen Z lifestyle) may not reach the people you need. You have to assess audience fit. The PRNews advice for Spill, for example, is to “understand the platform’s user base and alignment with your target” before jumping in. Good advice for any platform.

In summary, while early adoption offers big potential rewards, it comes with uncertainty and a need for finesse. The key is to go in with eyes open: be patient with growth, stay flexible as features roll out, and gauge whether the platform’s direction continues to align with your goals. Now, how do you actually approach a new platform smartly? Let’s get into some actionable tips.

Tips to Test and Grow on Emerging Platforms

Whether you’re a micro influencer looking to expand your reach, or an ecommerce brand (hello, Amazon sellers!) aiming to tap new social audiences, the following tips will help you strategically dip your toes into these new platforms. The goal is to experiment without sinking too many resources, and to position yourself for growth if the platform takes off.

For Micro Influencers & Content Creators

1. Secure Your Handle and Profile: First things first – sign up and reserve your username/brand handle on new platforms early. Even if you’re not ready to be super active, you’ll want to stake your claim (and prevent imposters). Fill out your bio with a clear description and a link to your main site or Linktree, so early followers know who you are. This also helps with discoverability if folks search for familiar names migrating over.

2. Learn the Vibe Before Posting: Spend a little time as a lurker to understand the platform’s culture and norms. Each community has an identity. Maybe humor wins on one (Spill), while authenticity wins on another (Threads). Observe what early power-users are doing. Follow topics or hashtags (if available) in your niche. On Mastodon, for example, introduce yourself with the popular #introduction tag and engage with others’ posts to get noticed. Tailor your content style to fit the platform’s tone – when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

3. Repurpose (Don’t Recycle) Your Content: Leverage your existing content from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc., but adapt it to the new platform. Have a great how-to video? Maybe break it into a Lemon8 photo sequence with a detailed caption. Got a witty tweet that did numbers? Expand it into a mini-thread on Threads with more context. The key is to add native value. Direct cross-posting can feel out of place, but smart repurposing saves you effort while giving the community something fresh. Also, highlight platform-specific features – e.g. use Bluesky’s voice (casual, texty) or Lemon8’s carousel format to your advantage.

4. Engage, Engage, Engage: As a micro influencer, your strength is building genuine connections – this matters even more on small platforms. Reply to comments, join conversations, and follow other emerging creators. Early engagement can snowball: the more you interact, the more visible you become. You might form creator pods or groups to support each other (like exchanging tips or amplifying each other’s posts). Remember that on a new platform, every single follower could turn into a collaborator or superfan if you nurture the relationship. Being active and approachable sets you apart from bigger names who might join later but remain aloof.

5. Stay Consistent (But Be Patient): Establish a regular posting cadence, even if it’s just a couple times a week. Consistency shows you’re committed and gives the platform algorithms (if any) more data to possibly highlight your content. However, manage expectations – you might not see explosive growth immediately. That’s okay. Focus on the quality of interactions. Ten meaningful comments on Threads from industry peers can be more valuable long-term than 10k random views on TikTok. If you stick it out, you’ll likely be ahead of the pack when user growth does ramp up. Consistency also signals to potential brand partners that you’re serious about the platform.

6. Experiment and Have Fun: New platforms are perfect for trying out content ideas that might not fit elsewhere. There’s less pressure when your mom and boss aren’t watching (yet). Test different post formats – a quirky meme, a long-form rant, a casual unedited photo – and see what resonates. Watch the analytics (if available) or just qualitatively gauge feedback (Did people comment? Did you get DMs?). Use this sandbox to discover new facets of your content style. And show your personality – early communities love to see the real human behind the handle. Being a bit playful or experimental can actually endear you to followers who appreciate you’re not just churning out the same polished stuff.

For Brands, Amazon Sellers & Marketers

1. Do an Audience Alignment Check: Before diving in, research who’s using the platform. Does the demographic or interest graph line up with your target customers? If you’re an Amazon seller for home décor, Lemon8’s crafty DIY crowd or Threads’ broad lifestyle chatter might be a great fit; Bluesky’s tech-oriented early users, maybe less so. If possible, join and observe for a week – note user profiles, popular topics, and how people engage with brands (if any are present). This recon will help you prioritize which platform(s) merit your attention first. Go where your customers or desired community are gathering. If they’re not there (yet), you can claim your brand handle and keep an eye out, but allocate your active effort accordingly.

2. Start Small – Treat It as a Pilot: Set aside a test budget of time and money for, say, a 60-90 day trial on a new platform. This could be as simple as dedicating a few hours a week to create content and engage, and maybe a small pool of product samples or discount codes to work with a couple of micro influencers on that app. The idea is to learn without heavy investment. As Kalli Combs (social media manager) suggests for Spill, “set a budget to research and test… then review data after 90 days” to see if it’s amplifying your brand messaging. After your pilot, evaluate: Did you gain followers? Any direct sales or referral traffic? Did an influencer partnership there yield quality UGC or engagement? Use those insights to decide on scaling up, tweaking strategy, or maybe pausing that platform.

