The dos and don’ts of using AI for social media
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Posted: Thu 24th Apr 2025
7 min read
Artificial intelligence is really starting to make people rethink the way they approach social media marketing.
If you are a charity or purpose-driven business just getting started with your AI journey, it offers powerful tools to save time and increase creativity. So, to help you get the most out of AI, here are the essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do: Use AI as an assistant
Now, don’t get us wrong, AI is fantastic for streamlining tasks and boosting productivity. But one of the most important messages that we’ll continue to stalk about is that it’s no substitute for a real, experienced team member.
Remember, social media thrives on authenticity, and so while AI can assist with things like content creation, it will always be crucial to have human insight.
An experienced social media manager or marketing expert will:
Ensure all AI output is tailored to match your brand’s unique tone of voice
Understand your audience’s emotional and cultural context and make amendments to the AI output
Engage with comments and build genuine connections
Don't forget! AI should enhance your work, not replace the thoughtful creativity of your team.
Don’t: Post any AI outputs without vetting them
From experience, AI-generated content can sometimes miss the mark! And we don't blame anyone for getting carried away with the amount of output that AI can generate following your prompt for, say, social media captions.
Whether it’s because we’re using AI or because AI outputs are more obvious these days, we’ll never be able to remind you enough about the importance of reviewing what has been created for you.
So! Always check over and refine outputs before sharing AI-generated content.
This will ensure you avoid:
Inconsistent branding: Ensuring AI-written captions and visuals align with your tone and style
Bias and inaccuracy: AI tools can unintentionally reinforce biases or produce incorrect information.
Fact-check everything!Generic content: Customise AI-generated ideas to make them relevant and engaging for your specific audience
We know that time is often a big factor in why organisations (or individuals) aren’t posting to their social media accounts regularly. Yes, AI is going to save you A LOT of time, but remember, the outputs are never ‘post-ready’.
Do: Leverage AI for a wide range of social media tasks
So, how can AI be used for social media? Well, AI can support you in many ways, including (but not limited to):
Content creation: Use AI tools like Canva to design visuals or generate templates
Caption writing: Get inspiration for captions and then tweak them to suit your tone
Analytics: Tools like Hootsuite Insights can help you analyse performance trends and audience behaviour
Scheduling: Platforms such as Buffer and Later can automate your posting schedule, freeing up even more time
Experimenting with AI across these tasks means you’ll discover where it adds the most value to your workflow. It's worth noting that there are so many different AI tools on the market, and we’re pretty certain that even more will follow.
Don’t: Overlook the ethical considerations
This is probably one of the most important sections of this blog. AI should be used thoughtfully and responsibly. You’re responsible for ensuring that any data remains protected and that outputs are free from unconscious biases.
So, keep these ethical principles in mind:
Avoid plagiarism: Make sure that any AI-generated text or visuals are original or correctly licensed
Respect privacy: Be cautious with data-driven insights and respect your audience’s privacy rights. If you’re wanting to review data that includes personal information, we’d recommend investing in a ‘Pro’ plan
Be transparent: If you’re using AI-generated content, be open about it when appropriate. Use the tags available on social media platforms and include an AI policy on your website.
Do: Explore the right tools for the job
There are so many tools on the market, but not all AI tools are created equal. Here are a few recommendations that can help you get started:
Visuals: Canva for design templates, Ideogram for AI-assisted graphic/image creation
Text: ChatGPT or Jasper for drafting captions and blog outlines
Video: Veed for editing and transcribing videos
Analytics: Sprout Social or Hootsuite Insights for data-driven decision-making
We’d recommend experimenting with different tools so that you can find what works best for your needs. When it comes to signing up for a ‘Pro Plan’, opting in for monthly subscriptions can be a better option. This means you can trial all the best features without being tied in. If you’re unsure if the platform is right for you, even if it looks great, ask an expert!
Don’t: Get overwhelmed
We know this is sometimes easier said than done, and it may feel overwhelming if you try to use everything at once. We’d recommend that you start with one or two tools that address your most pressing needs and build from there.
If you’re not sure what those needs are, you’re likely looking for help with your social media. So, ChatGPT and Canva may be the best places for you to begin.
You can then focus on learning the basics before diving into any advanced features and paying for ‘Pro’ plans or upgraded tools.
Ready to get going?
AI has the potential to transform your social media, but its success depends on how it's used. Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure you’re getting the best results while maintaining your brand’s integrity.