What Platform Is Right For Finding Your Digital Genealogy Community - Social Media Journey

Let's talk about the elephant in the room – managing social media as a genealogist in 2024 is like trying to solve eight family mysteries simultaneously while slamming on the breaks when you pass a cemetery, trying to think if you might have an ancestor buried there. One day you're excited about a new platform's potential to connect with distant cousins, the next you're questioning why your favorite feature disappeared overnight.

I recently found myself staring at my phone, switching between platforms, wondering if I'm crazy for maintaining accounts on eight different social networks. That doesn’t even include the message board I am a part of on different websites. But then I remember that one breakthrough moment when a second cousin 1x removed messaged me on one of the platforms with photos of my Killion ancestors. That's why we do this, right? Plus, it is fun to connect with other like-minded individuals who don’t roll their eyes when we start talking about family history.

Speaking of platforms, let's address the newcomers. Threads had me excited initially, but I'm still on the fence. Meanwhile, BlueSky has been a pleasant surprise—the genealogy community there is remarkably engaged. We're sharing research techniques, celebrating breakthrough moments, and actually having meaningful conversations about family history. It reminds me of our Twitter community before it became X.

Yesterday, I took a step back and emailed my clients about reevaluating their social media presence. As a social media manager for those within the genealogy community, I've learned that platform choice isn't one-size-fits-all. Some societies thrive on Instagram's visual storytelling, while others build stronger communities through Facebook groups. The key isn't being everywhere – it's being present where your potential connections are. For example, I have seen that on BlueSky there is a large presence of UK genealogists and societies. For me that is the platform that I can go to when working on those branches of my family tree.

Here's what I've learned about managing multiple platforms without losing my sanity, at least, I don’t think I have lost it yet:

First, recognize that platform preferences change like our moods. Some weeks I'm drawn to TikTok's quick storytelling videos, other times I need Facebook Group's deeper discussions. That's okay. The goal isn't perfect consistency across all platforms – it's meaningful engagement where it matters most.

Second, beware of the infinite scroll. We've all been there – you start looking for Civil War research tips and suddenly it's midnight, and you've spent three hours looking at hilarious cat videos. I've started setting specific times for social media engagement, treating it like any other genealogy research session.

For those asking which platforms to choose, start with this question: Where are your potential cousins and research collaborators most likely to be? For most genealogists, Facebook's robust genealogy groups communities make it a must. But beyond that? Choose platforms that energize rather than drain you.

Remember, technology should serve our genealogy journey, not complicate it. Sometimes that means letting go of platforms that no longer serve us, and that's perfectly fine. Our ancestors didn't need eight social media accounts to leave their legacy – we're just lucky to have these tools to help uncover and share their stories.

What about you? How are you handling the ever-evolving social media landscape? Which platforms have helped you break down brick walls? Let's share our experiences and help each other navigate these digital waters.