Latest Social Media Trend: Is Your Business Missing Out?

In many ways, 2018 has been the year of change, and with that change comes adapting. The way we adapt requires us to develop new tools and technologies and they become trends. Anything can become a trend, anything from a new product on the market to a popular dance move going viral.

As a marketer, the types of trends you need to be looking at are social media trends, as they will help you increase your brand’s social media presence and popularity. Trends come and go and it is important to keep an eye out for upcoming trends to make the most use out of it. It’s easy to latch on to a trend a little too late, and your social media presence will look like hopeless attempts to stay relevant. Always try to be the first to catch on to trends and maintain your brand’s coolness! Here is your guide to the unnoticed and unmissable social media trends and how to stay on top of your social media game.

Social Media Trend: First of All, What are Trends?

A quick catch-up session on what trends really are. Understanding what a trend is will help you notice when something is trending and identifying what is considered trendy. Simply put, a trend will signify something that is going on at any specific time. On social media, this can be shown through the top trending hashtags and other ways people are posting on social media.

Trends can vary from field to field, for example fashion trends are different than photography trends. But social media trends can help bridge everything together and make content more relatable for all target audiences.

What does the Internet Look Like?

To make use of the internet and social media, you need to take a look at what it looks like.The unmissable social media trends in 2018 move in the same direct as the internet. To tackle internet users, we need to find out what they’re up to. We can do this by looking at information and statistics about the online world.

• Social media users are now up to 2.5 billion people. Facebook and Instagram are the most popular social media platforms, but other sites like Twitter and Snapchat’s users are still active worldwide. The number of users are rapidly increasing

1. Users love accessing social media on their smartphones and other mobile devices. Everywhere we go, and whatever we’re watching, our eyes are often glued to our smartphones. In fact, studies show that the majority of social media users are accessing it through the apps on their phones.

• The best engagement rates are generated through customers themselves. Truth is, people trust people more than they trust faceless corporations, and creating content that reflects your interest in that increases reach and engagement rates.
• Video content is the most popular type of content. No doubt that video is more engaging that many types of content, but it is interesting to realize that is has been the most popular for the past few years, and 2018 is no exception.
• Businesses are now investing in social ads rather than TV and other platforms. Since video ads and social media influencers are one of the unmissable social media trends in 2018, business are definitely leaning more towards spending their money on that.
• Social messaging is becoming more popular than social media. While the numbers of social media users are skyrocketing, the number of people who use social media apps like WhatsApp and Messenger are quicking exceeding that.
• Chatbots are now the norm. As social messaging is increasing, chatbots are also one of the unmissable social media trends of 2018. Chatbots can be used for many purposes, which is why many businesses are reverting to chatbots for customer service and marketing purposes.

These are only some of the internet trends that will help you understand what is cool and what is not on the internet. Most of these trends encourage the creation of mobile-friendly content in order to tap into the daily lives of this generation’s target audience. By looking at these trends we can deduce that creating and sharing content is not enough anymore, we need to be creating quality content that will start a conversation and increase engagement rates.

Notice how nowadays, a brand can not ignore their social image, and the best marketing campaigns tackle some sort of social issue and sympathizes with it on a personal and a slightly humorous level. Businesses can not risk ignoring the relationships with their customers, which is why a lot of attention is directed towards creating and maintaining these relationships.

Let’s get to it: The Unmissable Social Media Trends.

To make your brand stand out online, you need to make sure you’re up to date on the latest social media trends. Creating content becomes easier when you know exactly what your audience is interested in. Take a look at this list of the most recent social media trends.

• Video, video, video! When it comes to video, the shorter the better. Statistics suggest that an average social media user spends over 70% of their time online watching videos. We are being in encouraged to watch videos on many social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where watching one video leads you to watch another. Creating video content for your brand is definitely the way to go. It has been proven to be the best channel for higher engagement rates because of how easy it becomes to digest the information presented.
  
• Go live. Seeing things live adds has become an important part of any business-consumer relationship. Live streaming is offered on most of today’s social media platform. This feature allows users to go live and share their activities with their followers on several social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Business should be using this feature to create a direct bond with their viewers.
  
