Looking for ways to turn followers into a tight-knit community? Take a seat on the Central Perk couch. Venelize de Lange from media update uncovers why Friends remains an emblem of lasting community and how you can incorporate it into your social media strategy.
I'm sure when you think of Friends, you can almost hear Ross shouting, "Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!" as the gang tries to manoeuvre his sofa up his apartment's stairs. Yet, the sofa that doesn't come with Ross' famous catchphrase is where the cast of this sitcom truly established their community space.
The notorious orange sofa at Central Perk wasn't just a backdrop — it was the place where the group laughed, argued and always came home to. Even the final scene concludes with Chandler Bing's last sarcastic remark as the group leaves his and Monica's apartment to grab some coffee, "Sure. Where?"
That iconic 'third place' still resonates because it fostered belonging, familiarity and identity. Successful social media communities thrive on the same pillars, and here's how:
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They Build A Recognisable Set
Friends gave viewers a familiar place to gather, whether this be on the Central Perk sofa or in Monica and Rachel's cozy apartment. For social media, this means establishing a stable space — like a recurring content series, or a regular posting rhythm which gives followers something to come back to.
Social Insight: Building a community means giving your audience a consistent anchorpoint that becomes part of their routine, fostering emotional connection and loyalty.
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They Cultivate Inside Language
A line like, "How you doin'?" instantly transports fans back to memorable Friends moments. On social media, recurring phrases, popular memes, or jokes create a shared language that bonds your audience.
Social Insight: Psychology shows that inside jokes strengthen group identity and build emotional capital, making members feel like they are part of an exclusive club.
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They Embrace the Power of an Ensemble
Friends worked so well, because each character contributed something unique — your social media should do the same. Brands that mix formats (from short videos to live streams) and voices (think collabs and customer reviews), maintain freshness and broaden appeal.
Social Insight: Content variety drives engagement across platforms, reducing audience fatigue and increasing visibility.
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By following in Friends' footsteps, you can turn your social media into a digital Central Perk (sofa and all) — a place people love to visit, laugh in and return to again and again.
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*Image courtesy of Canva and Pinterest