Twitter’s entertainment superfans are starting to drive marketing decisions

As they dive deeper into their respective obsessions, entertainment fans may take on alternate identities (see: ‎#Potterheads, Khlovers and Citizens of Scranton), but they usually have a few key traits in common: Tuned in. Enthralled. Unapologetic.

Fiction enthusiast and full-time pretender Wes Johnson embodies all three of these traits and more: the world of entertainment is simply a jumping off point for his own imagination. Johnson’s 185,000 Twitter followers are a testament to his presence as a creative leader in the performance arts of cosplaying and live action role playing (LARPing). Twitter’s where fans are engaged and connected to the sources of their inspiration.

As per a Twitter-commissioned study, 71 percent of television fans on Twitter follow show-related handles — and lucky for them, these brands and their biggest advocates talk back.

On any given day, Johnson’s feed of replies is filled with comments that marvel at his latest work, giving him suggestions for which characters to cosplay next. It also features fan theories and full-blown discussions that reinvent unsatisfying endings to epic sagas. This back-and-forth can be found throughout the entertainment audience, a testament to how deep their fandom ties lie. 

Remixing their favorite stories
For binge watchers, reality TV enthusiasts and self-identified magical creatures, Twitter is like a virtual local bar or living room couch: the perfect cozy spot to congregate with like-minded fans.

But for Johnson and his followers, it’s a place to ideate storylines and plot twists that supplement the canon, or the official material accepted as part of a story’s fictional universe. They take the fan experience a step further with cosplay, reenacting iconic scenes and riffing on their favorite film and television moments.

While cosplaying was once only seen at niche conventions — and LARPers only fought it out on park lawns — Twitter connects these characters online. The platform has become a virtual role-playing arena that brings like-minded adventurers together, cutting through the miles of real-life distance between them.

Johnson, for example, often shares images from his latest cosplay video shoots with his Twitter followers, divulging insights on latest film and photo shoots while expressing excitement for future LARPing events.

I didn’t know you were a pirate guy 🙊

— misshabit (@misshabit) May 8, 2019

He gets dozens of enthusiastic responses, with some fans marveling at the quality of his costumes, while others join him online to engage in lively discussion.

Had an awesome stream hanging out with you guys! Thank you for joining!!

— Wesley Johnson (@Wes_IRL) May 4, 2019

This form of fan ritual is just one way people on Twitter evoke the magic and mayhem of their beloved stories.

Earning the trust of the superfan
Comic book fans and sitcom historians assemble on Twitter to connect and engage in discussion, conversations only understood by those who’ve watched their chosen cult classics hundreds of times.

These stories are precious to fans and the canon is not to be interfered with (except, of course, by fan fiction). That’s why authentic engagement from brands is so important to them. It fuels their dedication to their chosen media while earning their trust. 

So whether you’re a small-town podcaster or novice cosplayer, you too can get in on the action. You may even get a shoutout from your chosen superhero in her human form. All you need is an internet connection, a passion for entertainment and Twitter — no pixie dust required.