Over the past twenty years, social media’s impact on society has increased noticeably. Social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing how we communicate, consume information, and tell stories. For people of all ages, platforms like Instagram and TikTok, amongst others, aren’t just for staying connected anymore; they are powerful tools for creative expression. Social media has transformed, and stories are no longer limited to conventional media and formats. 

 

As we’ve seen, thousands of people frequently share mundane short-form stories about their daily lives on TikTok. TikTok’s format, which encourages users to create and share 15—to 60-second videos, has transformed storytelling into a bite-sized, fast-paced experience. This has led to the rise of micro-stories, where entire narratives are condensed into just a few seconds. 

 

They are short and elaborate, lack a conventional structure, and focus on recent events – “Spend the day with me“, “Get ready with me while I tell you about how I almost got robbed in the CBD”, “Storytime: How I got accepted at the best university in the country“, “Get unready with me while I tell you about how my cat died” – wild but I’ve honestly seen these before. This material is generally episodic and can expand over a few parts, focusing on these unique moments. 

 

Online communication differs not in the story structures but in the storytelling strategies used, even if online narrative kinds include autobiographical and biographical stories, personal narratives, anecdotes, and short stories. TikTok’s duet and stitch features have opened up new avenues for collaborative storytelling. This collaborative nature of TikTok storytelling is reminiscent of oral traditions, where stories were passed down, adapted, and expanded upon by different storytellers over time. 

 

One of the most significant shifts in modern storytelling is the emphasis on visual content. With its image-centric focus, Instagram is one of the platforms that has changed how stories are told. In the past, storytelling was predominantly a verbal or written medium, relying on words to convey narratives. Now, a single image or a series of photos can tell a story that resonates with millions. I absolutely love how “photo dumps” have been normalised – random pictures/videos summing up your month and day? Sign me up. 

 

Through carefully curated Instagram feeds, narratives are crafted that are both personal and universal. Whether documenting a day at the beach or using art and photography to discuss mental health, identity, or social justice issues, Instagram allows for layers of meaning, enabling storytellers to connect with their audience on multiple levels. 

 

In the past, storytelling was often limited to those who had access to publishing platforms or were part of established media networks. Social media has changed that, giving everyone a voice and a platform. Young people, in particular, have embraced this democratisation. They are no longer just consumers of stories; they are creators using social media to share their narratives with the world. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive storytelling landscape, where stories that might have been marginalised or overlooked in traditional media now find an audience.

 

Social media has transformed modern storytelling, making it more visual, collaborative, and accessible than ever before. Platforms have allowed people to express themselves creatively, share their stories, and participate in a global conversation, whether through a carefully curated photo or a short video. In doing so, they are not just telling stories—they are shaping the future of storytelling itself.

 

Storytelling has transformed thanks to social media, and this is far from over. 

 

Do you believe social media has enhanced or diminished the art of storytelling? And why?

 

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