If you run a nonprofit, chances are you’ve asked yourself—or your very tired communications person:

“Do we still need to be on Twitter (or whatever it’s called now)?”

It’s a fair question. Once, Twitter felt like a gateway to journalists, funders, and real-time activism. But now? It’s worth rethinking where your energy goes.

Let’s break down where Twitter has been, where it’s at, and where your nonprofit’s time and attention will actually make a difference.

A Quick History of Nonprofit Twitter

Once upon a time, being on Twitter felt like a given for community organizations—it was free, fast, and full of potential.

  • Small Nonprofits: While Twitter seemed promising, it was always designed around public figures, viral moments, and hot takes—generally not qualities of small orgs. Without strong media connections or a bold personality, your posts probably disappeared into the void.

  • Big Nonprofits: Larger organizations had the staff and budget to keep up. They built Twitter strategies, nailed the “voice,” and jumped into trending conversations. And for a while, it paid off—with visibility, media coverage, and online fundraising boosts.

  • Activist Groups: Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo proved Twitter’s power for rapid, decentralized organizing. The platform helped amplify historically marginalized voices, mobilize protests, and drive national conversations.

Is Twitter Still Worthwhile for Nonprofits?

Put simply: No, Twitter isn’t worth your nonprofit’s time anymore. And here’s why.

  • It Was Never That Great: Even at its best, Twitter was noisy, fast-paced, and often unrewarding. Engagement rates were low, sincerity got lost, and viral success was unpredictable at best. For small and mid-size nonprofits, it was always an uphill battle.

  • The Elon of It All: Since Elon Musk’s 2022 takeover, Twitter (renamed “X,” for some reason) has been a mess. Hate speech is up, moderation is down, and many users—including nonprofits—have left or scaled back.

  • Analytics and Scheduling Are Locked Down: What used to be free is now locked behind a paywall. The X API costs thousands, breaking popular scheduling and analytics tools. If your comms team needs data (and whose doesn’t?), you’re out of luck without a budget to burn.

Twitter Alternatives to Explore

Here are a few “Twitter replacements” people are testing. But until they gain more loyal audiences, these options should be used for experimentation—not core strategy.

  • Threads: Meta’s take on Twitter. It’s tied to Instagram, looks clean, and is gaining traction. It’s especially useful if your org already has an Instagram following.

  • Bluesky: Built by Twitter’s co-founder, Bluesky is decentralized and idealistic. It’s still in beta mode, but growing among artists, activists, and tech-savvy folks.

  • Mastodon: An open-source software, Mastodon offers more control—but also more confusion. If your audience is deeply tech-literate, maybe give it a shot. Otherwise, the learning curve is steep.

The Best Social Media for Nonprofits (Right Now)

Instead of chasing the next Twitter, focus on platforms with proven ROI and strong community engagement.

  • LinkedIn: Perfect for thought leadership, donor recognition, job postings, and connecting with funders and partners. Bonus: the algorithm actually shows your posts to people. Wild, right?

  • Meta (Facebook + Instagram): Although its growth has slowed, Meta is still the largest player in the social media space. Facebook offers fundraising tools, events, and groups that drive engagement. Instagram shines for visual storytelling—great for sharing impact, behind-the-scenes moments, and connecting with younger audiences.

  • YouTube: As the second-largest search engine in the US, YouTube boosts visibility and gives your videos a long shelf life. Even simple content—like explainer videos or volunteer highlights—can drive engagement and support.

Don’t Sleep on Non-Social Options

Some of your most effective digital tools don’t involve social media at all.

  • Email marketing: Still the best return on investment in digital marketing. Personalized, permission-based, and powerful.

  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Helps people find your org when they’re actively searching for what you do.

  • Direct mail, phone calls, and in-person events: Not flashy, but still incredibly effective when done with intention.

Your Next Step

If you’re tired of chasing platforms that don’t serve your mission, you’re not alone. At Hoan Marketing, we help mission-driven orgs like yours stop wasting time on what’s broken—and start focusing on what actually moves the needle.

Whether it’s refining your strategy, strengthening your message, or choosing the right channels for your capacity, we’ll help you take simple steps toward big results.

Book a free strategy call and let’s get your digital strategy working for you—not against you.