Staying Connected Through Social Media: 17 Creative Ideas

Staying connected through social media: 17 creative ideas

Discover innovative ways to enhance online connections with 17 creative ideas for using social media. This article dives into practical tips and strategies, enriched by the wisdom of industry experts. Embrace the power of digital tools to stay connected through social media, share experiences, and build communities.

MORE NEWS: Phoenix bucket list: 25 things you must do

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

Set Up A Private Discord Server
Organize Themed Group Video Calls
Use Snap Map Check-Ins
Create AI-Assisted Newsletters
Share Money-Saving Finds
Convince Friends And Family To Join Discord
Host Virtual Game Nights
Create Weekly Spotify Playlists
Organize Virtual Challenges
Start Recurring Caption Challenges
Host Virtual Show And Tell Sessions
Share Instagram Close Friends Stories
Set Up Monthly Messenger Rooms
Share Behind-The-Scenes Moments
Create Shared Interest Groups
Post Stories Of Design Process
Prefer Snapchat For Personal Connections

Set Up A Private Discord Server

A few years ago, my family and close friends started drifting apart—not emotionally, but digitally. Text messages felt too impersonal, social media feeds were flooded with ads, and scheduling video calls became a hassle. We needed something more casual, spontaneous, and engaging. That’s when I set up a private Discord server, and it completely transformed how we stay in touch.

Traditional social media is great for updates, but it lacks the feeling of being in the same room. Discord, on the other hand, is like having an always-on digital living room where people can drop in whenever they want—no scheduling required.

At first, it was just a place to share memes and chat, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger.

How We Use It?

Watch Parties: We stream movies together with live reactions in voice chat. It brings back that nostalgic feeling of watching TV with family.
Game Nights: From casual Jackbox games to intense trivia battles, we’ve turned Friday nights into a standing event.
Drop-In Conversations: No need to send a “Can you talk?” text—just hop into a voice channel for spontaneous chats.
Themed Text Channels: We created dedicated spaces for music recommendations, book discussions, and inside jokes, keeping conversations organized.

After a few months, I noticed something unexpected—we were talking more than ever before. Unlike traditional social media, which is often passive scrolling, Discord encouraged real interaction. Instead of just seeing each other’s posts, we were actually engaging in real time.

More frequent and natural conversations – No pressure to plan a call, just casual drop-ins.
Stronger connections – It felt like hanging out in a shared space rather than just exchanging texts.
A go-to place for any occasion – Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, venting about work, or just laughing over the latest memes.

Staying connected isn’t just about sending messages—it’s about creating shared experiences. Discord turned into our virtual gathering space, making conversations more fun, interactive, and effortless. It’s proof that sometimes, the best way to stay in touch is to create a space where people actually want to hang out.

Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime

Organize Themed Group Video Calls

One creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is by organizing group video calls with specific themes. It makes the conversation more fun and gives everyone something to look forward to, rather than just catching up with the usual small talk. We use Zoom, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to easily bring everyone together, no matter where they are.

I started doing this with my family when we couldn’t always meet in person. We tried different themes to make the calls more interesting. One time, we did a “throwback night,” where everyone had to bring an old photo and share a funny or meaningful story about it. Another time, we had a virtual trivia game where we took turns asking each other questions about our childhood memories, which led to a lot of laughs.

With friends, we have done virtual dinners where we all cook the same recipe and see who makes it best. Sometimes, we set a dress code, like everyone wearing a certain color or dressing up as their favorite movie character. These little things make the calls more interactive and give people a reason to stay engaged longer.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

Use Snap Map Check-Ins

Snap Map Check-ins on Snapchat offer a laid-back yet meaningful way to connect with friends and family. It’s not just about sharing your current location but about crafting spontaneous moments. Dropping an unexpected message or sharing a memorable location from the past can trigger shared experiences and inside jokes. This function allows you to weave stories or recollections into the digital space in a way that feels personal and intimate, fostering a sense of togetherness despite the distance.

Using the Snap Map feature thoughtfully can make connections feel genuine. Instead of just doing routine check-ins, attach a small memory or a photo that relates to the location. Maybe it’s a café you both used to hang out at or a park where you once spent an afternoon. This creates a richer narrative not only of where you are but of your shared history, making digital interactions feel as personal as face-to-face conversations.

Jean Chen, COO & CHRO, Mondressy

Create AI-Assisted Newsletters

I set up a private AI-assisted newsletter on Substack that automatically pulls in important updates from my social media feeds, compiles them into a digest, and sends them to close friends and family. Social media algorithms filter out a lot of posts, so this ensures they don’t miss anything important. I trained an AI model to prioritize posts with major life updates like travel, milestones, or personal reflections, while filtering out the noise. The newsletter includes short personal notes, making it feel more intentional than just scrolling through a feed.

I started this because I noticed social media was making connections feel surface-level. A curated newsletter adds a personal touch, and my family, especially those who aren’t active on social media, appreciates it. It turns passive updates into something more engaging. Instead of waiting for people to check their feeds, I make sure they stay in the loop on my terms. It’s like an old-school family letter, just with AI doing the heavy lifting.

