Is Social Media Shaping the Future of Filmmaking?

Art by Christian Branch

By Zury Cordova

As I find myself scrolling through my For You Page (FYP), I often come upon behind-the-scenes videos and previews of upcoming films and television series. Although the content is unquestionably exciting, it raises an important question: Is social media running the future of filmmaking, and is it ruining the magic of movie-watching?

The latest victim of this is the sequel to the 2006 movie The Devil Wears Prada, which followed the competitive world of the fashion industry, becoming iconic for its depiction of New York City in the early aughts, in addition to its memorable cast of characters led by Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. Given the returning cast and the backdrop of NYC, the sequel has garnered a lot of attention. The problem? Social media is filled with footage from the film's shoot. 

At first glance, this looks like a fantastic way to get fans excited about upcoming movies and give them a preview of what's coming. After all, who doesn’t love a good movie spoiler or some exclusive content? But this trend comes with a downside: It risks destroying the thrill of watching the final product. The mystery and anticipation surrounding the movies have been somewhat spoiled because many fans, including myself, have already seen numerous clips, leaked images, and even costume details online. The surprise and delight of the film's character arcs, plot twists, and, of course, its wardrobe choices are all important components of the enjoyment of a new movie. It almost seems as though the film has already been "watched" in part through Instagram posts and reels because so much has been revealed in advance, which lessens the appeal of seeing it in theaters. 

This problem extends beyond just The Devil Wears Prada. Imagine watching a much-anticipated superhero film and discovering that you already know how the final battle will unfold, because months earlier, a few viral TikToks showed the action on set. That’s exactly what’s happening with the upcoming Spider-Man film, which is currently filming on the streets of Glasgow, Scotland. Behind-the-scenes clips and leaked set photos are spreading rapidly online, giving fans an early look at stunts and set pieces.

Moreover, this trend is changing how films are made. Studios now use influencers to promote upcoming films on social media, making these platforms a crucial component of film marketing. To create anticipation, producers are increasingly using TikTok and Instagram rather than just conventional trailers or posters.  This leads to a shift in the types of films being made; movies that can be easily marketed through short, viral content are becoming more common. For example, the 2025 movie Weapons released eerie teaser clips, and even hours of grainy “security footage” uploaded to an unlisted YouTube channel. This can lead to a prioritization of what works well on social media rather than what works artistically in cinema, potentially impacting the quality and depth of films being produced.

Still, it’s not all negative. Social media can help filmmakers connect with audiences and promote projects in new ways. It also gives independent creators a chance to share their work with a larger audience, even without big studios or traditional distribution. Finding balance is a possible way to correct the threats social media has made to the film industry. In the end, social media is a double-edged sword. It creates visibility and connection opportunities, but it also risks taking away the magic of film.

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Zury Cordova is a sophomore at The City College of New York, pursuing a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in creative writing.  She is passionate about creative expression and spends her free time journaling, writing, and painting.