Why Current Social Media Platforms Are Failing Artists — And What We’re Doing About It

It’s a quiet frustration many creatives carry — and one that’s hard to shake:

Social media just isn’t working for artists anymore.

On the surface, the tools seem designed to help us grow. We’re told to “post more,” “follow trends,” “engage often.” But the deeper you go, the more obvious it becomes: these platforms weren’t built for artists. They were built for content. And there’s a big difference between the two.

The Algorithm Doesn't See Talent

Let’s start with the elephant in the room — the algorithm.

We’ve all felt its pull. It favours what’s trending, what’s fast, what’s easily consumed. It prioritises spectacle over substance. The result? Work that doesn’t fit neatly into viral formats—like nuanced, thoughtful, original art—often disappears before it even has a chance to be seen. And for emerging creatives trying to carve out a space, this can feel like shouting into a void. It’s not about how good your work is. It’s about how well it performs. Which means artists end up bending their practice just to be visible.

Where Are the Opportunities?

But beyond visibility, there’s a more serious question: where does all this engagement actually go?

A few likes. Maybe a comment. A save, if you’re lucky. But these moments rarely translate into real opportunities. There’s no structured way to network, to collaborate, or to access genuine career support. You might build a large following — but there’s no guarantee it will lead to anything tangible. Most platforms treat creative success as a numbers game. And yet, numbers don’t pay rent. They don’t get you into exhibitions, land commissions, or spark long-term partnerships. It’s growth without grounding.

You Don’t Own What You Build

One of the most overlooked issues is ownership.

Your audience, your posts, your data — they all belong to the platform. If the algorithm changes, your visibility can vanish overnight. If the platform pivots, your career momentum could collapse with it. It’s like building your creative life on rented land. And that’s not sustainable.

We Built Lylac Because We Felt It Too

At Lylac, we’ve been in your shoes.

We know what it’s like to pour yourself into your craft, only to have it buried under a trend cycle. To grow a community, only to realise you don’t really own it. To feel like you’re playing someone else’s game, with someone else’s rules. So we built something different. Not a replacement, but a response.

Lylac is a space built for creatives, not just their content. A platform that values ideas, nurtures originality, and supports real progression. It’s designed for meaningful collaboration, career growth, and building something that lasts.

We’re here for the artists who are ready for something more intentional.

The students, designers, photographers, architects, illustrators, and multidisciplinary minds who want to share work, discover opportunities, and connect without having to compromise their creative voice.

A Creative Future We Shape Together

If you’ve felt disillusioned with the system, you’re not alone.

You’re part of a much larger shift — one that’s asking for better spaces, better tools, and better outcomes for artists. Lylac is our answer. But more than that, it’s yours too. Together, we can reshape what creative platforms should be — spaces that are built on trust, substance, and real connection.