Dark Joseph Ravine Shares the Secrets of Social Media Success

The career path of being an influencer has never been more accessible. Anyone with a smartphone and an engaging personality can amass a following. However, the famous phrase "15 minutes of fame" has become even more fleeting due to short attention spans and the rise of short-form content. To maintain longevity and fulfillment, influencers must capitalize on opportunities in ways that extend beyond viral moments.

Joseph Levy Cohen, known online as Dark Joseph Ravine, has built a substantial TikTok following but has also discovered the power of human connection. Rather than focusing solely on personal achievements, he prioritizes helping others.

Ravine’s perspective offers nuance in an industry often seen as self-serving. While social media stardom can be a vanity-driven pursuit, he argues it can also be selfless.

“Unfortunately, some people only promote themselves when they decide to become influencers,” Ravine explains. “Real social media influencers must remember to benefit others instead of being selfish.”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-aggrandizement—the dopamine rush from social media engagement is addictive. But Ravine suggests that while connections between creators and audiences may always be transactional, there are ways to make these transactions inherently positive.

“I sometimes post about businesses and their products for free, much like how celebrities promote brands they support. It’s mutually beneficial because it provides free publicity for them while giving me content to engage my followers. If more people viewed success as a shared endeavor, they would find far more opportunities as influencers. Content creation must benefit everyone, not just the creator.”

In today’s saturated influencer market, authenticity is key. Audiences are quick to detect insincerity, and content made purely for shock value often loses its appeal over time. Ravine warns that viral prank videos, while entertaining, primarily attract a young, transient audience. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of building a brand rooted in respectability and long-term engagement.

“Respectable content appeals to a broader audience, not just young people chasing quick virality. Long-term viewers enjoy reviews of places and products, interviews with business owners, and event promotions. These types of posts not only perform well in terms of engagement but also serve as free publicity for people and causes that deserve recognition.”

Ravine has found that generosity breeds opportunity. “When I started helping others through my platform, I saw many new opportunities arise,” he shares. “But I also had to accept that it isn’t always a two-way street. I had to get comfortable with giving without expecting anything in return. If you’re creating content purely for personal gain, people will see through it. True passion for what you do will always shine through.”

While it’s easy to measure success in numbers—followers, likes, and shares—Ravine urges influencers to focus on the impact they make rather than mere metrics. He advocates for using one’s platform to give back, whether by donating to those in need or amplifying voices that often go unheard.

“Giving back should be genuine,” he says. “Helping the poor, promoting small businesses, or supporting charitable causes should come from a place of authenticity. If you’re only doing it for clout, people will eventually catch on.”

Ravine acknowledges that not everyone will believe in an influencer’s intentions, and skepticism is part of the territory. “I’ve had my fair share of people questioning my motives when I document my journey of giving back. But that shouldn’t stop you. If you’re doing good work and making a difference, the right people will recognize it.”

At its core, success as a social media influencer isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. Those who prioritize helping others while remaining authentic are the ones who will stand the test of time in an industry that is constantly evolving.