We asked 18 industry leaders how they stay up-to-date on the ever-changing landscape of social media. Here are their most effective resources and practices that will keep you ahead of the curve.
- Build Niche-Specific Lists on X
- Check Trending Topics Daily
- Follow Thought Leaders on LinkedIn
- Track Industry Leaders and Trends
- Join LinkedIn Groups and Twitter Spaces
- Follow Platform-Specific Updates
- Use Social Media Examiner
- Experiment and Engage with Platforms
- Follow Key Influencers on Twitter
- Use Reputable Blogs and Webinars
- Listen to Social Media Examiner Podcast
- Follow LinkedIn’s Daily Rundown
- Use Google Trends and Pop Culture Podcasts
- Curate Trusted Sources and Experiment
- Monitor Job Postings for Trends
- Use Tools Like Brandwatch or Awario
- Try New Features on Social Media
- Engage with Industry-Leading Publications
Build Niche-Specific Lists on X
I stay on top of social media changes by building and following niche-specific lists on X (formerly Twitter), just like I do for SEO and blogging. These lists let me track updates as they happen, straight from industry pros. For example, I found out about Facebook’s fact-checker release the other day on X and was able to write about it right away. It’s a simple but powerful way to stay informed and act fast. If you’re not using lists on X yet, start with one for your top interests and grow from there. Lastly, I am able to have discussions and ask pros questions on the X social media platform quickly and easily.
Lisa Sicard
Small Business Owner, Inspire To Thrive
Check Trending Topics Daily
We have busy schedules in the social media field, but it’s worth setting aside just 5-10 minutes a day to check out trending topics or viral content. This small habit can spark fresh ideas and help you incorporate current trends into your content. Subscribe to industry newsletters like “The HeyOrca Brief,” a free daily social media newsletter that will keep you updated on what is happening in the social media industry.
Follow similar people in your industry on LinkedIn; this will help you stay up-to-date and may open up future partnerships or industry connections.
Haley Wells
Social Media Team Lead, seoplus+
Follow Thought Leaders on LinkedIn
I stay updated by following thought leaders on LinkedIn and Twitter. People like Neil Patel and Rand Fishkin share practical tips and real-world examples that help make sense of the latest changes. It’s not just about reading their posts, I comment, ask questions, and share my thoughts, which often leads to even more useful insights from others. It’s an easy, interactive way to keep up without feeling overwhelmed.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Track Industry Leaders and Trends
I’m following industry leaders and checking social media daily. It’s simple, but it works. There’s always something new coming out—trends, updates, tools. I spend time on Twitter and LinkedIn, reading short posts and threads from people who are in the know. It helps me spot what’s trending before it hits the mainstream. Plus, I follow hashtags relevant to my work, so I don’t miss anything important.
One method I swear by is using Feedly to organize content from blogs and influencers. I find it keeps everything in one place and makes it easier to dive into new ideas. You can set it up to track specific keywords and topics. If you keep it simple and consistent, you won’t get overwhelmed.
Natalia Lavrenenko
Ugc Manager/Marketing Manager, Rathly
Join LinkedIn Groups and Twitter Spaces
I’ve discovered that joining LinkedIn marketing groups and actively participating in weekly Twitter Spaces discussions has been game-changing for staying current. Just yesterday, a LinkedIn group conversation about Instagram’s latest algorithm changes helped me adjust our company’s content strategy before it impacted our reach. Generally speaking, I find the most valuable insights come from fellow marketers in the trenches, rather than just following the big industry news sites.
Yarden Morgan
Director of Growth, Lusha
Follow Platform-Specific Updates
We stay up-to-date on social media by following platform-specific updates, like Meta’s and LinkedIn’s blogs, which explain not just what’s changing but why. Understanding their reasoning helps us adapt strategies more effectively. We also rely on niche Slack communities and Twitter threads where marketers share real-time insights. For example, we first spotted the rise of short-form video in these spaces and tested it early, which gave us a competitive edge. The key is filtering relevant information. Each week, we review updates and immediately brainstorm as a team on how to use those changes to boost engagement. Staying informed isn’t about keeping up with everything; it’s about focusing on what works and applying it purposefully.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Staying up-to-date with social media trends is a constant process. I make it a habit to follow thought leaders and social media platforms directly, as they often release insights about new features or changes. One resource I really rely on is Social Media Examiner. Their blog and podcast are packed with the latest updates, and I often find actionable tips I can apply right away.
I also follow LinkedIn groups, where professionals in marketing share experiences and tips about new social media strategies or tools. For example, I recently learned about LinkedIn’s new content targeting features through a post from a fellow marketer, which helped us adjust our paid campaigns for better engagement.
It’s also important to experiment on our own channels. I monitor performance closely, adjusting tactics based on what’s working and what’s not.
