Once upon a time, genealogy was confined to dusty libraries and handwritten charts. Then came the internet, and with it, a digital revolution that changed everything. However, it wasn't until social media emerged that genealogy truly became a community-driven, globally connected, and storytelling-rich experience. As we stand in 2025, it's the perfect moment to reflect on how we arrived here and where we're headed next.

If your historical or genealogical society has ever posted on social media and felt like you were shouting into the void, you’re not alone. Organic reach can feel unpredictable, but it’s far from dead.

The Digital Hesitation Social media often feels like a fast-moving train that left the station before many of us even bought a ticket. For genealogists, especially those who didn’t grow up with a smartphone in hand, the idea of diving into Facebook groups, hashtags, or trends can be intimidating, even off-putting. The platforms shift constantly, the etiquette feels unspoken, and there’s always the nagging worry of oversharing or getting lost in the scroll.

When social media first burst onto the scene, it was all about connection — instantly sharing photos, updates, and life moments with family and friends, no matter the distance. For genealogists, it became a thrilling new way to share family tree discoveries, vintage photos, and ancestral stories with relatives who might otherwise never hear them.

As we dive deeper into 2025, the digital landscape continues to evolve, offering exciting new opportunities for the genealogy world. I’ve been reviewing the Social Media Industry Report 2025 published by Social Media Examiner and here are the key insights every genealogist and genealogy society should know, plus how they can help you strengthen your social media presence and community connections.

If you’ve been feeling like Facebook is harder to navigate lately (hello, ever-changing algorithm 👀), you're not alone. But here’s some good news - you don’t need ads or fancy tools to grow organically, just a few smart, simple strategies that meet people where they are.

If you’ve been digging into ancestor stories on Instagram or swapping research tips in Facebook groups, LinkedIn might feel like the dusty record book tucked behind your favorite family photo albums - formal, a little overlooked, but full of untapped potential.

LinkedIn might feel like a platform built for resumes and recruiters but in 2025, it’s becoming a surprising ally for historical and genealogical societies.

If you're a professional genealogist, you probably spend a lot of time helping clients uncover ancestors and stories connected to their family history. But are you using LinkedIn to write the next chapter of your own story?

Not every breakthrough is massive. But every win matters. In the world of genealogy, it’s easy to focus on the big breakthroughs—the long-lost ancestor found or the genealogical mystery solved. But over time, I’ve come to realize that the little wins are just as important, if not more so. I’m so grateful for the small moments—the census record uncovered, the old photo that finally matches a name, the distant cousin who reaches out, and suddenly, there’s a new connection.

Some of the best content isn’t created by us—it’s created with us. One of the greatest joys in genealogy is discovering how connected we all are and how sharing pieces of our family histories can bring new depth to our own research. I’m incredibly grateful for the stories, photos, and memories others have shared that have brought new layers to my journey of uncovering my ancestors' lives.

I’ve learned that those two little words—thank you—can make a huge difference. In a community where so many are volunteering their time, offering support, and sharing their expertise, acknowledging their efforts goes a long way. A quick thank you, especially in the comments, can show people that their help matters and is truly appreciated.

I will admit that I have struggled with posting Stories, but after seeing others’ Stories, I found them to be fun and easy-to-digest content that only lasts 24 hours before it disappears. How could a quick, disappearing post ever carry the value within the genealogy community?

One of the easiest ways to show support on social media is by resharing content that resonates with you and can benefit others in your...

Genealogy starts with questions: Who were they? Where did they live? Why did they move? But some of the most powerful moments I’ve had as a researcher didn’t come from digging through records. They came from asking the right questions to the right people.

Social media has completely redefined what “outreach” means for us as genealogists and family historians. It’s no longer just about who’s in our immediate circles. It’s about stepping beyond our local neighborhoods and societies and into a virtually limitless world of connection and into webinars, libraries

Let’s be honest—social media can be a black hole. One minute you’re posting an ancestor photo, and the next you’ve scrolled through a dozen headstone cleaning reels, four cemetery tour videos, and somehow ended up watching a tutorial on 19th-century handwriting. We’ve all been there.

In the genealogy world, mentorship isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Whether you’re brand new to family history or decades into your research, there’s always more to learn. And sometimes, what we really need isn’t another record - it’s a person who says, “Let me walk with you.”

When I first thought about going live, my stomach did flips! Livestreaming seemed intimidating. I worried about messing up or forgetting wha

In the fast-paced world of social media, a simple act of kindness can transform someone's day—or even their entire journey.