Adam Yong, Founder, Agility Writer

Share Money-Saving Finds

I love using Instagram Stories and Facebook Groups to share money-saving finds, but I also use them to engage with loved ones in a way that keeps conversations going. Instead of just posting a photo or an update, I’ll create polls, quizzes, or “this or that” challenges—sometimes about the best deals I’ve scored, but often just about life, parenting, or even what to cook for dinner.

Instagram’s Close Friends feature is especially useful for this. I use it to share more personal, behind-the-scenes moments with my closest circle—like the reality of trying to grocery shop with four kids in tow or a big coupon haul that only my fellow deal hunters will appreciate. It makes social media feel less like broadcasting and more like an ongoing, private group chat.

For deeper connections, I swear by Facebook Messenger’s voice and video chats. With family spread out in different places, a quick video message or impromptu call makes it feel like we’re still close, even if we’re miles apart. Sometimes, I’ll even send a quick voice note instead of texting because there’s just something about hearing someone’s voice that makes it feel more personal.

Social media often gets a bad rap for feeling impersonal, but when used creatively, it can actually make relationships stronger. Whether it’s a fun poll, a private Close Friends story, or a voice message just to say hi, the little things add up to real, meaningful connections.

Melissa Cid, Consumer Savings Expert, MySavings.com

Convince Friends And Family To Join Discord

Okay, so I’ve convinced most of my friends and family to join Discord, and it’s been revolutionary. Discord servers have text and voice channels for all sorts of interests, so it’s way more interactive than other platforms. Unlike a phone call where you have to dial in, Discord voice channels let people come and go as they please, almost like you’re all hanging out in the same room.

And it’s not just text like WhatsApp or Messenger, you can voice chat, video chat, and even share your screen. This means you can watch movies together, help each other with tech problems, or have virtual study sessions. Plus, you can make private servers and different channels for specific topics, so it works for pretty much any need or interest. It’s like having a virtual living room where everyone can stay connected in one way or another.

Ajay Chavda, CTO, Mojo Dojo

Host Virtual Game Nights

One creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is by hosting virtual game nights. Instead of just messaging or video calling, I organize interactive game sessions using platforms like Houseparty or Zoom. This not only allows us to catch up but also adds an element of fun and friendly competition, making the connection more engaging and memorable.

For example, during the pandemic, my friends and I started a weekly virtual trivia night. We would create themed quizzes, like 90s pop culture or famous movie quotes, and compete against each other in teams. Not only did this bring us closer together despite physical distance, but it also gave us something to look forward to every week and added an exciting twist to our regular conversations.

By incorporating social media into activities like virtual game nights, I found a creative way to maintain strong bonds with my loved ones, making our interactions more meaningful and enjoyable beyond just the usual updates and messages.

Gauri Manglik, CEO and Co-Founder, Instrumentl

Create Weekly Spotify Playlists

Weekly Spotify playlists reshaped how our family shares memories. While everyone sends photos and updates, we started creating themed playlists for different relatives, adding songs that remind us of shared experiences.

Our “Sunday Family Jams” brought everyone together through music memories more than photo albums ever did.

Something unexpected emerged: The song choices sparked deeper conversations about past events and feelings. Family members would add their own tracks, sharing stories behind each selection. These weren’t just playlists—they became musical time capsules.

Shared music beats static updates. Songs tied to memories create stronger emotional connections than regular social posts.

Tristan Harris, Sr. VP of Marketing, Next Net Media

Organize Virtual Challenges

One creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is by organizing virtual challenges and interactive activities that everyone can participate in, no matter where they are. For example, we’ve done photo challenges where each day has a different theme—like “Throwback Thursday” or “Foodie Friday”-and everyone shares their pictures in a group chat or story. It sparks fun conversations, laughter, and even some friendly competition. These challenges keep us engaged and provide a window into each other’s daily lives, even when we’re miles apart.

The platform I find most useful for this is Instagram, especially with its Stories and Close Friends feature. Stories allow for quick, casual updates that don’t feel as formal as regular posts, while the Close Friends list lets me share more personal content with just my inner circle. Features like polls, quizzes, and question stickers make it easy to start conversations and gather opinions in a fun, interactive way. It’s a simple yet effective method to keep the connection alive without feeling overwhelming.

Additionally, I use WhatsApp for more intimate, real-time connections through group chats and voice notes. The ease of sending quick updates, pictures, or even funny voice messages makes it feel like we’re having an ongoing conversation throughout the day. Video calls also come in handy when we want to catch up face-to-face. Together, these platforms create a dynamic mix of casual sharing and deeper, more personal interactions, making it easier than ever to stay connected despite busy schedules or physical distance.

Vishal Shah, Sr. Technical Consultant, WPWeb Infotech

Start Recurring Caption Challenges

I like to start a recurring “Caption This” challenge in a group chat where one person posts an old or funny picture, and others submit their best captions. This keeps conversations lively and humorous, strengthening family bonds through shared laughter. For instance, I once posted a childhood photo of my sister and me on vacation, and the winning caption was, “When you want to take a family photo, but your sibling just wants to nap.” It’s a fun and interactive way to stay connected with family and friends through social media platforms like WhatsApp or Messenger.

