Tesla's Social Media Domination Continues to Surge in 2023

April 26, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla's social media platforms have been growing at an impressive rate

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's innovative approach to the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors has been well-documented, but its exceptional success on social media platforms is another story worth telling. With a strong presence on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, Tesla has managed to create a powerful and influential online presence that captures the attention of millions worldwide.

Musk's Twitter Influence Fuels Growth

At the forefront of Tesla's social media success is CEO Elon Musk, who boasts more than 136 million followers on Twitter. His candid and occasionally controversial tweets have helped to generate interest in Tesla's products and initiatives. This direct approach to consumer engagement allows the company to foster a more personal connection with its audience and avoid relying on traditional advertising channels.

In addition to Musk's influence, Tesla's official Twitter account has seen substantial growth, with a 53% spike in follower growth, reaching 19.9 million followers. The company also achieved 1 billion views on its Twitter posts, showcasing its expanding reach and influence on the platform. Many other official company accounts exist in different regions and for different products. For example, there is a Twitter account for Tesla Charging.

Impressive Numbers on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn

Tesla's strong presence extends to other social media platforms as well. The company boasts 9.5 million followers on Instagram, which is just for the headquarters. There are several other Tesla official accounts in different regions. Its YouTube channel has attracted 2.38 million subscribers. These figures demonstrate Tesla's ability to create and maintain a dedicated following across multiple platforms, further highlighting the effectiveness of its social media strategy.

LinkedIn has also been a successful platform for Tesla. Despite its users generally belonging to a different demographic than those on Twitter, Tesla's presence on the platform was impressive in 2022, experiencing a 16% rise in follower growth and 75.5 million post views. The company's LinkedIn followers now total 10.9 million, showcasing its growing influence among professionals and industry leaders.

Social Media as Tesla's Primary Marketing Strategy

Tesla's decision to use social media as its primary marketing tool has allowed the company to connect with and educate people worldwide about its products and mission. By providing direct and immediate access to company updates, news, launches, and more, Tesla effectively eliminates the need for traditional media or influencers to filter its message. It also relies on its strong fan base.

Tesla's social media success has also played a crucial role in building a global community of electric vehicle enthusiasts and renewable energy advocates. By sharing engaging content, highlighting user-generated stories, and promoting sustainability initiatives, Tesla has created a loyal fan base that actively participates in online discussions and shares the company's vision for a cleaner future.

The company's commitment to social media as a primary marketing strategy has not only reduced its dependence on traditional advertising but also established a more direct line of communication with its audience. As a result, Tesla has fostered trust and transparency, essential components for building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Tesla's social media domination is a testament to the power of a well-executed online marketing strategy. By leveraging the influence of its CEO and creating engaging content across multiple platforms, Tesla has successfully reached millions of consumers without the need for traditional advertising. However, without paying a dollar, the company was well placed during the most watched TV event - the Superbowl.

As the company continues to innovate in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, its social media presence will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping its public image and driving brand loyalty.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

July 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

Manhasset, New York
West Covina, California
Los Angeles, California
Houston, Texas
Orlando, Florida
Westmont, Illinois
Tucson, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Delaware

Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

July 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.

Vision-based Improvements

ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.

I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.

Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.

Actually Smart Summon

ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.

We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.

Park Seek and Banish Autopark

When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10^th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.

A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.

While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.