Where Social Media Started and Where It’s Going in Genealogy

Once upon a time, genealogy was confined to dusty libraries and handwritten charts. Then came the internet, and with it, a digital revolution that changed everything. However, it wasn't until social media emerged that genealogy truly became a community-driven, globally connected, and storytelling-rich experience. As we stand in 2025, it's the perfect moment to reflect on how we arrived here and where we're headed next.

The Early Days

Before Facebook feeds, YouTube and TikTok videos, genealogists and historians gathered in places like RootsWeb, GenForum, and niche email lists. These forums were treasure troves of tips, surname connections, and old-school collaboration. You'd post a query and wait days, sometimes weeks, for a reply. But those replies were golden.

When blogs and early Facebook groups emerged, everything began to shift. Real-time sharing became possible, and so did forming tight-knit communities around specific interests or locations. Still, early social platforms had their drawbacks: poor search functions, lack of post visibility, and no reliable way to verify sources.

The Social Boom in Genealogy

By the mid-2010s, genealogy had found a vibrant home on social media. Facebook groups became research hubs. Instagram feeds transformed into visual family archives. YouTube offered tutorials on everything from DNA matches to photo restoration. And a new kind of voice emerged: the genealogy educator-influencer.

Hashtags like #genealogy, #familyhistory, and #ancestralstories helped people discover each other’s work, while reels and stories brought new life to archival images. Genealogy was no longer just a personal project; it was something to be shared, celebrated, and discussed.

Current Trends in 2025

Fast forward to today, and short-form content reigns. TikTok and Instagram Reels showcase mini family mysteries, research wins, and even ancestor "get ready with me" videos. Audiences crave personality, pace, and purpose.

AI tools now assist with translating documents, summarizing records, and even animating old photos. There's also a clear shift toward individual voices rather than institutions—people want to follow people, not just brands. This is one reason I always stress to historical and genealogical societies the importance of having board members actively engage within the genealogy community on social media. People connect with people, and if people feel your society isn’t community-based, then chances are they won’t join your society. This has been hard for many societies to accept.

And while trends move fast, one thing remains: the desire for genuine connection. Audiences expect value, interaction, and storytelling with heart.

Where It’s Going

So, what’s next? Expect to see more private, focused communities pop up on platforms like Discord, Geneva, or even Substack. People are craving more curated spaces with less noise.

And with all the digital noise, a quiet shift is also happening: a return to slow content. Longform posts, newsletters, and intentional storytelling are making a comeback, allowing us to reflect and connect more deeply.

How Genealogists & Historians Can Stay Ahead

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all. Start by being curious. Try a new tool or platform. Share your research in a way that feels true to you.

Think less about broadcasting and more about building community. Be generous with your knowledge. Show your personality. And treat your digital presence like an archive: something future researchers might one day explore.

Genealogy and social media have evolved side by side, each influencing how we connect to our past and to each other. As we step into the next era, the question isn’t just where social media is going - it’s how we, as genealogists and historians, want to show up within it.

So tell your stories. Experiment a little. And remember: your voice has a place in this unfolding digital legacy.

If you’re looking for help with connecting with the genealogy community on social media, now is the time to sign up for my newsletter, “Genealogy & The Social Sphere.”