# How Taylor Swift Used Social Media to Rule the World

- Link: https://chatterblast.com/blog/how-taylor-swift-used-social-media-to-rule-the-world/
- Published: 2015-10-08T16:47:56-04:00
- Author: chatterblastteam

2015 was the year of many significant culture changes, including the introduction
of Caitlyn Jenner , the phenomenon of _Empire_ and the Supreme Court ruling on same-
sex marriage.

And then there’s that _little unknown singer_ **Taylor Swift** who continues to 
dominate airwaves and newsfeeds alike. Fact is you can’t go about your day without
hearing _something_ about her. And if this past year has taught us anything, it 
likely won’t stop unless she says so.

Tons of articles and interviews have delved into Taylor’s [origin story](http://time.com/3583129/power-of-taylor-swift-cover/),
[her rise to pop star supernova status](http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/08/taylor-swift-cover-mario-testino-apple-music)
and [the various controversies she’s associated with](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taylor-swift-apparel-controversy-china-813940).
But probably the most powerful medium that Taylor uses to market herself and her
music is one where she controls the message coming out of it: **social media**.

From **Tumblr** to **Twitter** to **Instagram**, Taylor _lives _on her social media.
Whether it’s to market her music or connect with fans, she leverages the platforms
to highlight her openness, which is a _key component_ of her brand.

But then again, countless celebrities are active on social media, too. **So what
makes TayTay different?** She used social media to _change the narrative_ of her
image and continues to maintain that momentum to build influence.

**From “Boy-Crazy” to #GirlSquad Captain**

Think about it: Prior to the release of her album _1989_, Taylor was mostly known
for three things: saccharine love songs, her string of famous ex-boyfriends and 
her infamous encounter with Kanye West at the **2009 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)**.

And then came 2014, when she came back to the music scene. She didn’t just come 
back and she didn’t _just_ crossover to pop music. She shifted all topics about 
herself by painting a **different image** on her social media feeds: one who was
best friends with supermodels, fellow pop stars and actresses; one who was a feminist;
one who spent her nights with her _adorable_ cats.

You have to give her credit for her shrewdness: an Instagram of Swift hanging out
with her “squad” now has just as much intrigue as a picture of her with a new beau.
Because by turning up the level of fame with each familiar face, there’s already
an _inherent level of interest_. The same idea easily applies to the various cameo
appearances throughout her tour: from her **[Bad Blood castmates](http://www.etonline.com/news/164389_taylor_swift_s_bad_blood_music_video_could_not_get_any_more_star_studded/)**
to **[Kobe Byrant](http://nesn.com/2015/08/kobe-bryant-surprises-taylor-swift-at-staples-center-unveils-banner-video/)**,
Taylor ups the stakes with every show while increasing her brand’s visibility.****

**Taylor Swift #FTW                                                             **

Another way she used social media to her advantage? Her winning the coveted **Video
of the Year Award** at the **2015 MTV VMAs **in August. For most, this was no surprise
considering the number of famous faces and special effects. However, the award is
_voter-based _during specific periods. And who out of the nominees posted behind-
the-scenes clips on Instagram with the gentle reminder to not forget to vote? _Queen
Taylor, of course_

And then there’s that _small_ thing that happened with **Apple Music** where Taylor
wrote a [letter](http://taylorswift.tumblr.com/post/122071902085/to-apple-love-taylor)
about compensating artists during the three-month trial period. Her mode of communication?
_Tumblr._ Not a magazine interview or anything so formal, but a medium that has 
a _personal touch_ with enough room to lay all her cards on the table. And not to
mention _easily shareable_ — with her fans, peers and the media.

When **Apple** decided to reverse their policy later _that same day_, she was labeled
as a “_savior of the music industry,_” with _Time _even saying [she saved Apple Music](http://time.com/3940500/apple-music-taylor-swift-release/)
with the free publicity and helping to convince others uncertain about the streaming
service. Of course, there’ve been some dissenters who claim the exact opposite: 
[that the change won’t make much of a difference](http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/22/8826509/taylor-swift-vs-apple-nobody-wins).

It makes you wonder whether Apple could’ve gotten away with saying “_no_.” Most 
people have argued they didn’t really have much of a choice considering Swift’s 
star power. Apple claims that [they were thinking of changing their policy even before the letter](http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/08/taylor-swift-cover-mario-testino-apple-music).
And then there’s the fact that Taylor chose a very public way to air her grievances
and how quickly her post made headlines — _a testament to the power of social media_.
With the added pressure and the world watching, the stakes were evidently raised.

However, there’s probably still a decent chance Apple could’ve gotten away with 
it. Like Taylor, Apple has an incredible amount of brand influence ([you can’t sell 13 million iPhones in just three days without it](http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2015/09/28Apple-Announces-Record-iPhone-6s-iPhone-6s-Plus-Sales.html))
and if they had responded with the right tone, I’m sure a fair number of Apple devotees
would have changed sides.

But then again, the Apple executives probably realized they had more to _gain_ by
changing their minds. Because when you make nice with Taylor Swift, you have _a 
lot to gain_ with one of the most powerful people on social media.

What’s your favorite T-Swift social media moment? Let us know in the comments!