The Biggest Shift in Sharing Family History Since Social Media Began

When the genealogy community began embracing social media, it opened up new opportunities. Suddenly, societies, libraries, and family historians could share stories and reach people well beyond their own town or membership list. Likes, follows, and algorithms shaped who saw what, and for a long time, success meant chasing numbers.

That world is shifting, and fast.

Image created with the help of Midjourney.

AI Levels the Playing Field

Artificial intelligence is putting powerful creative tools into the hands of everyday family historians and society volunteers. What once required a designer, video editor, or hours of frustration in front of a computer can now be done with a few clicks. AI can help you write posts, design flyers, create video scripts, and even spark storytelling ideas.

This means content itself is no longer the challenge. Everyone can share polished graphics or a professional-looking video. The real question becomes: why would someone care enough to listen, share, or join in?

Noise vs. Connection

With so much content flooding feeds, it’s easy for even the most meaningful ancestor story or event promotion to get lost in the scroll. Chasing the algorithm, trying to post at the “perfect” time, or obsessing over hashtags. Which won’t and can't guarantee visibility anymore. The genealogy community is already stretched for time, and audiences are stretched for attention.

The real challenge is rising above the noise by giving people something deeper: belonging, recognition, and connection.

Psychology and Community Win

The genealogy groups, societies, and storytellers who will thrive in this new era are those that focus on people first, not platforms. Viral success in 2025 doesn’t mean a million views—it means sparking conversations, attracting new members, and inspiring someone to say, “That’s my story too.”

Creators in our community can do this by:

• Sharing stories that tap into universal feelings like discovery, resilience, and family bonds.

• Building spaces (online or in person) where people feel part of the journey.

• Using AI not to replace the human element, but to free up time for deeper connections.

If the first wave of genealogy on social media was about technology, the next wave is about humanity. The tools are here for anyone to create. The future belongs to those who can build real communities where history feels alive and personal.