Believe It or Not: You're in More Communities Than You Think

When most people hear the word community, they picture a neighborhood block party, a forum full of die-hard fans, or maybe a Facebook Group for new moms or marketing pros. But the truth is, you’re probably part of a dozen communities already—and you may not even realize it.

Think about it. The hobbies you dive into on weekends, your favorite brands, the fitness tracker that logs your morning run, your go-to coffee shop, your Spotify playlists, or even the time of day you hit the gym—each one is a touchpoint in a community experience.

We’re redefining what Community means. It’s no longer confined to a forum or one specific platform.

As Richard Millington, a leader in online community strategy, puts it: 

“Audiences want to engage across several platforms for different reasons – not a single destination site.”

That means community is fluid. It moves with you, adapts to your lifestyle, and shows up in places you don’t expect.

Here are a few places you might already be “in community” without even realizing it:

The Gym:
If you hit the gym at the same time every day or attend the same workout classes each week, chances are you start to recognize familiar faces. You’ve formed a micro-community of people with shared routines and goals.

Group Chats:
Your group texts—yes, even the chaotic ones filled with memes and random commentary, are communities you’ve created. These are the people you trust, laugh with, and turn to regularly. That’s a tight-knit circle, digital or not.

Restaurants & Loyalty Programs:
Your favorite lunch spot probably has a rewards program. It’s more than just points, it’s a way of creating recurring engagement and loyalty among patrons who enjoy the same food, space, and experience.

Breweries:
Breweries are community hubs in disguise. Between trivia nights, live music, food truck festivals, and shared tables, they create environments designed to connect strangers over a common love for craft brews.

Social Media Platforms:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook—these are massive communities made up of micro-groups around trends, interests, and creators. Whether you’re engaging in a comment thread or sharing content, you’re actively participating in a community.

Pinterest:
You might think of it as a solo inspiration board, but Pinterest is home to niche communities. Look up recipes for a dinner party or backyard ideas, and you’ll find yourself engaging with a collective of like-minded creators and home chefs sharing their vision.

So Why Does This Matter?

Understanding how and where you experience community helps you recognize what makes them work and why they matter. Communities aren’t just about content or perks. They’re about connection, belonging, and shared purpose, even if it starts with something as small as a gym routine or dinner reservation.

Next time you scroll, shop, or show up, take a second to notice: You're probably already part of more communities than you think.

💭 Have you ever thought about the communities you're a part of?

Sometimes the apps we use, the brands we love, or even the people we chat with daily say more about our sense of connection than we think.

Think about it:

• What app can’t you go a day without?

• Is there a brand you’re oddly loyal to?

• Where do you go when you want to learn something new?

• Who’s always in your DMs or texts?

• What hobby or passion takes up your free time?

Now ask yourself: Do these things connect me to a community, even in a small way?

🎯 In the comments, share one “unexpected community” you realized you're a part of. Maybe it’s your go-to recipe site, your favorite fitness tracker app, or a fandom you’ve never actually met IRL.

Drop your answers below! We can’t wait to see what bubbles up!