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Rethinking Social: What If We Actually Rewarded Engagement?
Posted by on November 8, 2025 at 8:59 amBeen chewing on where social platforms are headed lately – privacy drama, creators getting shafted, feed after feed of AI sludge. Feels like the vibe’s getting off, yeah?
Imagine this instead:
Right now: we pour in posts, likes, DMs -> platform sells ads -> we get… notifications?
Meanwhile: they tweak algorithms off our activity -> they get richer -> we get drops in reach
Data: packaged and sold -> platform profits -> we stay the product
So what if it flipped?
* Earn XP/points for posting, replying, hosting events—make it almost game-like
* Hit milestones, unlock profile skins, themes, premium features without paying cash
* Creators keep a real cut (80%+) of virtual item sales or support—no middleman taking 30% “just because”
* Streaming, analytics, merch tools baked into the platform instead of relying on a stack of third-party apps
* Data stays yours; insight dashboards show what’s tracked; nothing sold unless you opt in
Gamification actually works:
* LinkedIn makes people chase “Top Voice” and connection streaks
* Duolingo’s leveling system keeps folks grinding languages for fun
* Fitness apps trick our brains into caring about badges and perfect attendance
So why not go full RPG?
* Level up your social “class” based on activity
* Unlock gear (profile frames, animated banners, voice packs)
* Achievements for community goals: Host 10 group streams, Introduce 5 new members
* Clan-style leaderboards, seasonal events, collaborative challenges
Creator economy, but not lip service:
* App stores want 30% just to exist
* YouTube keeps 45% of ad revenue
* TikTok, IG: most creators earn exactly $0 unless they land brand deals
Now picture a platform taking 10-15% max, and giving creators:
* Monetization on day one (virtual goods, tipping, gated channels, whatever fits)
* Built-in sponsor marketplace and automated contracts
* Detailed analytics dashboards with actual transparency (blueprint: Here’s where every dollar came from)
* Fast payouts—weekly or on-demand—without thresholds
Data ownership isn’t optional anymore:
* Should a platform exist where your data remains your property?
* Could a social network make money without mining the userbase endlessly?
* Is an ad-free experience viable if you lean into cosmetics, subscriptions, virtual economies?
Curious what you think:
* Would you hop onto a network that gives you XP or rewards for meaningful engagement?
* Is gamifying social interaction the next wave, or does it just wear people out?
* What would make you genuinely leave your current app? (Serious question.)
* Can a creator-first revenue split actually keep the lights on long-term?
* How much does real data ownership matter in your decision to join or stay somewhere?
Why I’m asking:
I’ve been deep-diving into alternative platform models and it feels like there’s a massive gap between what users value and what big platforms deliver. I want to hear what trends you’re spotting—what excites you, what freaks you out, and whether you think we’re heading toward something better or just looping the same cycle with shinier skins.
Drop your thoughts. What would a social platform need to do differently to earn your time these days?
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1 Reply
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Your app will make zero dollars with this business model. It solves no problems. Current apps are manufacturing engagement with bots costing barely anything and growth is still increasing.
Why would anyone even migrate? There’s nothing that would make people leave their app because the app isn’t the reason they’re on it in the first place. They’re on these apps because their social life is on these apps.
Unless your app brings a new form of value it’s DOA. Every need has already become a social app already. A battle pass for talking is DOA. Of course for other app models like fitness, language learning etc. small gamification features are pretty common sense to have.
Your cosmetics have zero value if the app has zero demand. People couldn’t give less of a fuck about an in app panda sprite banner if no one cares to be on the app.
These platforms have these monetization splits to remain profitable with revenue. You’re not taking into account server hosting, upkeep, infrastructure, partnerships etc. you keep 10-15% it’s DOA. Again how can you add monetization on day 1 when zero people care? That would turn off people the moment they see its like some gacha app demanding money. No social media app has ANY shop selling cosmetics, it just doesn’t make logical sense.
On demand payouts is a fast way to get scammed. Dating ownership is impossible or else companies cannot personalize ads, which generate the most revenue. Your data is already sold literally everywhere else it’s not as if people care.
All in all don’t attempt this social media is probably the last type of business you’d want to invest time into. Unless you have huge backing with plenty of investors, connections within the industry, huge marketing team, partnerships, and a shit ton of money. Maybe if it was 2004 but the boom has been over for years now
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