August 14, 2025

10 Social Media Storytelling Tips from Disney [Part 2]

21 minutes

Part 2 - This week’s episode is inspired by an incredible guest essay from Jonathan Hurwitz, Emmy-nominated writer and creative consultant, originally featured in Rachel Karten’s Substack, Link in Bio. Jonathan spent a decade writing at Disney, and in that time, he picked up storytelling lessons that translate seamlessly into social media marketing. These tips—distilled from a presentation he gave to an agency team—are packed with actionable ways to infuse more depth, emotion, and connection into your brand’s content. From using comedy that taps into universal truths to building “full circle” narratives your audience won’t forget, we’re sharing 5 (MORE) storytelling principles you can start applying to your next post, campaign, or content calendar.

Key Takeaways:

Tip 6 // Comedy = Truth + Specificity – Humor that resonates comes from nuance and oddly familiar details. Aim for those “that’s me!” moments to foster audience connection.
Tip 7 // There Are No New Stories – Many beloved stories are inspired by others. Stand out by infusing your brand’s unique point of view into familiar formats.

Tip 8 // Theme Drives Plot and Story – Whether it’s authenticity, humor, or aspiration, your brand should own a distinct “vibe” that resonates emotionally with your audience.
Tip 9 // Story Structure is Key – Understand the traditional rules of storytelling—then decide when to follow them or break them to stand out.
Tip 10 // The Best Stories Come Full Circle – Opening with a question and closing with resolution delivers a satisfying audience experience and drives deeper emotional impact.

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