Let’s be honest, views don’t mean what they used to. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, chasing that viral hit or the big spike on a post, but most of the time those views come and go in a flash. They don’t stick, they don’t engage, and they don’t actually do much for your brand in the long run.
The reality is, audiences today don’t just want to watch, they want to belong. They’re not looking for one-off viral moments, they’re looking for brands and creators who give them a reason to stick around. That’s where the real power of social media sits, in building a community.
Views are easy, loyalty is hard
Anyone can get views. A trending sound, a quick joke, or something outrageous will do it. But what happens after? Do people come back for more? Do they care about what you stand for, or do they forget about you as soon as they scroll past?
A community, on the other hand, is where loyalty comes from. These are the people who comment, share, and actually talk about your content. They’re the ones who show up again and again because they connect with more than just the product, they connect with the brand behind it.
Why brands keep falling for the numbers trap
Most brands are still obsessed with reach. They want the big numbers because they look good in reports, but numbers without meaning are just noise. A million empty views can’t compete with a thousand real fans who actually care.
The mistake is thinking short-term. Brands push content designed for quick hits, when what they really need is content that builds relationships.
So how do you build community?
Talk, don’t shout – reply to comments, start conversations, make people feel like they’re part of something.
Be consistent – communities don’t grow from random bursts of content. Show up regularly and keep the tone authentic.
Give value – whether it’s entertainment, education or inspiration, your content should make people feel like they got something from it.
Celebrate your audience – creators do this brilliantly. Shout out your fans, feature their stories, let them feel involved.
Where BLAKOUT fits in
This is exactly the kind of space we operate in. At BLAKOUT, we help brands move past the vanity numbers and create content that feels real, creative and community-driven. It’s not about forcing ads into people’s feeds, it’s about making content people actually want to see, follow and share.
The takeaway
Views might give you a buzz, but communities give you growth. If you want to win on social media today, stop chasing the empty numbers and start investing in the people who actually care. Build something that lasts, not just something that trends.
That’s the difference between being noticed for a moment, and being remembered for good.