“What unique strategy have you seen activists use to amplify their message on social media? How do you think this approach differs from traditional activism methods?”
Leveraging meme culture and short-form video
Activists today are leveraging meme culture and short-form video to simplify complex issues into highly shareable, emotionally charged content.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on physical presence or structured campaigns, this approach taps into real-time virality and social algorithms to build momentum fast, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
I worked with a not for profit campaign that repackaged their messaging into 7-second clips with trending audio. Engagement tripled in a week, & one post alone drove over 5,000 petition signatures from cold traffic.
Callum Gracie, Founder, Otto Media
Creating viral challenges or hashtags
One unique strategy activists use to amplify their message on social media is creating viral challenges or hashtags that encourage user participation. This method harnesses the power of grassroots involvement, allowing followers to become active participants in spreading the message. Unlike traditional activism, which often relies on organized events or petitions, this approach leverages the viral nature of social media to reach a broader audience.
By empowering people to create their own content around a cause, it creates a sense of ownership and community, which can significantly increase visibility and engagement. This strategy also allows activists to bypass traditional media outlets and directly connect with a global audience, making it more immediate and interactive.
Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER
Leveraging interactive storytelling through short-form videos
One unique strategy I’ve seen activists use on social media is leveraging interactive storytelling through short-form videos combined with real-time audience engagement. For example, during a recent environmental campaign, activists posted daily mini-documentaries that invited followers to share their own stories and tag local policymakers directly in the comments. This approach created a dynamic two-way conversation, making the movement feel more personal and urgent.
Unlike traditional activism, which often relies on rallies or printed materials, this method harnesses immediacy and direct access to decision-makers, accelerating awareness and action. It’s less about broadcasting a message and more about creating an ongoing dialogue that mobilizes people quickly. This shift not only broadens reach but also empowers individuals to become active participants, transforming passive support into tangible pressure on policymakers.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Leveraging storytelling through short, highly relatable video content
One unique strategy I’ve seen activists use to amplify their message on social media is leveraging storytelling through short, highly relatable video content – often using platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels. Instead of just sharing facts or calls to action, they create personal, authentic stories that connect emotionally with viewers in under a minute. These videos often use humour, vulnerability, or creative visuals to make complex issues feel immediate and personal.
This approach differs from traditional activism methods, which often rely on rallies, petitions, or long-form messaging. Social media storytelling breaks down barriers by meeting people where they are o- n their phones, scrolling quickly – and delivering the message in bite-sized, shareable pieces. It’s less about formal speeches and more about sparking genuine conversations that spread organically through peer-to-peer sharing.
In essence, this strategy makes activism feel less distant or overwhelming and more accessible, helping movements gain momentum faster and engage younger, digitally native audiences who might not respond to traditional methods.
Peter Wootton, SEO Consultant, The SEO Consultant Agency
creating shareable, bite-sized video content
One unique strategy activists use on social media is creating shareable, bite-sized video content that blends storytelling with strong visuals and clear calls to action. This approach leverages platforms’ algorithms to spread messages quickly and engage younger audiences who prefer short, impactful content.
Unlike traditional activism methods like marches or printed flyers, this digital strategy allows for rapid scaling and real-time interaction. It also creates communities online where people can participate from anywhere, lowering barriers to involvement while keeping the message consistent and emotionally resonant.
Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats
