Why I’m Saying Goodbye to Some Social Media Platforms (and Where Genealogists Really Belong)

AI Image from Midjourney

Social media can feel like a never-ending family reunion. Everyone’s talking, stories are flying, and you’re trying to keep up with every conversation. Eventually, the noise gets so loud that you stop hearing the voices that matter. That’s when social media burnout sets in.

After years of helping genealogists and societies manage their social media, I’ve seen the same struggle over and over: too many platforms, not enough connection. We’re told to be everywhere—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Threads, BlueSky, and whatever the newest platform comes out—but spreading ourselves too thin often means we end up showing up halfway instead of fully present.

And that’s exactly where I found myself. So I made a decision: I’m deleting my X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and BlueSky accounts. I’d rather be deeply connected on fewer platforms than feel like I’m shouting into too many empty rooms, never finding the time to truly connect with others and share my family history journey. My goal for being on social media is to preserve my ancestors' stories, to potentially reach a cousin or two, and to connect with others who share my passion for genealogy.

The Heart of It: Where the Genealogy Community Thrives

When I stepped back, I asked myself: where is the genealogy community actually gathering, learning, and sharing? The answer was clear.

Facebook remains the beating heart of genealogy communities. From local history groups to surname studies, the conversation is alive here.

YouTube is where tutorials, how-tos, and family stories shine. It’s become our modern classroom and stage.

Instagram provides a way to tell visual stories through ancestral photos, family trees, and Reels that bring history to life.

TikTok is attracting a new generation of genealogists with quick tips and quirky tales about their ancestors.

X (formerly Twitter) is for quick connections, but its role is shrinking.

LinkedIn serves the professionals—genealogists, historians, authors, and societies building credibility.

If I had to rank them by the most engaging genealogy community activity, it would look like this: Facebook > YouTube > Instagram > TikTok > X > LinkedIn.

The truth is simple: it’s better to show up fully in a few places than barely show up in many. By letting go of the platforms that no longer serve me, I’m making space to connect more deeply where the genealogy community truly thrives. I'd rather spend 30 minutes on a social media platform to truly connect than just 10 to 15 minutes, so I have time to spend on other platforms.

So, here is what I decided to do after taking the time to sit down and carefully examine each platform. I asked myself three questions.

• Which platforms do I love spending time on?

• Which platforms do I feel I have a community on?

• Which platforms do I love sharing my family history on?

You'll still be able to find me @simplelivingene on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. I'll be deleting my X (Twitter), Threads, and BlueSky accounts.

I decided my sweet spot is four platforms for now. I like to bulk-create and post, so I use a scheduling tool.

Now I’d like to turn this reflection to you. Have you felt stretched thin across too many platforms? Which ones give you the most joy and genuine connection? I encourage you to pause and decide where you want to spend your time online, because your energy deserves to go where your community is.