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#073: The Future of Social Media

One of the major challenges with today’s social media platforms is the lack of control users have over their data and online presence. Constantly shifting algorithms, the absence of fair and transparent monetization models, and the looming threat of regulatory changes can quickly erode the optimism of independent creators, leaving them feeling disillusioned.

Don’t lose hope for creative and financial success just yet. A new trend is emerging as creators seek alternatives to regain control. Enter decentralized social media and follower ownership, allowing users to own their digital identities and relationships truly.

Let’s talk about it.

What exactly is decentralized social media?

Using blockchain technology—a secure and transparent way of recording information—decentralized social media ensures that valuable user data, such as your username, followers, and messages, belongs to you and cannot be taken away. Unlike centralized platforms like Instagram or X, where usernames can be changed or messages censored, decentralized platforms protect your control.

In traditional social networks, switching platforms means losing your followers. With decentralized social media, you keep full ownership of your profile, data, and content, providing a framework for complete control over your digital presence.

Introducing Lens

Lens is a decentralized and open social network that gives users and developers full control over their experiences and was created as an alternative to centralized social media platforms like X, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.

Taking it a step further, Lens is a protocol that various companies and applications can build upon. Think of Lens like email: just as you can use different email clients, such as Gmail or the Mail app on iOS, to access your email address ([email protected]), Lens allows different platforms to work with your digital identity and data.

Benefits of Joining Lens

1️⃣ Monetize Your Content

Lens, a blockchain-based social network, allows users to tokenize their content. This means others can collect your content, either for free or in exchange for cryptocurrency. It also provides a way to tip creators, motivating them to produce engaging and valuable material.

Additionally, Lens promotes collaboration by enabling users to 'repost' rewards and share fees with those who contributed to the content creation, fostering creative partnerships. You can learn more in this article by Lens’ ownMaria Paula on how to monetize sustainably on LENS.

Don’t have a crypto wallet? You can still get started easily. When you join Lens through applications like Orb, you can sign up with just an email address, and they will create a wallet for you, simplifying the process and making it more accessible.

2️⃣ Curate Your Feed

In an era marked by divisiveness, decentralized social spaces are striving to become self-regulating havens for our interconnected minds.

Lens is especially beneficial for creators who want to make their art, videos, memes, or opinions collectible for their followers. On platforms like Orb, it enables the creation of clubs— specialized spaces where you can explore content on various topics such as art, food, and more.

With LENS, the content you see is not dictated by an algorithm; it’s entirely determined by your own choices.

Why Join Now?

Social media, regardless of the platform, demands time and effort. People naturally gravitate towards different platforms—some prefer TikTok over Instagram, LinkedIn over X, or Reddit above others. Our choice of platform usually hinges on our individual goals and objectives, as well as our comfort with the medium for self-expression.

For artists aiming to market their work and connect with collectors, being an early adopter can be advantageous. For instance, many of TikTok’s leading influencers today achieved prominence by being among the first to create content and build audiences on the platform.

While you might have fewer people to engage with compared to X, this presents an opportunity to distinguish yourself, especially as X’s algorithm has become increasingly unpredictable.

If you enjoy being an early adopter and are eager to explore new technology with like-minded individuals, Lens offers a chance to find a genuine community and support in an oversaturated market.

How To Get Started

1. To onboard onto LENS, we suggest signing up through ORB here.

2. If you are a creator, read up on their guide here.

3. Stay up to date on what’s new by subscribing to the Lens newsletter.

Closing Thoughts

As social media evolves, decentralized platforms offer a promising alternative, giving you greater control over your digital identity and new opportunities for engagement and monetization.

Lens is a leader in this shift. To help you get started, HUG is offering a free 2-day course, "Grow Your Digital Garden with Lens: Decentralized Social Boot Camp," this coming September 17th-18th, 2024. This course will provide essential strategies and insights from Lens experts.

Explore the future of social media and see how decentralized platforms can enhance your online presence. Register for the course today and take the next step in your digital journey.

Artist Grants and Opportunities

• 🪞Exhibit at the Oculus World Trade Center: Transient Labs is seeking on art the theme of Self-Reflection for the Canvas 3.0 Gallery.

• 🦋 $250 Artist Grant for the AI Art Excellence Award: HUG Ambassador Faedriel is seeking creatives who are innovating and inspiring with AI.

• 🗽 Get Your Art On A Times Square Billboard: Chicago-based curator Kennedy Free is looking for art on the theme of PLAY.

• 💸 $1000 Artist Grant: Every month, the Frame Society will award financial support for production, equipment, and travel costs.

• 📺 Your Art on Streaming TV: Loupe Art wants to share your autumn-inspired artwork across Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and more.

• 💰 HUG is giving away $12,000 USD annually in artist grants in support of emerging artists.

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