I found it a fun way that always leads to hilarious memories being shared and keeps the group chat active. I also set up weekly themed challenges like “Monday Morning Mugs” with coffee selfies or “Throwback Thursdays” with childhood photos. This keeps interactions playful while maintaining daily connections without forced conversations.

Kevin Baragona, Founder, Deep AI

Host Virtual Show And Tell Sessions

In my experience, one creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is by hosting virtual “show and tell” sessions. I’ll create a private group or event and invite my loved ones to participate. Each person gets a few minutes to share something meaningful—a new hobby, a cherished memento, or a recent accomplishment. It’s a fun, interactive way to catch up and learn new things about each other, even when we’re physically apart. This approach turns social media into a more personal, engaging platform rather than just passive scrolling. It fosters deeper connections and gives everyone a chance to shine. Plus, it’s a great way to discover shared interests or spark new conversations that might not come up in day-to-day chats.

For example, during one of these sessions, my cousin shared her newfound passion for urban gardening. She gave us a virtual tour of her balcony garden, showcasing her thriving herb collection and explaining her composting system. This sparked a lively discussion about sustainable living and inspired several of us to start our own small gardens. It was a simple activity, but it brought us closer together and gave us a shared project to bond over in the following weeks.

Noel Griffith, Chief Marketing Officer, SupplyGem

Share Instagram Close Friends Stories

One creative way I stay connected with friends and family is through Instagram’s Close Friends stories. I use it to share random, everyday stuff that wouldn’t make it to my main feed; things like my dog having the zoomies, the weird dinner I cooked, or a song I can’t stop listening to. It’s not just the highlights; it’s the kind of stuff that feels too casual for a post but still makes people laugh or reply with “LOL same.”

What I love most is how personal it feels. I’ll tag friends or family if something reminds me of them, and it always sparks little conversations in the DMs. Sometimes it’s just a quick “literally me” or a reaction pic back, but other times it leads to a full catch-up session. It’s like this low-pressure way to let people into your day to day without feeling performative. Plus, it makes you feel closer even when you’re far away, like you’re still in each other’s lives in all the small, silly ways that matter.

Chahanler Marks, Writer

Set Up Monthly Messenger Rooms

Texting does not always capture the real connection, so I set up monthly Facebook Messenger Rooms for casual group calls with family. It is easier than scheduling a formal Zoom and lets people drop in and out when they have time. My relatives live in different time zones, so this has become our way to stay connected without needing a big event. The first time we did it, my cousin joined while cooking, my uncle popped in from his office, and it felt like we were all hanging out in the same space. Simple but effective.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Share Behind-The-Scenes Moments

One creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is by sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my work as a corporate magician. My schedule can be unpredictable, and I often travel for performances, so social media helps me stay in touch even when I’m on the go. I primarily use Facebook and Instagram, where I post quick updates, audience reactions, and clips from shows.

I also use private group chats and Messenger to keep up with friends and family in a more personal way. Whether it’s sharing event stories, checking in, or just sending something funny, it keeps the connection strong even when we don’t have time for long conversations. Live video features have also been a great way to bring friends and family into my world, especially when they can’t attend a show in person. Social media makes it easier to stay present in each other’s lives, no matter where work takes me.

Brady Ramsey, Corporate Magician and Mentalist, Over The Top Magic

Create Shared Interest Groups

One creative way I use social media to stay connected with friends and family is through shared interest groups. For example, my college friends and I are all avid hikers, so we created a private Facebook group to share trail updates, gear recommendations, and plan future adventures together. This group has kept our bond strong despite living in different cities. We constantly engage by posting photos from recent hikes, swapping stories about challenging trails we’ve conquered, and making plans for annual reunion trips. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to nurture our friendship.

Another example is the book club I’m part of with relatives spread across multiple states. We use a WhatsApp group to discuss the current novel, share our favorite quotes, and vote on the next read. Though we can’t meet in person regularly, this virtual book club allows us to connect over our shared love of literature. The group chat often sparks deeper conversations about life, relationships, and staying grounded during turbulent times. Social media, when used intentionally, can absolutely strengthen existing bonds.

Lukas Berezowiec, CEO, NoTriangle Studio

Post Stories Of Design Process

A beautiful way I use social media platforms to connect with family and friends is by posting stories and reels of my design process on Instagram. My family enjoys seeing how I transform a bridal gown, or do a complex alteration, and this not only makes them appreciate my work, but also encourages discussions about it. The story features such as polls, Q&As, and live videos allow me to interact with my friends and family more, making it possible for them to give their feedback and even offer design ideas. This way, social media becomes more than a self-promotion platform, it turns into an avenue that we bond over.

Ira Lysa, Founder, Imperial Alterations

Prefer Snapchat For Personal Connections

I prefer Snapchat over Instagram because it feels more personal. The disappearing messages and real-time snaps make conversations more natural, like chatting in person. I love sending quick snaps of random moments—morning coffee, a funny street sign, or just a silly filter—without worrying about perfect edits. The streaks feature also keeps me connected with close friends daily, making it fun and effortless to stay in touch!