3. Partner with Micro Influencers Native to the Platform: One of the quickest ways to get a feel for a new platform and build credibility is to collaborate with creators who are already in their element there. Identify a few micro or nano influencers who are active and understand the platform’s culture. For example, find a micro influencer on Bluesky who often talks about topics related to your product, or a fashion enthusiast on Lemon8 making waves. Reach out and propose a small collaboration: maybe send them a free product to review or have them do a takeover of your brand account (if applicable). Their authentic voice will translate better to the audience than a corporate tone. Plus, you’ll gain a friendly ally who can guide you on do’s and don’ts. Tools and agencies can help here – e.g., a platform like Stack Influence (a leading micro-influencer marketing service) can connect you with vetted creators on emerging platforms and manage campaigns at scale. By partnering with micro influencers who “get” Threads or Spill, your brand comes across as a genuine community member rather than an interloper.

4. Adapt Your Content and Value Offer: Don’t just copy-paste your Instagram content. Adapt to what works on the new platform and add value to the users there. If you’re on Threads, maybe initiate discussions or pose questions instead of pushing polished product pics – engage that text-first audience. On a visual platform like Lemon8, invest in creating beautiful imagery or infographics (maybe repurpose some blog content into a cool graphic). On a conversation-heavy app like Spill, you might lean into humor or cultural commentary that ties into your brand voice, rather than straight-up ads. Consider what problems or interests the community has and how your brand can fit in constructively. For example, an ecommerce brand selling eco-friendly products might share quick sustainability tips on Threads or Mastodon, building thought leadership that indirectly draws people to check out your profile/products. Provide content that’s native and useful, and the marketing side will follow.

5. Monitor Feedback and Sentiment Closely: In these early days, pay extra attention to how people respond. With smaller communities, you can feasibly read most comments and see the buzz (or lack thereof) around your presence. Qualitative feedback is gold. Are people excited you’re there, or do they feel you’re advertising to them? Use that feedback to adjust tone or frequency. Also, track any referral spikes: Did your web traffic see hits from Bluesky after a post? Are people redeeming the 10% off code you only shared on Spill? These are signals of traction. Conversely, if you encounter negativity (e.g. pushback like “Ugh, ads have arrived” on Threads), consider adjusting approach – maybe focus on more organic interactions versus promotional posts. Stay agile and responsive. On a new platform, brands can earn goodwill by engaging like a person: replying to users, thanking them for mentions, addressing concerns quickly. This kind of groundwork can turn a small follower count into a highly loyal fan base that amplifies your message as the platform grows.

6. Integrate UGC and Multi-Channel Strategy: Leverage the content and lessons from new platforms across your overall strategy. Did a micro influencer create a fantastic unboxing video on Spill or a beautiful photo set on Lemon8 featuring your product? Repurpose that UGC on your main channels (with permission/credit). It not only validates the influencer (they’ll appreciate the shout-out), but it enriches your content pipeline. Also, promote your presence on new platforms via your existing ones: e.g., tweet “Join us in a candid chat over on Threads” or mention in your newsletter that you’re sharing exclusive tips on Bluesky. This cross-pollination can gently funnel some existing fans to support you on the new app, boosting your base there. Moreover, having a footprint in emerging platforms is a nice PR talking point (“We’re an innovative brand on the cutting edge of social media”). Just make sure to update your marketing team or collaborators about these new channels so they can maintain brand voice and consistency when engaging there.

7. Know When to Pivot or Pull Back: Finally, be ready to kill your darlings if needed. Not every experiment will work. Set sensible KPIs for your trial period – maybe “reach 500 followers in 3 months” or “get 100 clicks from Threads to our site” – in proportion to the platform’s scale. If you’re nowhere close or you find the audience just isn’t responding despite good effort, it’s okay to deprioritize that platform. You can remain present in a minimal way (so it’s not a dead account) and re-evaluate later. It’s better to focus your resources where you see potential. On the flip side, if a platform starts taking off, double down and consider dedicating more content or budget to it. Basically, treat these channels with a growth hacker mindset: test, measure, iterate, or exit. As one expert advised, ensure the platform aligns with your company goals and be ready to “sunset the account” if it doesn’t pan out. No harm, no foul – you’ll still have learned something.

By following these tips, you’ll approach new social platforms with the right mix of open-mindedness and strategic caution. Now, let’s wrap up with the big picture and next steps.

Conclusion – Embrace the New

The social media world never stands still. Today it’s Threads and Bluesky, tomorrow it could be something entirely new. For content creators, micro influencers, and ambitious Amazon sellers, these rising platforms aren’t just shiny distractions – they’re early opportunities. By getting involved thoughtfully, you can ride the wave of the next big network (or at least gain some great content and connections along the way). We’ve looked at Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, Lemon8, Spill – each different, each with a unique community – and how they can play into influencer marketing and brand growth.

The recurring theme is authenticity and timing. Those who bring real value to a nascent community and show up early stand to benefit the most. Whether it’s engaging in text conversations on Threads, sharing aesthetic product pics on Lemon8, or spilling meme-filled tea on Spill, don’t be afraid to explore these frontiers. Yes, there are challenges, but with smart experimentation you can mitigate risks and reap rewards – be it new followers, fresh content ideas, or untapped customer segments for your business.

In the fast-paced world of social media, today’s small experiment could be tomorrow’s big win. Don’t miss the boat – embrace the new platforms, learn their ways, and let them expand your influence and your business. After all, the social media pioneers of today are the success stories of tomorrow. Will you be one of them? 🚀