Gerti Mema
Marketing Manager, Equipment Finance Canada
Experiment and Engage with Platforms
I rely on personal experimentation and direct engagement with platforms. We don’t just read about trends—we actively test new features, from Instagram Reels to Pinterest Idea Pins, to see what resonates with our audience. This hands-on approach gives us real-time insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing us to adapt quickly.
One beneficial method is directly subscribing to platform-specific newsletters and updates from sources like Meta, LinkedIn, and TikTok. These updates provide a firsthand look at feature rollouts and algorithm changes. Additionally, I engage with insider communities, such as Tailwind’s user forums, where social media professionals discuss strategies and share real-world experiences. This mix of practical testing and resource-driven learning ensures that we stay agile and innovative in our approach to social media marketing.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Follow Key Influencers on Twitter
Keeping up with social media feels like chasing a runaway train, but here’s the hack: follow the people who live on the train. Twitter (or X, if we’re being current) is my go-to. Accounts like @MattNavarra and @SocialMediaToday drop updates, trends, and news faster than platforms can roll out their next feature.
Another clutch move? Join free Slack groups or communities like Social Media Geekout. You’ll get real-time insights and hacks straight from other pros. Bonus tip: Treat scrolling your own feeds as research—those quirky updates in the wild teach you more than a dry report ever could.
Justin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose
Use Reputable Blogs and Webinars
There are a lot of methods for staying up to date in the social media landscape, but the one I’ve found most useful is following blogs and webinars from reputable sources like Hubspot for a look at the overall picture, while also watching the platforms themselves for information on upcoming updates and features. While there is a lot of information to be gleaned from social media groups and channels, I find these can be crowded, and key information can be missed. So I stick initially to reputable and direct sources, and then research further into communities and discussion groups if I want to find out more information, or to understand better how other marketers are putting these to use.
Joe Flanagan
Marketing Manager, Ukulele Tabs
As a marketing leader in SaaS, staying ahead of the ever-changing social media landscape is crucial for engaging customers and driving growth. One resource I’ve found invaluable is the “Social Media Examiner” podcast.
Hosted by founder Michael Stelzner, this weekly show features in-depth interviews with leading social media practitioners. The topics range from emerging trends and platform updates to practical strategies for content creation, paid advertising, and community management. What I appreciate most is the focus on real-world case studies and actionable insights.
For example, a recent episode on TikTok marketing shared how a B2B brand leveraged user-generated content to humanize its brand and drive engagement. This prompted my team to experiment with a similar campaign, resulting in a 30% increase in follower growth and a 15% boost in website traffic from social referrals.
My top recommendation for staying current is to curate a mix of resources, including podcasts, industry blogs, and peer networks. Dedicate time each week to learning, and encourage your team to share their insights. By making social media education a priority, you’ll be better equipped to adapt your strategies and capitalize on new opportunities.
Laura Beaulieu
VP Marketing, Holistiplan
Follow LinkedIn’s Daily Rundown
In the financial sector, keeping up with social media trends is crucial for connecting with younger investors, so I rely heavily on LinkedIn’s Daily Rundown and specific finance-focused Twitter lists I’ve curated. I’ve found that following about 20 key fintech influencers and participating in weekly Twitter spaces about wealth management keeps me informed of platform changes that matter to our industry. Last month, I learned about Instagram’s new financial advice guidelines through these channels before they were widely announced, which helped us adjust our content strategy ahead of time.
Jonathan Gerber
President, RVW Wealth
Use Google Trends and Pop Culture Podcasts
Staying up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of social media is essential for my brand. I follow industry leaders and influencers to observe emerging trends and analyze their strategies. Google Trends has been invaluable for understanding what topics are gaining traction, allowing me to tailor our campaigns effectively. For example, in 2023, identifying the resurgence of ’90s-inspired fashion through these tools led to a social media campaign that increased engagement by 35%.
Additionally, I listen to pop culture podcasts like “The Popcast” to stay connected with trends and cultural shifts. Being aware of political and social movements also helps us create designs and campaigns that resonate with the current mood. For instance, integrating sustainable materials into our 2023 prom collection, inspired by rising eco-conscious discussions on social media, boosted sales by 20%. Finally, I actively use platforms like Instagram and TikTok daily, not just as a marketer but as a participant, to understand what truly connects with audiences.
Sas Terani
Owner, Terani Couture
Curate Trusted Sources and Experiment
Social media evolves faster than the weather in Chicago: one minute, you’re familiar with a platform, the next you’re trying to figure out a new trend, tool, or algorithm. For small businesses, this may seem overwhelming, but staying up to date is essential if you want to stay relevant and create meaningful connections with your audience.