• Social media influencers are taking over the world. Whether is beauty, fitness, or technology, social media influencers make the most out of their hobbies by talking about them online. That way, social media users find influencers who share their interests and are highly influenced by their opinions. With the wide variety of social media influencers, you can easily find the face and personality to represent your brand online.
  
• Focus on engagement. The relationship between brands and consumers has never been more powerful than it is today. Consumers are now more likely to share experiences with certain brands on social media, this make it essential to for business to make sure that this experience is a good one and be willing to receive positive as well as negative feedback.
  
• Virtual and augmented reality too. Showing things and products in augmented reality is quickly gaining popularity. Business can use this to let users test out products before buying them, which has a high probability of boosting sales. Augmented reality has an advantage over virtual reality since it doesn’t require headgear to access. The full immersion that augmented reality allows has become a widespread trend on today’s social media.
  
• Take advantage of paid advertisements. Advertisements are not completely dead, you can pay to advertise on social media for a relatively small price. Although from the consumer’s perspective, sponsored content seems to be less attractive that genuine social media posts. Nonetheless, these ads boost your social media posts to reach many people as you wish, based on their interests and online tendencies.
  
• The irresistible face filter. Also a part of augmented reality, face filters are becoming more and more popular, and they’ve become one of the unmissable trends of 2018. The infamous dog ears are unsurprisingly the most famous ones on both Snapchat and Instagram. Face filters were very popular last year, and are certainly gaining more popularity on social media platforms this year. Business and institutions are taking advantage of this by creating themed face filters, related to local and global events such as the world cup.
  
• Chatbots. To deal with waves on customer service questions and inquiries, chatbots were designed to ease the hecticness. Chatbots is the prime example of making use of technology to save money. Rather than employing more customer service employees, revert to chatbots. Chatbots on messaging platforms make companies a lot more accessible, which eases customer service and care.
  

1. Expect more from Generation Z. As the first generation to grow up completely online, Generation Z is slowly reaching adulthood their shopping tendencies are quite different than what we’re used to. Rather than being influenced by sales and discounts, millenials are more concerned with the trendiest and the brand with the best social media presence. This changes a lot about how products are placed, marketed and accessed.

• Talk about the problems of society. Nothing is more attractive than a brand that is socially conscious. The global culture is so quick to call out business for the slightest social offense. Once you’ve made the mistake of appearing as social ignorant, you become labelled as oppressive and your consumer base will quickly deteriorate. Be actively speaking up on what’s right and voice your opinion on what’s wrong.To get your audience to relate to your brand, you need to show them that you share their struggle and you support their views.
• Instagram stories and ephemeral content. Ephemeral content is any type of content that is accessible for 24 hours. These features are great for posting news, updates, or teaching your viewers something new. They also give a chance for your content to stand out amongst the rest and be truly unique. Instagram stories were originally made to compete with Snapchat, but they have been rapidly taking over the social media world.
• Let’s hangout, online. Online hangouts are now the norm. Video calls are not enough, group video calls are now the real deal. Talking and meeting with your friends takes a new perspective through online hangouts and it surely one of the unmissable trends of 2018. Houseparty is an example for an app specially made for this purpose, and it has quickly gained popularity in 2018.

Social Media 2024: Unveiling the Trends Shaping the Future of Connection

Social media continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering new ways to connect, engage, and share. As we approach 2024, understanding the emerging trends is crucial for individuals and businesses alike to navigate this dynamic landscape. Let’s delve into the major trends shaping the future of social media across key platforms:

1. The Rise of Short-Form Video Content:

• TikTok’s Explosive Growth: With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok dominates the short-form video scene. Its engaging format and viral potential continue to attract users and brands alike.
• Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts: Both platforms have embraced the short-form video format, providing users with alternative options and leveraging their existing user base.
• Focus on Authenticity and Entertainment: Short-form videos prioritize authenticity and user-generated content, focusing on entertainment, humor, and education.

2. The Power of Live Streaming:

• Interactive and Engaging: Live streaming offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in real-time, fostering engagement and building stronger communities.
• E-commerce and Virtual Events: Live streaming is increasingly used for product launches, online shopping experiences, and virtual events, offering a more interactive and engaging experience.
• Rise of Live Audio Platforms: Platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces have gained popularity for live audio discussions and Q&A sessions.

