5 Brands that actually engage with their audience (and what you can learn from them)

July 24, 2025
Por
Lach Bradford

Posting content is easy.
Starting a conversation? That’s harder.
Actually building a relationship? That’s where the magic happens.

These five brands aren’t just “active” on social—they’re responsive, intentional, and genuinely plugged into their audience. They don’t treat social as a broadcast channel. They treat it like a dinner party, a feedback loop, and a live performance rolled into one.

If you’re trying to turn followers into fans, these are the brands worth watching.

1. DuoLingo – @duolingo

Platform Strength: TikTok

DuoLingo didn’t just post on TikTok—they built a chaotic universe around their owl. What makes them stand out? They reply in character, remix fan content, and turn comments into creative gold.

🎯 What they do well:

  • Consistent character voice in comments

  • Spotlighting fan-created content

  • Turning inside jokes into viral moments

💡 What you can steal:
Create a POV for your brand that lets you play with your audience—not just post at them.

2. The Daily Aus – @thedailyaus

Platform Strength: Instagram Stories & Polls
🇦🇺 Australia

This youth-led news brand is a masterclass in engagement. They use polls, DMs, and comments to shape coverage—and treat their audience like co-creators, not just readers.

🎯 What they do well:

  • Daily polls on news topics

  • Reader questions as jumping-off points

  • Replies that feel human, not corporate

💡 What you can steal:
Use Stories to collect micro-feedback and turn questions into content.

3. Ryanair – @ryanair

Platform Strength: TikTok & Twitter (X)
🇪🇺 Europe

You wouldn’t expect a budget airline to win on social—but Ryanair flipped the script. They roast themselves, clap back with confidence, and turn every comment into content

🎯 What they do well:

  • Sarcastic, self-aware tone in replies

  • Speedy reaction to trending moments

  • Embracing negative feedback as part of their brand

💡 What you can steal:
It’s okay to be polarising—if you’re consistent. A strong voice builds a loyal following.

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4. Fishwife – @fishwife

Platform Strength: Instagram
🇺🇸 USA

This tinned fish brand nails community-led DTC. Fans share recipes, memes, and collab ideas—and the brand replies like a friend. Every comment feels personal, not scripted.

🎯 What they do well:

  • Fast and friendly comment replies

  • Regular UGC reposts with credit

  • Calls-to-action that spark ideas, not just sales

💡 What you can steal:
Make your followers feel like insiders. Reward replies, reshares, and DMs with enthusiasm.

5. Up Bank – @upbankau

Platform Strength: Instagram, Twitter/X, Discord
🇦🇺 Australia

Up Bank makes fintech fun. They’re playful in comments, active in Discord, and never afraid to meme themselves. It feels human and that’s the magic.

🎯 What they do well:

  • Human-first responses, even when things go wrong

  • Open community channels (like Discord)

  • Memes tailored to their customer base

💡 What you can steal:
Stop overthinking. Talk like a person, reply fast, and build where your people are.

The Bottom Line

Engagement isn’t a metric—it’s a mindset.
These brands show us that the best community builders aren’t just posting more. They’re listening, replying, and building real relationships, one comment at a time.

👀 Want more brand breakdowns like this?
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for weekly spotlights.

#SkedSocial #SocialMediaStrategy #AudienceEngagement #CommunityBuilding

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