We’ve learned that the key to navigating this turbulent landscape is a combination of curiosity, strategy, and, yes, a little experimentation. Here’s how I keep up with the ever-evolving social media landscape and keep our clients ahead of the curve.
1. Curate What You Consume
To save time and avoid information overload, I rely on multiple trusted sources. Newsletters like Social Media Today give me quick, digestible updates on changes. For example, when Instagram started prioritizing short-form videos, these updates helped me understand the “why” behind the change and how brands could adapt.
But it’s not just about reading. I spend a few minutes each day browsing LinkedIn, not just for trends, but also for insights. Seeing what others are saying often sparks ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
2. Let The Data Guide You
In my experience, the magic happens in analytics. I’ve made it a habit to regularly check my social stats. Whether it’s a post that was unexpectedly abandoned or a post that failed, there’s always a lesson to be learned from it. numbers. This idea helps me stay ahead of the curve without wasting time chasing every shiny new feature.
3. Experiment Without Fear
Admittedly, trying new tools or features can seem difficult at first (remember the early days of TikTok?). But I have found that starting is the best way to understand how things work and how they can work for our customers.
Social media is more than trends; it’s about staying connected. For me it’s about finding a balance between being informed, trusting data, and being willing to try new things. Because in the end, it’s not about being trendy, it’s about being authentic.
Kevin Connor
CEO, Modern SBC
Monitor Job Postings for Trends
I’d love to share something that’s helped me catch trends before they blow up—an approach I rarely hear people talk about.
Here’s my unusual trick: I monitor job postings from big brands. Specifically, I scan for emerging social media roles—titles like “Senior TikTok Strategist” or “Reddit Community Lead.” This sounds counterintuitive, but it reveals exactly where top companies are betting their next marketing dollars. When a popular brand begins hiring specialized people for a particular platform, it signals that the said space is emerging. After identifying this trend, I will research the platform firsthand—to see which communities, hashtags, or user behaviors are getting more engagement.
Reason for effectiveness:
- Clear Market Indicators – Organizations do not hire new positions lightly; they spend resources on those positions only in response to measurable or projected returns on investment.
- Early Detection – By the time a role is posted, the brand has typically done behind-the-scenes research, meaning you’re tapping into their internal analysis of where audiences are headed.
- Platform-Specific Insights – Whether it’s for Discord, WeChat, or the next big platform, you’ll know exactly what channel is heating up-and can tailor your own social media efforts accordingly.
It sounds niche, but it’s become my secret weapon for identifying platform shifts and influencer migrations before everyone else catches on.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Use Tools Like Brandwatch or Awario
I have found it very effective to use tools like Brandwatch or Awario to identify emerging hashtags, topics, and influencers in real-time. I once noticed a sudden surge in the use of “financial independence” and “retiring early” on social media, which aligned perfectly with our company’s values and services. We quickly launched a campaign targeting people interested in achieving financial freedom and reached out to influencers discussing this topic. This resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic and a significant boost in our brand’s online presence.
I would also share that during a hashtag analysis, we noticed that #FinancialWellness was gaining popularity among millennials. We quickly tailored our social media content to include tips and resources for achieving financial wellness, and it resulted in a significant increase in engagement and website traffic from that demographic. Our Instagram post with the hashtag #FinancialWellness reached over 10,000 views and brought in new followers who fit our ideal customer profile.
I highly recommend utilizing social media listening tools as they provide valuable insights into the interests and conversations of your target audience. This allows you to stay ahead of the curve and create relevant, timely content that resonates with potential customers.
Max Avery
Chief Business Development Officer, Digital Family Office
I believe that practice makes perfect, and it’s not an exception here. Social media is very dynamic, and platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn release new features very often. And unless you get your hands on them, you’ll never know for sure how they work and how useful they are. That’s why I recommend trying out new features once you see them. Just experiment and see how you can use them for yourself or your business.
For instance, we were really curious about Instagram Stories Ads once they launched, so we tried it and found them fascinating. Especially since now most Instagram users mainly engage with stories rather than posts. Now, we’re working on a strategy where we plan to integrate this feature into our marketing campaigns.
Oleksii Kratko
CEO at Snov.Io, Snov.io
Engage with Industry-Leading Publications
As a marketing leader in L&D, staying abreast of the dynamic social media landscape is paramount so I consistently engage with industry-leading publications and platforms. One invaluable resource I leverage is DMNews. This platform provides in-depth analyses of social media trends, best practices, and platform updates. By regularly reviewing their reports and utilizing their data-driven insights, I can effectively adapt our social media strategies, optimize our content, and ensure our L&D initiatives remain relevant and engaging within the ever-evolving social media ecosystem.
Iryna Hladka
Generative AI Expert, Elai.io
