Our favorite social media tools for personal use

Uncover the secrets to mastering social media with direct insights from 20 business leaders. This article strips back the complexity, offering clear strategies to enhance your online presence and user experience. Explore actionable tips across various platforms without the jargon, straight from those who know it best.

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Use X Lists for Custom Content Streams
Send Voice Notes for Authentic Connections
Collaborate on Instagram for More Engagement
Activate LinkedIn Creator Mode for Better Reach
Discover New Places with Snapchat My AI
Interact Live on TikTok for Real-Time Engagement
Utilize YouTube Analytics for SEO Insights
Save and Organize Content with Instagram Collections
Join Facebook Groups for Active Feedback
Curate Ideas on Pinterest for Inspiration
Reddit’s Upvote System Filters Quality Content
Mute on X for a Focused Environment
Bookmark Collections on TikTok for Useful References
Discover Local Events with Facebook’s Tool
Track Experiences with Pinterest’s Tried It
Use Instagram Polls for Quick Customer Feedback
Monitor LinkedIn Profile Views for Engagement
Send Targeted Messages with WhatsApp Broadcast Lists
Archive Instagram Posts for Content Management
Stay Connected with Instagram Stories

Use X Lists for Custom Content Streams

The “Lists” feature on X (Twitter) is among my favorite features on social media. It has changed how I use the platform and consume content and information. This feature lets me pick out helpful content and create custom streams from certain users without following them. It helps divide this content from the random posts that create a somewhat chaotic feed.

An example of how I use this Lists feature is by making individual lists for feeds that interest me, like a Social Media Marketing List, Digital Marketing List, or Personal Interests List. It allows me to find the content I need quickly and switch between feeds without wasting time finding the content. Also, when I need information about a topic, I go directly to that list with saved items and find it.

X’s “List” feature has helped me bypass the algorithmic distractions and helps me stay informed about the topics that engage me. It makes my social media consumption productive as I’m not endlessly scrolling for worthy content.

Another social media feature I’ve grown to utilize regularly is Instagram’s “Saved Collections.” The Instagram algorithm learns personal preferences and delivers content accordingly, but the ability to save content for future use is beneficial. It also enables me to label the collection according to the contents, like Marketing Tips, Collaboration Prospects, Creative Ideas, and more. This collection organization allows me to come back when I need to use the content and retrieve it without searching for it all over again.

The “Saved Collections” feature makes the Instagram experience better because the feeds refresh countless times a day, and going back to look for helpful content isn’t possible. At least this way, with the collections feature, I can now create a content library that suits my needs and allows me to gather engaging, insightful, and creative content without scrolling and wasting time.

Social media is an endless stream of content, but it can become overwhelming when there isn’t a way to block unnecessary content. These lists and saved collections help me keep the helpful content and reduce scrolling through pointless content that doesn’t offer me any value. I strongly suggest using these features to anyone looking to get the same value from Instagram or X.

Pranali Parab, Social Media Marketing Specialist, D’Genius Solutions

Send Voice Notes for Authentic Connections

LinkedIn’s voice messaging feature has become my go-to tool for maintaining authentic connections while living the digital nomad lifestyle. Instead of typing out long messages, I can send quick voice notes to my tech network while walking through Munich or working from a café in Bangkok, which feels more personal and saves tons of time. The human element of hearing someone’s voice has helped me maintain stronger professional relationships, especially when working on AI projects across different time zones.

Alexander Liebisch, Founder, TinderProfile

Collaborate on Instagram for More Engagement

Instagram’s Collaboration Posts help content reach new audiences quickly. Posting with another creator means the same reel or post appears on both profiles, sharing engagement and visibility. There is no need to repost or tag–both creators get full credit. This is great for UGC creators working with brands or anyone growing a community. It results in more views, more shares, and less effort.

It’s an easy way to connect for personal use without losing authenticity. Sharing a collaboration with friends, brands, or other creators keeps engagement high without feeling forced. It works especially well for behind-the-scenes clips, product demonstrations, and challenges. This approach allows for less time spent on content creation and more time on real interactions.

Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly

Activate LinkedIn Creator Mode for Better Reach

My favorite social media feature is LinkedIn’s Creator Mode, which has completely changed how I engage with my network. Activating it gave me access to better content distribution tools, profile enhancements, and analytics that helped me understand what resonates most with my audience.

One major benefit has been the ability to highlight my top-performing posts and featured content right at the top of my profile. Instead of visitors just seeing a standard resume-style page, they immediately get a sense of my expertise and insights. The improved post reach has also made a noticeable difference–my content now gets in front of more of the right people, leading to better engagement and valuable conversations.

Another game-changer is the follow-first option rather than a standard connection request. This has helped me grow an audience beyond my immediate network without the friction of needing to accept every request. LinkedIn was already useful for networking, but Creator Mode turned it into a powerful tool for building credibility, increasing visibility, and attracting real business opportunities.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

Discover New Places with Snapchat My AI

I have found Snapchat’s “My AI” feature to be my go-to tool for discovering new places, products, and experiences. While AI chatbots exist elsewhere, Snapchat’s My AI is particularly useful for quick restaurant suggestions, outfit ideas, or conversation starters without leaving the app. It acts like a pocket assistant, seamlessly integrated into daily chats, making decision-making faster and more interactive.

I recently used it to find new trends and interests of people in AI products. I found it incredibly valuable because the suggestions were based on my interests and preferences rather than just generic recommendations. It has also helped me stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the AI industry. I love how My AI learns my preferences over time, making its recommendations even more tailored and accurate. As someone who is always on the go, this feature has made my personal life easier and has given me endless ideas for implementing similar technology into our company’s products.

Stefan Van der Vlag, AI Expert/Founder, Clepher

Interact Live on TikTok for Real-Time Engagement

I love TikTok, and with its live feature, the experience takes it to another level. Watching live streams makes content more immersive because everything is happening in the moment. I have interacted with creators, asked questions, and watched unfiltered moments that never make it into polished videos. There is an energy in live broadcasts that makes everything more engaging, and the instant comments and reactions create a stronger connection between the creator and the audience.

The best part is how interactive it can be. Unlike pre-recorded videos, TikTok Live allows me to engage directly with creators. I have had my questions answered on the spot, seen creators shift their content based on what viewers ask, and even participated in discussions that are more like conversations than just watching a video. The platform becomes more personal and community-driven this way. I have watched musicians take live song requests, chefs guide viewers through recipes while responding to comments, and small business owners showcase their products in ways that come across as more genuine.

Loris Petro, Marketing Manager, Kratom Earth

Utilize YouTube Analytics for SEO Insights

One of my favorite social media features for enhancing SEO and content visibility is YouTube’s built-in analytics, especially the “Traffic Sources” and “Search Terms” sections. These tools show exactly how viewers are finding your videos—whether it’s from YouTube search, suggested videos, or external websites.

What makes it powerful is that it gives real, user-driven keyword data you can use to refine your video titles, descriptions, and even future content ideas. For example, I’ve taken underperforming videos, optimized their metadata based on what viewers were searching for, and saw noticeable improvements in views and watch time. It’s a great reminder that social platforms can double as SEO data sources if you know where to look.

John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting

Save and Organize Content with Instagram Collections

One feature I’ve found invaluable is Instagram’s Saved collection tool. It’s not new, but it’s certainly one of the most underappreciated. It’s like creating a digital inspiration board on the fly. I’ve used it to save product ideas, interesting marketing campaigns, and cool branding concepts I see throughout my day. The fact that Instagram allows you to organize these saved posts into specific collections is a real game-changer, especially for staying on top of emerging trends without scrolling endlessly. It’s a tool that’s improved my efficiency and focus by making it easy to revisit great content at the right time.

