8 Brands with Great Social Media You Should Take Notes From

December 3, 2024 Lily Coates

Go ahead and grab a pen and paper! ✍

Let's be real. Social media isn’t just for endless cat meme scrolling anymore (we still love them). It’s where brands get to flex their creative muscles! …or get us to hit "add to cart." After working with some stellar brands, we’ve seen how social media can skyrocket a brand—when done right.

So, welcome ladies and gents!

Without further ado, here are our nominations for brands with great social media. Each with their own secret sauce for success. 🌟

1. Nike

Nike’s brand is literally the “Just Do It” of social media. They’ve truly perfected their brand’s narrative. Bringing in awesome athletes and those smooth slow-mo workout shots that almost get you to hit the gym.

But the real secret ingredient? Their mix of pro-athletes and everyday fitness junkies that make anybody feel like they can rock the swoosh. Their user-generated content gets followers sharing fitness journeys—Nothing says community like Nike reposting your sweaty selfie!

Plus, Nike’s slogan #JustDoIt isn’t just some catchy phrase anymore—it’s practically a global movement. Nike consistently pushes their brand and now? Nobody thinks of a measly sportswear brand sold in Walmart. Nike is a pillar of empowerment for anybody, anywhere and that’s honestly beautiful.

2. Wendy’s

You guys have to remember the Wendy’s beef. Wendys’ Twitter account was throwing shots left and right to anyone who looked at them funny. They’re savage comebacks have turned the account into the ✨Regina George✨ of fast-food accounts. See? Fast food companies can have personality, too!

Now, as a Gen Z girly, I remember Wendy’s being on thin ice for me. They were about one reply away from becoming cringe worthy and shifting to be more like Regina’s “cool mom”. What made them so good was their understanding of the internet and meme culture (and when to stop). They stood out so far from their competitors’ sad beige corporate voices and I love that for them.

3. Duolingo

Oh, weird green bird, my beloved. Duolingo is what happens when the weird kid in class suddenly becomes president. The owl– cute, but somehow terrifying–has turned into a TikTok star! The videos are chaotic, funny, and make language learning feel less like homework.

Duolingo’s known for responding to comments in a special chaotic way, which endears them to their audience. This engagement keeps their followers invested in the brand’s content and gets users to share their own learning experiences. Duolingo’s TikTok presence is the perfect example of a brand that blends humor and playfulness to humanize themselves. The weird owl has turned something as frustrating as language learning into a shared, lighthearted activity. Or maybe we’re all just traumatized.

4. Red Bull

Red Bull doesn’t just give you wings–it gives you a VIP pass to the most extreme YouTube content out there! Who else is dropping people from space? Who else is filming someone snowboarding down volcanic slopes? Red Bull’s YouTube is just Mission: Impossible and The Fast and Furious’s lovechild. Red Bull has realized that social media isn’t a one-size-fits-all! They’re best content (in my opinion) comes from their YouTube channel. And it’s their stunts that got them the nomination!

But, their youtube presence isn't just about the jaw-dropping stunts. It’s also about telling stories. They never just give the final trick without taking you behind the scenes into the lives of these athletes. You get the blood, sweat and tears (sometimes literally), along with the awesome finale. By the time I’m done watching, I’m somehow convinced I also can freefall from space into the ocean.

5. Dove

Dove’s socials are like that best friend who’s always there with the perfect pep talk. With campaigns like “Real Beauty,” they’ve made it their mission to remind women of their worth. Thank you, I needed it 🙌. It's kinda like Mean Girls, if the whole cast stopped caring about "plastics" and embraced themselves as they are. So actually, it’s the opposite of Mean Girls.

Anyways, Dove’s ability to spark conversation around self-esteem and body positivity nominates them for our Brands with Great Social Media 🏆.

And let’s talk about their community-building. Dove doesn’t just post a pretty picture and call it a day. They actually invite their followers into the conversation. Through events and campaigns highlighting real stories of real women, they’ve created a platform where people feel seen and heard! It’s social media with a soul, proving that beauty brands don’t have to be shallow.

6. Netflix

Netflix is the cool, snarky older sibling of the streaming world. Their tweets give the same energy as your favorite character's best one-liners from Stranger Things. They’re somehow always in on the joke. Whether it’s poking fun at their shows or interacting with fans, they are always making you feel like part of the crew.

And they don’t stop there. Netflix also uses its socials to drop easter eggs, create buzz for upcoming releases, and interaction. They’ve cracked the code on how to turn a tweet into an iconic moment. You know you’ve made it when Twitter collectively freaks out over a new season of Bridgerton like it’s a royal wedding. Plus, their ability to stay in the loop with every meme and trend not only keeps them relevant, but keeps their social presence essential.

7. Taco Bell

Taco Bell is that one jock that’s always throwing a party. But, not the normal kind. They’re a nice jock because everybody’s invited.

Their videos are food hacks, wild menu item reveals, and wit wrapped in a beautiful burrito. They’ve seriously leaned into TikTok’s playful nature, creating content that’s as crave-worthy as their menu. And don’t even get me started on the user-generated content. Taco Bell has mastered their fan engagement, making their customers feel like part of the brand. Posting tutorials for eating a Crunchwrap Supreme is one way to become a nominee for our Brands with Great Social Media 🏆.

Anyways, Taco Bell has made their audience the stars of the show. It's a smart move! It keeps their content fresh while building an army of Taco Bell fans spreading the love (and tacos) one post at a time. Want to give it a shot yourself? Check out this article to get started.

8. Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts, AKA America’s treadmill (get it?) is all iced coffee, drool-worthy donuts, and the neon pink and orange that instantly makes you feel peppier. You’re already zapped before you’ve even had your caffeine! Every post feels like a sugar rush, making it impossible to scroll past without craving a glazed donut (or three).

And while Dunkin' might be the best for coffee runs, they’ve also mastered the art of keeping things fun and interactive. From their iconic seasonal drink launches (Pumpkin Spice Latte, who?) to fan challenges, Dunkin' knows exactly how to keep their audience sipping. They’ve tapped into meme culture, creating relatable content that makes you think, “Dunkin' just gets me." We love the behind-the-scenes look at their latest creation or a post dedicated to their loyal Dunkin’ lovers! Every scroll feels like hanging out with your favorite coffee-obsessed BFF.

Ready for Your Own Brand to Shine?

And there you have it! 8 brands with social media strategies so sharp, you might just have to steal a page from their playbook.

Or you can just ask us!

At Scott Social, we help brands create standout content, build genuine connections, and streamline the entire process. Whether you're after scroll-stopping visuals or meaningful engagement, we'll make it happen!

Let’s chat and bring your brand’s social media to life!