The Difference between a Social Media Manager and A Content Creator

bySimmbaKhan

83 followers

4 months ago

Source: Rita Issa, Linkedin (2025)

This image here shows a common mix up between two different jobs you see in the social media world - a Social Media Manager and a Content Creator. While they often work together, they have different jobs , kind of like a movie director and an actor.

The Social Media Manager

Think of this person as a captain of the ship. They are in charge of the big picture, the strategy and the behind the scenes work . Their job is to make sure that everything on social media is working towards a specific goal. For example, selling products or getting people to know more about a brand.

Their main focus: The strategy . They're asking the big picture questions like : What's our goal this month? Which platforms should we be on? When should we post? and What do the numbers say about our posts?

Their tools: A calendar, data analytics, and a whole lot of planning.

What they're not: They don't have to be the one in front of the camera or even create the graphics themselves. They are the ones telling everyone what to do.

The Content Creator.

Their job is to bring the ideas to life with a camera, a keyboard or a microphone . They are the hands on person creating the posts, videos, and images that the audience sees everyday.

Their main focus: The content. They are creating the posts, filming the videos , and taking the photos . They're making sure that the content is engaging , looks good and tells a story.

Their tools: A camera, laptop , editing software and a lot of creativity.

What they're not: They aren' t necessarily worried about the big picture strategy or the numbers. They are more focused on making awesome stuff.

How they work together.

In a business, they are a powerful team . The social media manager tells the content creator what kind of posts they need to make to hit a goal e.g., "We need three short videos this week that explain our new service"). Then the content creator goes and makes those awesome videos.

They are two different roles, but togrtht they make a brand's social media successful , combining strategy with great content