Jayant Surana, Marketing Manager, Everyday Delta

Join Facebook Groups for Active Feedback

Facebook Groups is a feature of social media that I personally enjoy, particularly for specialized communities. Those who create content-driven websites know how valuable these groups are for active feedback. For instance, while launching a site focused on productivity, there were a few groups that had very active discussions. I noticed the same issues emerging repeatedly. That prompted me to write an article that turned out to be incredibly popular, drives affiliate revenue, and is now ranked #1. Groups on Facebook transform scrolling into active research—including listening to social trends without the devices.

Khris Steven, Content marketer, SEO and Automation expert, KhrisDigital Marketing

Curate Ideas on Pinterest for Inspiration

I really enjoy using Pinterest. It’s not just for DIY crafts or recipes; it’s a great tool for curating ideas and visual inspiration. As a marketing manager, I use it to collect content ideas for campaigns, design concepts, and even mood boards for upcoming projects.

What I love most is how easy it is to create boards based on themes, which helps me organize everything in a way that feels manageable. For personal use, I’ve created boards for travel inspiration, home design, and even tips on moving abroad. It keeps everything in one spot so I don’t have to waste time hunting down ideas. The platform’s visual nature just clicks with me, allowing me to stay organized and inspired in a more creative, hands-on way. It’s been a big help in both my personal and professional life.

Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals

Reddit’s Upvote System Filters Quality Content

Reddit’s upvote and downvote system is probably one of my favorite features on any social platform. It’s one of the few places where content quality is filtered by how useful or interesting other people actually think it is. I don’t have to scroll through filler or low-effort content just to get to the good stuff. If I’m trying to fix something, find a recommendation, or catch up on a topic, the most relevant replies usually float to the top without me having to dig for them.

I use Reddit a lot for product research and idea validation. That voting system makes it easier to spot patterns in what people actually care about. You can tell which product reviews are thoughtful and which are just noise. You can tell which questions are worth answering and which ones are repetitive. That’s valuable when I’m thinking through new UGC scripts or testing how people respond to certain marketing angles. It gives me fast, unfiltered feedback without needing to run a full survey or overthink the data.

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt

Mute on X for a Focused Environment

X’s mute button: It’s like noise-canceling headphones for my brain.

While everyone’s out there chasing likes and follows, I’m over here curating peace. I can maintain a good, focused environment free from the insanity of trending disputes, hot opinions, and that one person who live-tweets every thought they’ve ever had by using the mute button.

It has improved my experience tenfold–I get to enjoy content that inspires or informs me, without getting pulled into a digital shouting match over oat milk vs. almond milk. (It’s tea, people. Calm down.)

Social media is supposed to be fun or useful–ideally both–and the mute button helps me keep it that way. It’s self-care in click form.

Andy Hayes, Founder and Creator, Plum Deluxe & Plum Deluxe Teas

Bookmark Collections on TikTok for Useful References

I completely changed how I use TikTok after discovering their bookmark collections feature. I’ve stopped mindlessly scrolling and instead organized specific folders for things I actually want to reference later.

I have a “weeknight dinners” collection that’s only 15-minute meal videos, a “home organization” folder for specific storage solutions, and even a “conversation starters” collection for social situations. The game-changer was realizing I could turn passive consumption into an actually useful resource.

When I needed to unclog my sink last month, I went straight to my “home fixes” collection instead of watching endless new videos.

I’ve shown this to friends who thought TikTok was just for dancing videos, and they’re shocked at how functional it becomes when you’re intentional about saving content that serves a purpose rather than just entertains you for 10 seconds.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Discover Local Events with Facebook’s Tool

A feature on Facebook that I use often is “Events” for discovering local activities. I’ve found that it’s an underrated tool for keeping track of what’s going on nearby. I can easily find events related to things I’m passionate about, whether it’s horse shows, networking events, or community fundraisers.

It’s made planning my personal and professional schedule a lot easier. I no longer have to rely on word of mouth or Google to find cool things to do in my area. The “Interested” feature is also great, allowing me to RSVP and keep track of events without cluttering my feed. It helps me stay connected to the local scene and gives me an easy way to plan ahead.

