The go-to formats to build community for top brands on social media
In today’s edition we’ll be covering:

  • Proven formats you can try today to grow your brand
  • 3 video styles dominating consumer in 2025
  • Why creator-led content works

So…

We’ve analyzed the top-performing creators and brands on social media this month,

and we’ve identified 3 video styles that creators and brands like Donovan, The Corner App, and Smashd are using to drive insane organic reach that you can steal

Let’s get into it.

Style #1: Creator-Led Content

Creator-led content has been trending all over social media

Both B2C and B2B brands need to put a ‘face to the name’ to build real trust

1.1M Views off of one video only 2 months into making content…crazy

Oh, and there’s more

Like this one that received 431K views

And this one with 271K views

The best part?

Anyone with an iPhone and a business idea can do it in a couple hours:

It’s raw, it’s real, and if you’re either early in (1) your content creation or (2) your business journey it’s a great way to start

There’s two things that they all have in common:

(1) Shock Factor and (2) Vulnerability

Why it works:

  • Conflict: In any great story (movies, TV, you name it), conflict is a major element that creates suspense to keep you watching (here’s why)
  • Authenticity: By being transparent about your problems you’re showing a side of you that makes you relatable and builds trust
  • Buy-In: Every single one of these videos served as the introduction of the journey they’re about to embark on, motivating you to follow along

Style #2: Who, What, Why

Trends comes-and-go,but your personal story and everything that make you ‘you’ doesn’t.

Just look at the comments:

This is the secret to building a cult-like community

It’s not a secret hack, it’s not a ‘perfect’ content format, and it’s definitely not spending thousands on macro influencers

I made a video that got over 123k views on this exact same topic (link here)

Organic content is the most important distribution channel in 2025

Here’s why:

  • Low Cost: Social media is by far the cheapest way to access a large audience for every consumer brand
  • Relationship Building: Short-form content allows you to connect one-to-one with every viewer
  • Content Flywheel: Once you identify what’s working you have the freedom and ability to double down at scale

Style #3: Raising the Stakes

This strategy grew @Drinksmshd to 500k followers in 6 months…

It all started with a challenge:

For Nicole to hit 500k in 2 months 

And if she didn’t, she’d get fired 

It was one bold challenge, a ticking timer, and a huge bet she was willing to take

By raising the stakes she was able to build suspense which makes the story way more exciting

Why it works:

  • Suspense: She brings the viewers on an ambitious journey which creates a full on movement around Smashd
  • Episodic Content: This style of content ‘breaks the algorithm’ by developing deep buy-in from the audience to want to follow/stay tuned for the entire series (similar to how Netflix reels you in)
  • Repeatable Idea: Eliminates the burden of worrying about the video concept since the overarching theme guides every idea

Content Creation