3. The Integration of Advanced Technologies:

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Platforms are exploring ways to integrate AR and VR experiences, offering immersive and interactive ways to connect and engage with content.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is driving personalized content recommendations, chatbots for customer service, and content moderation tools.
• Decentralized Platforms: Blockchain technology is paving the way for decentralized social media platforms, giving users more ownership and control over their data.

4. The Emphasis on Community Building:

• Closed Groups and Private Communities: Users are increasingly turning to closed groups and private communities for deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.
• Focus on Niche Communities: Platforms are fostering niche communities around specific interests and passions, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Social Media for Social Good: Platforms are facilitating social movements and initiatives, empowering users to connect and collaborate for positive change.

5. The Rise of Influencer Marketing:

• Micro-influencers Gaining Ground: Micro-influencers with smaller but engaged audiences are gaining traction, offering brands a more authentic and cost-effective way to reach their target markets.
• Long-Term Partnerships and Authentic Relationships: Brands are moving away from short-term deals and focusing on building long-term partnerships with influencers to create genuine connections with their audience.
• Data-Driven Influencer Marketing: Brands are increasingly using data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns and identify the right influencers for their target audience.

Across Platforms, Here are Some Specific Trends to Watch:

• Facebook: Continued focus on groups, live video, and e-commerce integration.
• Instagram: Increased emphasis on Reels, Stories, and direct messaging.
• Twitter: Growing focus on short-form video content and live audio conversations.
• LinkedIn: Continued focus on professional networking and content creation for career development.
• TikTok: Continued dominance in short-form video content and exploration of AR/VR experiences.

Most Influential Rising Trends in Social Media:

1. The Rise of Short-Form Video Content:

Short-form video content is exploding across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. This trend emphasizes authenticity, entertainment, and user-generated content.

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2. The Integration of Advanced Technologies:

Social media platforms are increasingly integrating advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies offer immersive experiences, personalized content recommendations, and improved chatbots for customer service.

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3. The Rise of Influencer Marketing:

Influencer marketing is evolving, with brands moving away from short-term deals and focusing on long-term partnerships with micro-influencers who have a dedicated and engaged audience. This shift prioritizes authenticity, data-driven decision-making, and measurable results.

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4. The Emphasis on Community Building:

Closed groups, private communities, and niche-focused content are gaining traction. This trend highlights the desire for deeper connections, more meaningful interactions, and engagement around specific interests and passions.

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5. The Rise of Live Streaming:

Live streaming offers an interactive and engaging way to connect with audiences in real-time. Platforms are leveraging this trend to facilitate e-commerce, host virtual events, and create interactive experiences for users.

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Check out Social Listening, Too!

Social listening is one of the unmissable social media trends in 2018, and you should definitely take advantage of it in order to help boost your audience reach. Social listening tools are online software that help you identify certain phrases or words that are being used online and help you embed this knowledge in your advertising and/or marketing campaigns.

Social listening tools also help you understand your target audience better and find the most effective way to reach and engage with them on their own terms. These tools allow you to listen in on conversations on social media platforms that are related to your specified keywords. Social listening tools are might inspire you by providing opportunities for your brand to step in and make a change. Take a look at some reasons why you might want to use social listening:

• Customer Care: Knowing what people are saying about your brand increases the chances of you being able to help your customers. This improves your social media presence and further develops your relationship with your customers.
• Creating Content: When you are familiar with that your target audience is talking about and interested in, you can be sure of the type of content you need to create to attract their attention.
• Clear Campaigns: Understanding the type of content to create and pointing out opportunities where your brand can step in, your marketing campaign is bound to be more successful.

Impact on Marketing and Latest User Statistics (2023)

Social media continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by emerging trends and changing user behavior. Understanding these trends is crucial for individuals and businesses alike to navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve their online goals.