Linzi Oliver, Commercial Marketing Manager, HorseClicks

Track Experiences with Pinterest’s Tried It

I like to use Pinterest’s “Tried It” feature to keep track of all the travel destinations that I want to try and the AI tools that I want to test. It allows me to save posts from different accounts onto one board and then mark them as “tried it” once I have completed the activity. This has significantly improved my experience on the platform because it keeps all my saved content organized and reminds me to actually try out things that I was interested in at some point.

I also love how this feature allows me to see if others have tried the same thing and what their experience was like. It has opened up a whole new world of recommendations and inspiration for me. For instance, I discovered the trending advanced AI innovations that people were raving about, and I got the idea to develop a similar tool for our company. Pinterest’s “Tried It” feature has enhanced my personal use and sparked new ideas and opportunities for growth in my professional life.

Kevin Baragona, Founder, Deep AI

Use Instagram Polls for Quick Customer Feedback

Instagram’s poll sticker is something I use constantly because it gives me quick reads on what customers actually want. I started using it to decide between two dog treat brands I was thinking of bringing in, and within an hour, I had 74 responses. It’s direct, quick, and feels casual, which works perfectly for a pet shop where people love sharing their pets’ preferences. I now use it weekly to test toy colors, new harness prints, or even which pet to feature in our Friday posts. It gives me real feedback without needing to overthink it or send out surveys. Last fall, it helped me avoid overstocking a holiday line that flopped in the polls and saved me over $600 in unsold product. I handle all our socials myself, so I need tools that are fast and keep people engaged without me needing a marketing team.

Eunice Arauz, Founder, Pets Avenue

Monitor LinkedIn Profile Views for Engagement

On LinkedIn, I use the “Who viewed your profile” feature more than I expected. I know it sounds basic, but it gives me quiet signals that help guide how I engage. When someone from a partner brand or a competitor checks in, I take that as a pulse check. It helps me decide when to reach out, when to share more, or when to step back and rethink positioning. It’s like having a passive radar that keeps running without you needing to lift a finger.

This one feature has improved my experience by giving shape to what would otherwise feel invisible. I’ve spotted potential hires before they applied. I’ve started warm outreach that led to product feedback or a partnership, just based on seeing a familiar name pop up. It’s subtle, but it plays well with how modern business is built–quiet interest, followed by smart timing.

Anders Bill, Cofounder/CPO, Superfiliate

Send Targeted Messages with WhatsApp Broadcast Lists

I’m all in on WhatsApp Broadcast Lists. No public group noise, no endless pings–just targeted, clean one-way communication. I use it to send micro tips to different client clusters. It works like a charm. I’ve had clients forward those messages to family, triggering chain referrals. That’s efficient, low-cost reach.

The best part? It feels personal. Clients assume I wrote it just for them. I once ran a 10-day challenge entirely through a broadcast list. Eighty-seven people joined. No app downloads, no signups. Just click and reply. It beats algorithm roulette and brings in actual conversations–not just likes. Honestly, it’s the least noisy form of connection I’ve used.

James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]

Archive Instagram Posts for Content Management

There’s one feature I’ve come to rely on: Instagram’s Archive feature. This might sound like a small thing, but it’s been a genuine change. Instead of worrying about how a post looks in the long-term, I can post something spontaneous and later decide if it still fits with my feed or not. It takes away the stress of maintaining a perfect, curated page. Not only does this feature let me manage my content in a way that feels more organic, but it’s also given me the freedom to be more creative and less judgmental about my posts. Sometimes, you just want to share without worrying about the aftermath, and that archive button makes it possible.

Bennett Barrier, Chief Executive Officer, DFW Turf Solutions

Stay Connected with Instagram Stories

I love using Instagram Stories to stay connected with friends and family in a way that feels personal yet effortless. Sharing quick life updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and interactive polls keeps conversations going without the need for long messages.

The “Close Friends” feature is a favorite since it allows for a more intimate connection with my inner circle while keeping things light and engaging. Social media should feel like a two-way street, so responding to DMs, reacting to posts, and sharing nostalgic throwbacks keeps those connections strong, no matter how busy life gets.

Johell Aponte, Founder, Move On House Buyers

Our favorite social media tools for personal use