You've probably noticed how social media is always changing, right? Well, this year, it's all about breaking free from the usual and trying out new approaches.
In 2024, we're expecting even more of this dynamic energy – think lots of creativity and honesty.
Keep reading to discover what's trending on social media and snag some ideas for your own content this year.
Your Audience Comes First
As of 2024, there are approximately 5.17 billion individuals actively using social media platforms worldwide. That’s a lot!
Today, social media sites care more about giving users a great experience. This means they've changed how their algorithms work to focus on what users actually like and want to see.
In the past, just getting a lot of likes or shares would make your posts more visible. But now, social media algorithms look at:
User engagement: They want people to have actual conversations and interactions. So, comments, shares, and replies have become more important than just getting likes or clicks.
Personalization: Social media platforms use machine learning to 'learn' what you're interested in.
How do they do this? Well, they analyze your past likes, what you spend time viewing, and other relevant data. Then, they show you posts they believe you'll enjoy based on that information.
Showing relevant content: Instead of simply displaying the most popular posts, social media platforms try to show you things that you'll find interesting, based on what you've previously liked or engaged with.
For businesses, this means they need to focus on making content that people are actually interested in. It's not just about posting frequently anymore. They need to create content that gets people talking and interacting. As the good old saying goes, quality over quantity.
So, it's time for businesses to rethink their old strategies and start focusing on making content that connects with their audience.
Focus on Authenticity
Today, people can sniff an ad from a mile away, and this can really turn some people off. People don't want to be shoved in the face with fake ads all the time; they want engaging videos.
Plus, with like a million ads bombarding social media platforms daily, standing out in that sea of ads is tough.
Ask yourself this: Why would people want to be your customer?
Authentic content is the answer. It's like a breath of fresh air amidst all the noise.
But, how does one create an authentic video or something that’s one-of-a-kind?
Easy, product placement.
Imagine watching a video of your favorite influencer casually applying lip gloss while chatting about random topics. You're so engrossed in the conversation that you almost forget about the lip gloss – until you notice the comments section flooded with inquiries about the brand.
That's the power of product placement.
Although not a new idea, product placement is a clever tactic to subtly showcase a product, leaving viewers curious rather than overwhelmed when it comes to making a purchase.
We anticipate that more brands with affiliate marketing programs will experiment with this approach, seeking to seamlessly integrate into conversations in a more "organic" manner.
Social Search Is Now a Thing
Social media has transformed into the go-to search engine for many people. For over half of Gen Z, TikTok has become their top choice. But why are social platforms becoming the new search engines? It's all about speed and quality. Users are drawn to short, super-focused, user-created videos.
For example, imagine your favorite brand launches a new lipstick, and you're eager to see how it looks on someone with a similar skin tone as you. Where do you go to find swatches or try-ons? Chances are, you'll head straight to TikTok or YouTube.
PRO TIP: As creators, to make sure your content gets noticed on these platforms, keywords are key. Boost your visibility by tweaking titles and captions and including relevant hashtags. Tools like AnswerThePublic and AlsoAsked are great for finding opportunities to educate and entertain your audience.
Incorporate StoryTelling
Storytelling is starting to become the it strategy in marketing.
Those super slick, highly produced TikTok videos? They're taking a backseat. The new trend is all about casual, unscripted storytelling.
Why? Because people crave genuine connections, like chatting with a close friend face-to-face (virtually, of course!). Kind of like a Facetime call. They want to feel less entertained and more connected with their favorite influencers and brands.
This "human-first" approach means making people and their feelings the focus of the story. It's about creating a bond with the audience on an emotional level, something you can't do just by listing product features or facts.
So, ditch the fancy setups and scripts, and show your real, relatable side – it's time to have a genuine conversation, not put on a show!
The Return of Long-Form Content
For the past few years, short videos with popular soundtracks have been the go-to for gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram.
But in 2024, just following the latest audio trends won't cut it anymore.
To really stand out, we think creators and brands will start getting more inventive with longer, more original content.
Whether it's offering commentary on a viral moment or sharing a day in their lives through vlogs, videos are stretching beyond the usual 15 or 30-second clips.
And considering YouTube's continued popularity, especially with younger users, it's no surprise that TikTok and Instagram are pushing for longer videos too.
However, the real test will be finding ways to incorporate longer content while still staying relevant to current trends.
Social Commerce & Livestream Shopping
2024 is shaking up how we shop with two big trends: livestream shopping and social media becoming go-to places for making purchases.
Livestream shopping is like having a live show where brands and influencers show off their products, offer special deals, and chat directly with viewers. It's like watching TV, but you can buy what you see right then and there. You can ask questions, watch demos, and hit the buy button without leaving the stream.
At the same time, social media sites are turning into places where you can shop as easily as you scroll through posts. Instagram, Facebook, and even Pinterest are adding features that let you shop without ever leaving the app. They'll suggest items you might like and make it super easy to buy with just a few taps.
So, if you're a brand, jumping on the livestream and social media shopping bandwagon could mean more sales and happier customers. It's all about making shopping as fun and easy as possible!
Final Words
So, here's the deal: social media and online shopping are changing fast, but one thing's for sure – it's all about the audience. These platforms are all about giving the audience a better experience, showing them content they’re interested in, and keeping things real.
From liking and commenting to watching those unscripted stories and longer videos, it's clear that what the audience wants matters more than ever.
And let's not forget about shopping! Livestreams are like watching your favorite shows but with the option to purchase right then and there. Plus, social media apps are making it super easy to shop without even leaving the app.
So, whether you're a brand or just someone scrolling through your feed, remember this: it's all about connecting with the audience genuinely. Because in the end, it's the audience who matters.
SO, WHERE DO YOU FIND THIS PARTNER?
Well, aren’t we glad you asked! We at DigiCom are obsessive data-driven marketers pulling from multi-disciplinary strategies to unlock scale. We buy media across all platforms and placements and provide creative solutions alongside content creation, and conversion rate optimizations. We pride ourselves on your successes and will stop at nothing to help you grow.
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