If you’re a designer, you may be on the wrong social media platform. Some platforms definitely are better than others, providing community or giving a way to showcase your concept art in all its glorious detail. So, let’s look at some of the best social media platforms that you’re going to love as a designer. Also, learn how you can get more Reels likes via ViralGrowing.
Cara– The Rising Star
Let’s start this article with a rising star that’s an alternative to sites like Instagram or X (Twitter) for designers and artists. Cara is for artists who may be worried about AI and fans who want to see human-made content. The site has no plans to host AI unless regulations on it are passed, and it has measures available to prevent your art from being scraped for AI training.
Because it’s a new site, it lacks features like direct video uploading, but you can upload via links. In addition, it may not have as big of an audience. But that can also mean that you can get a leg up on the competition before anyone else. It’s also free, which is another benefit for designers.
Instagram– Best Legacy App
Instagram was one of the first modern mobile social media apps, and it’s still one of the best for people looking to have the most visibility. There are many ways to showcase your art, from images to Reels. The bio has enough information to give people if they want to commission you and learn more.
That said, Instagram is losing some momentum with younger fans and artists due to the prevalence of AI and the difficulty of reaching the platform’s top. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be used. It’s still a platform where you can grow and find your audience.
ArtStation- The LinkedIn for Artists
If you’re a designer who is more art-focused, ArtStation is a must. It’s a platform that people go to so they can host their art, and many of those who do it are professionals. Recruiters quite often frequent ArtStation to look for people to recruit, and many of them are focused on the quality of the art, not necessarily how many likes a person has. While you should grow your profile, it’s also relieving to know that the entire platform isn’t necessarily about chasing the algorithm.
Discord– Best For Communities
Discord is an app that’s known for being community-focused. One can create a Discord server or join another and then communicate with like-minded people. As a designer, you can join communities centering around other artists. Not only can you upload photos and videos and speak with fellow creators via text, voice, or video, but you can use it to grow your own community.
That said, the privacy of a Discord server can make it difficult to promote, but there are tools. In addition, while free to use, Discord heavily pushes their premium Nitro subscription. Without it, it can be challenging to upload high-resolution content.
Twitch– Best for Live Streaming
As a designer, you may want a place where you can stream yourself creating your work and attract a new possible audience as you do so. Twitch is one of the best platforms for this. If you have a good camera, mic, or screen-recording software, you may grow an audience through your creative process. And you don’t even need to speak, either. But being an engaging personality does help. With that said, Twitch does have a steep learning curve, and it’s highly competitive. However, if you can find a good schedule, have a fun way for your audience to interact, and stream consistently, you may
Behance: Best for Projects
Sometimes, you have a large project, and you want a site where you can show all aspects of it. Not only can you share a single image, but you can show the entire project, the behind-the-scenes work, and much more. It’s an app bought by Adobe, so some artists may have ethical reasons for not using it. But it’s big and may help to get your work noticed.
Bluesky: Best X Alternative for Artists
Bluesky is a social media app that has been a growing alternative for X, formerly Twitter. Many designers are moving from the site due to Elon Musk’s involvement or because the app may use your information for AI training purposes. However, Bluesky has said they won’t use your information for AI.
It’s another rising social media platform, and as such, it’s still a little basic. But it allows videos, GIFs, and users to create and organize their own lists. While it lacks a sophisticated algorithm, there is a bigger culture of reposts. In addition, hashtags work well on Bluesky. On other sites, hashtags seem to work the opposite of their intended goal.
DeviantArt-Best for Hobbyists
DeviantArt is one of the oldest platforms on this list, being online for nearly 25 years. It’s gotten a reputation for artists who draw weird stuff, but it’s also great for designers and artists who don’t consider themselves professionals. The website is clean, and easy to host your works in your profile. Its community is also top-notch, with many long-term friendships found on the platform. Even for some professional designers, DeviantArt can be a platform where they take off their shoes and showcase their fun or experimental content.
TikTok– Best for Short-Length Video
Finally, if you want to appeal to a Gen-Z audience, TikTok may be the platform for you. In addition, TikTok can be a powerful platform if your designs can be condensed into short, vertical videos. Many sites have tried to copy TikTok in recent years, but TikTok is still king for a reason. Not only that, but its algorithm is powerful and considered fairer than other platforms. With that said, like Instagram, it’s a highly competitive platform. You always need to be on top of trends and create eye-catching videos for an audience who may not have good attention spans.