1. The Rise of Short-Form Video Content (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts):

• Statistics:
  • TikTok: 1 billion monthly active users (MAU)
  • Instagram Reels: 500 million daily active users
  • YouTube Shorts: 1.5 billion monthly logged-in users
• Impact on Marketing:
  • Highly engaging and efficient for capturing user attention
  • Showcase products and services dynamically and entertainingly
  • Influencer partnerships are crucial for reaching target audiences
  • Shift in content strategy towards bite-sized, impactful content
  • Metrics of success evolve beyond clicks and views (engagement, conversions)

2. The Integration of Advanced Technologies (AR/VR, AI, Blockchain):

• Statistics:
  • Global AR/VR market size expected to reach $77.27 billion by 2027
  • Global AI in marketing market expected to reach $42.43 billion by 2028
  • Blockchain technology gaining traction in social media platforms
• Impact on Marketing:
  • AR/VR experiences create immersive product demonstrations and interactive campaigns
  • AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 customer service and personalized interactions
  • Data and analytics enable laser-focused audience targeting
  • Requires investment in technology and expertise for competitive edge
  • Ethical considerations regarding data privacy and user experience are critical

3. The Rise of Influencer Marketing (Micro-influencers, Long-term partnerships, Data-driven decision-making):

• Statistics:
  • Micro-influencer marketing industry expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2025
  • 61% of marketers plan to increase their influencer marketing budget in 2023
  • 70% of consumers trust influencer recommendations
• Impact on Marketing:
  • Micro-influencers offer authentic and relatable voices for target audiences
  • Long-term partnerships build trust and loyalty between brands and influencers
  • Data-driven influencer selection ensures effective campaign performance and ROI
  • Transparency and disclosure of sponsored content are essential for building trust
  • Develop strong influencer marketing strategies and measurement frameworks

4. The Emphasis on Community Building (Closed groups, Private communities, Niche-focused content):

• Statistics:
  • 1.8 billion people are members of Facebook groups
  • 68% of Gen Z and Millennials want brands to create online communities
  • 83% of consumers believe communities are important for brands
• Impact on Marketing:
  • Closed and private communities foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among members
  • Brands interact directly with consumers, gather feedback, and gain valuable insights
  • Community-driven content creation campaigns generate organic engagement and reach
  • Dedicated effort is required to build and nurture online communities
  • Provide value, encourage interaction, and build genuine relationships with members

5. The Rise of Live Streaming (Product launches, Q&A sessions, Live shopping):

• Statistics:
  • 1.9 billion people watch live videos online every month
  • 82% of consumers prefer live video content from brands over social media posts
  • Live shopping market expected to reach $24 billion by 2024
• Impact on Marketing:
  • Live streaming offers real-time and interactive connections with potential customers
  • Product launches, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses build excitement and interest
  • Live shopping experiences offer a convenient and engaging way to purchase products
  • Investment in high-quality production and engaging hosts is crucial
  • Interactive features like polls and Q&A enhance the live experience and boost engagement

Social Media Trend FAQs:

Q: Which trend will have the biggest impact on social media in the next few years?

A: It’s difficult to predict with certainty, but many experts believe that the integration of advanced technologies like AR/VR and AI will have a significant impact on how we connect and interact online. These technologies have the potential to create immersive and personalized experiences, further blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Q: How can I adapt my social media strategy to these trends?

A: The key is to be adaptable and willing to experiment. Start by researching the trends that are most relevant to your target audience and industry. Then, consider how you can incorporate these trends into your content strategy, platform usage, and marketing campaigns. Stay informed and keep learning about new tools and technologies that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Q: What are some resources I can use to learn more about social media trends?

A: There are many resources available online that can help you learn more about social media trends. Some popular options include:

• Industry reports: Hootsuite Social Media Trends, Sprout Social Index, We Are Social Global Digital Report
• Blogs and news sites: Social Media Today, The Social Shake-up, Mashable
• Podcasts: Social Media Marketing with Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner, Brand Storytelling
• Books: The Social Media Marketing Book by Mike Stelzner, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk, Contagious by Jonah Berger

Social Media Trend Conclusion:

The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends to maintain a successful online presence. By understanding the impact of these trends on marketing, incorporating expert perspectives, and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can leverage the power of social media to achieve your goals and connect with your target audience in meaningful ways.

Remember, the key to success lies in being authentic, creating engaging content, building strong communities, and always striving to learn and grow in this dynamic and ever-changing environment.