How Social Media is Shaping Modern Entertainment

From driving audience engagement to shaping the narrative around headline attractions and marquee performers, social platforms have become invaluable tools for entertainers and venues alike. Entertainment naturally changes and evolves with time, and with each generation, it seems like what’s considered ‘entertainment’ or even ‘entertaining’ is different; but at Foxwoods, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of social media in shaping and promoting the various shows and events we have across our property.

Engaging Audiences and Leveraging Social Media In Real Time

Social media has completely redefined the way entertainers connect with their audience, allowing for real-time interaction and engagement. Whether capturing photos for Instagram during performances or sharing videos from the night on TikTok, these platforms offer a direct line of communication between entertainers and fans – one that naturally progresses into an engaged and excited audience.

This same social media engagement can be valuable for any performer, regardless of whether they are A-list celebrities or independent artists. For legacy acts, social media offers a means to reconnect with existing fans while attracting new generations, using platforms like Facebook to maintain fan loyalty. Similarly, younger artists rely on these platforms to foster intimacy, promote new music and performances, and expand their reach in a very competitive music landscape. Marketers use this excitement and this fan engagement to inform everything from future bookings to targeted advertising.

Social Media’s Impact on Discovery and Popularity

The various social platforms that exist now have allowed artists across the board to aggregate attention and boost discovery. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok serve as discovery engines that let artists bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with fans. Social media has affected discovery and audience growth, which means audiences are finding new artists in genres or locations they might not have listened to before – we see this with artists like Lil Nas X, who gained popularity through social media, or with The Weeknd, who revolutionized the pop and R&B landscape when he began anonymously posting music on YouTube in 2011.

‘Advancements in things like virtual reality to immersive, augmented reality activations, bring new possibilities for innovating the live entertainment space.’

It’s not just artists, either: comedians have leveraged social media the same way, such as Matt Rife, who has sold out venues across the country, propelling him past what he was doing even five years ago. Social media has leveled the playing field, empowering audiences to explore a diverse array of entertainment that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, while simultaneously providing artists with opportunities for visibility and success. Social media has allowed live shows to become attractions faster than they would have.

Data-Driven Insights for Personalized Experiences

From a venue point of view, social media platforms offer a wealth of data and insights that enable stadiums, theaters and more to refine their offerings and personalize experiences. By analyzing engagement metrics, sentiment analysis and demographic data, venues can gain valuable insights into audience preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly. At Foxwoods, we use data-driven insights to curate bespoke experiences for our shows, ensuring that every guest’s visit is memorable and unique.

The Future of Entertainment in the Digital Age

As we look to the future, the role of social media in shaping headline attractions will only continue to evolve. Advancements in things like virtual reality to immersive, augmented reality activations, bring new possibilities for innovating the live entertainment space. As entertainment venues continue to adapt, social media will remain a central pillar in creating new headline attractions and engaging audiences in new and exciting ways. The future of entertainment continues to be full of endless possibilities.