By June 2018, social media had become an integral part of modern life. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter had become the go-to channels for people to connect, share, and discover new things. And at the heart of this social media revolution was content – specifically, visual content.

This change had significant implications for businesses and content creators, who saw their organic reach and engagement plummet as a result. Many were forced to adapt their strategies, investing in paid advertising and experimenting with new formats, such as video and live streaming.

Content creators, on the other hand, were building personal brands and monetizing their online presence through sponsored posts, product collaborations, and affiliate marketing. Influencers, in particular, had become tastemakers and thought leaders in their respective niches, with millions of followers hanging on their every word.

The explosion of social media had created new career paths that didn't exist just a decade ago. On June 23, 2018, social media management, content creation, and influencer marketing were emerging as legitimate career choices, with many professionals building successful careers around these fields.

However, on June 23, 2018, social media platforms were undergoing significant algorithm changes, which would have a profound impact on the way content was consumed and distributed. Facebook, in particular, had announced a major update to its News Feed algorithm, which prioritized content from friends and family over public content from businesses and publishers.