Ethan Lloyd is not just making moves; he’s reshaping the game. At 23, this young man is already a powerhouse in the digital world. From leading the City of Detroit’s social media revolution to being a central figure at Black Tech Saturdays, Ethan’s path is a vivid testament to what it means to be a young black trailblazer in today’s digital era.
“So, social media is the digital manifestation of public interest. It gives you the numbers, the views, the likes, the comments, the shares. Social media gives you the numbers to let you know how many people care about what you’re saying and how you’re saying it,” Lloyd said. “Whether you’re a business owner or just a person looking to expand your reach, because you can get real time data on how you’re being perceived by the public. It’s the number one form of socialization.”
Starting with a bold vision, Lloyd set out to unlock the secrets of going viral. As the mastermind behind the City of Detroit’s social media, he wasn’t just chasing clicks; he was crafting a movement. Under his guidance, Detroit’s digital presence didn’t just grow—it exploded, turning the city’s channels into hotspots of engagement and conversation, drawing eyes by the thousands, sometimes even millions. “I specialize on going viral,” he shared. “That’s what I know how to do. I know how to bring people to the door. What you do when they’re at the door is completely up to you.”
But Ethan’s vision was bigger than just numbers. Now leading the social of Black Tech Saturdays, he built a sanctuary for celebrating Black genius in tech—a space where Black innovators and dreamers can shine, share, and support one another. It’s not just about showcasing achievements; it’s about fostering a sense of unity, a community where the next generation of tech leaders can find their footing and their fire.
“I like to tell people that your success on social media is on the other side of your fears,” said Lloyd. “As soon as you remove your doubts and your fears and get out of your own way and just start posting, you will see very quickly that this is a great way to communicate with your audience.”
Lloyd’s influence didn’t stop there; he quickly made it evident that he did not fit in a box. Diving into the political realm with the Hill Harper campaign, he showed just how powerful social media can be when it’s used to not only speak but also to listen and connect. His work transcends the traditional role of a digital strategist; Lloyd is a catalyst for change, using his talents to boost both individual and collective voices within the city.
In a world where social media has become the new battleground for ideas and enterprises, Ethan Lloyd stands out not just for his skill but for his commitment to uplifting his community. He’s not just playing the game; he’s changing it, using his platform to weave a narrative of empowerment, innovation, and collective progress.
Lloyd’s journey is a clear signal to the world, and especially to the black community, that the digital age is ours to claim. He’s not just ahead of the curve; he’s drawing a whole new one, showing us all the power of social media when it’s wielded with purpose and heart.
“I love that social media gives everybody the opportunity to have a voice,” Lloyd expressed. “So, whether you’re black, white, or whatever, it is your chance to connect with your audience, and you’ll be shocked by who your audience actually is.”
In Detroit, a city of undying strength and spirit, Lloyd’s work is lighting up the digital skyline, painting a picture of a future where technology and community walk hand in hand. It’s more than engagement; it’s about lifting each other up and crafting a story of hope, resilience, and shared success.
Ethan Lloyd has taken his mastery of the digital realm to new heights by demystifying the complex art of going viral for nearly thousands of people. Through workshops, online tutorials, and community-based initiatives, he has opened the door to the world of social media influence, teaching the intricacies of crafting content that resonates and engages on a massive scale. His approach blends the science of analytics with the art of storytelling, empowering individuals and organizations alike to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. By sharing his insights and strategies, Ethan has become a pivotal educator in the realm of digital communication, equipping aspiring influencers and brands with the tools they need to amplify their voices and narratives in the crowded social media landscape.
“I feel the weight of the responsibility that I’ve been put here to fulfill,” Lloyd said. “It makes me feel as if I have an opportunity to speak on behalf of, quite honestly, the whole world, because the whole world is talking through their phone right now. What I like to tell people is that this is an opportunity to reach the whole world. I feel that reach, and it makes me very emotional. It makes me proud.”
As Ethan Lloyd continues to break barriers and forge new paths, his story stands as a beacon to every young Black person looking to make their mark in the digital world. It’s a vivid reminder of what we can achieve when we blend technology with tenacity and purpose, showing us the endless possibilities that lie ahead when we dare to dream and do things together. “Reaching 50 million people makes me feel everything that they feel, because I’m an empath, and that’s how I’m able to connect with my audience on such a deep and intimate level,” he shared. “So, I feel every emotion about it, but most importantly, I feel the responsibility of speaking to the whole world.”