Summary of "MicroVee: Which Social Media Platform is Right FOR YOU?" | GaryVee Podcast Moment

Episode Release Date: April 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The GaryVee Audio Experience, host Gary Vaynerchuk delves into the strategic selection of social media platforms tailored to different business types. He provides a comprehensive roadmap for beginners navigating the complex landscape of social media marketing in 2025. Gary emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding your target audience, and experimenting with various content formats to maximize reach and engagement.

1. Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms

Gary begins by addressing the critical question: "Which social media platform is right for your business?" He categorizes platforms based on business models and target audiences, providing tailored recommendations.

A. B2B and SaaS Businesses

For businesses operating in the B2B sector or offering Software as a Service (SaaS), Gary identifies LinkedIn as the premier platform.

Gary Vaynerchuk [00:40]: "If you're selling B2B... LinkedIn is number one, right?"

He follows LinkedIn with YouTube Shorts and Facebook, emphasizing YouTube's role as a search engine and the enduring power of Facebook groups for community building. Twitter (now X) is considered a significant platform, while Instagram ranks lower for B2B/SaaS businesses.

B. Consumer-Focused Businesses Targeting Younger Audiences

When targeting younger demographics, such as selling T-shirts to 15 to 25-year-olds, Gary shifts his platform priorities.

Gary Vaynerchuk [01:46]: "If you're selling T shirts to 15 to 25 year olds, all of a sudden TikTok becomes number one, Instagram probably becomes number two... YouTube shorts is number three."

Here, TikTok takes the forefront due to its organic reach potential, followed by Instagram and YouTube Shorts.

C. Broad Consumer Markets (Ages 25-55)

For businesses with a broad consumer base ranging from 25 to 55 years old, Gary highlights the continued relevance of Facebook alongside TikTok and Instagram. He notes that while TikTok excels in organic reach, Instagram and Facebook often require paid advertising to achieve substantial results.

Gary Vaynerchuk [01:47]: "If you're selling to the broad consumer... Facebook still being an incredibly powerful platform for selling."

2. Content Strategy and Format Selection

Gary emphasizes that selecting the right platform is only part of the equation; the content strategy must align with the chosen platform's strengths.

A. The Power of Thumbnails in Video Content

One of Gary's key insights revolves around the importance of thumbnails in video marketing. He cites successful YouTubers like Mr. Beast, who invest heavily in thumbnail creation to drive views.

Gary Vaynerchuk [02:50]: "The best YouTubers in the world... spend more time and more money on their thumbnail than you could ever imagine."

He underscores the necessity of a compelling hook within the first few seconds of a video to retain viewer interest.

B. Leveraging Written Content on Visual Platforms

Gary advocates for the power of written content on platforms like Instagram. He illustrates how thoughtful captions can enhance engagement, even when accompanied by simple images.

Gary Vaynerchuk [04:20]: "You could take a photo of almost anything and then write three or four paragraphs that are very thoughtful about a point you're trying to make."

This approach allows businesses to capitalize on their strengths, whether it's writing prowess or visual creativity, without relying solely on video content.

3. Embracing Underpriced Attention

Gary introduces the concept of "underpriced attention," identifying opportunities where certain platforms or features are undervalued yet offer significant reach.

Gary Vaynerchuk [05:50]: "I constantly look for the underpriced attention... it's a big part of my success."

He reflects on his early advocacy for platforms like TikTok, which initially seemed unconventional but later proved invaluable for organic growth.

A. Staying Ahead with Emerging Platforms

Gary advises businesses to remain vigilant about new platforms, which typically emerge every few years. Early adoption can lead to substantial advantages in audience reach and engagement.

Gary Vaynerchuk [06:00]: "New platforms only come around every three, four, seven, nine years."

B. Adapting to Platform Dynamics

He also highlights the importance of adapting to the evolving dynamics within existing platforms, such as leveraging Instagram's meme posting or video carousel features for enhanced visibility.

Gary Vaynerchuk [06:15]: "I saw... incredible opportunity in that."

4. Experimentation and Adaptability in Content Formats

Gary stresses the necessity of experimenting with different content formats to discover what resonates best with your audience.

A. Diversifying Content Approaches

He encourages creators to step out of their comfort zones and try new formats, whether it's incorporating green screens, bringing on guests, or shifting from video to written content.

Gary Vaynerchuk [07:06]: "You've got to change it. You've got to change your format."

B. Overcoming Plateau in Engagement

For creators struggling to gain traction after numerous attempts, Gary recommends a strategic shift in content format rather than persisting with ineffective methods.

Gary Vaynerchuk [07:44]: "If you've done 100 of the same format... you've got to challenge yourself to try different formats."

5. Persistence and Embracing Challenges

Gary concludes by emphasizing that achieving significant results on social media requires persistent effort and a willingness to embrace challenges.

Gary Vaynerchuk [09:10]: "If you're looking for something special to happen, it's supposed to be hard."

He shares a personal anecdote about a conversation with a hardworking individual, reinforcing the idea that success demands resilience and continuous effort.

Gary Vaynerchuk [09:28]: "It should be hard because 99% of the world works for someone else."

Conclusion

In this episode, Gary Vaynerchuk provides invaluable insights into selecting the appropriate social media platforms based on business type and target audience. He underscores the importance of content strategy, the potential of underpriced attention, and the necessity of experimenting with different formats to achieve optimal results. Gary's emphasis on persistence and adaptability serves as a motivating reminder that success in social media marketing is attainable through strategic planning and relentless effort.

Key Takeaways

• Platform Selection: Align your social media platforms with your business model and target audience.

• Content Strategy: Tailor your content format to leverage the strengths of each platform, such as using compelling thumbnails for video content.

• Underpriced Attention: Identify and capitalize on undervalued platforms or features to maximize organic reach.

• Experimentation: Continuously try new content formats to discover what resonates best with your audience.

• Persistence: Embrace the challenges of social media marketing, understanding that sustained effort is crucial for success.

Notable Quotes

• On Platform Selection:

  "If you're selling B2B... LinkedIn is number one, right?" — Gary Vaynerchuk [00:40]

• On Thumbnails:

  "The best YouTubers in the world... spend more time and more money on their thumbnail than you could ever imagine." — Gary Vaynerchuk [02:50]

• On Underpriced Attention:

  "I constantly look for the underpriced attention... it's a big part of my success." — Gary Vaynerchuk [05:50]

• On Experimentation:

  "You've got to change it. You've got to change your format." — Gary Vaynerchuk [07:06]

• On Persistence:

  "If you're looking for something special to happen, it's supposed to be hard." — Gary Vaynerchuk [09:10]

This detailed summary captures the essence of Gary Vaynerchuk's discussion on selecting the right social media platforms and developing effective content strategies. By following his insights, listeners can better navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape to achieve their business goals.