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The world of social media impacts the lives of millions of people on a day-to-day basis… whether we like it or not. However, it has also been around for long enough for us to be able to track trends (i.e. what ALL the influencers are doing), people’s attitudes around it (i.e. why your uncle who lives in the mountains thinks Instagram is tracking your every move), and how engaging the different platforms are (i.e. why we spend 5 minutes scrolling on Facebook, next thing its 3a.m.).
The reality is, these trends are constantly changing, and it’s up to businesses to take these trends into account and adapt their social media marketing plans accordingly!
So, you’re probably wondering if we’re finally going to tell you what these trends and changes are…
Well, you’re in luck, here they are:
1. What are the current ‘go-to’ social media platforms?
Despite it being probably the first type of social media we all used in the early 2000’s, Facebook is not going anywhere. Most young consumers claim to use it each month, and the numbers are only growing! However, Gen Z’ers (16-24 year olds) seem to gravitate more towards Instagram than Facebook or Tik Tok, so this is something to consider if Gen Z is a target audience. Tik Tok’s user count is also growing by the day, but has not quite caught up to Facebook yet. So… the trend still stays the same – Facebook has the highest % of users outside of China per month, and it seems to be either the first or second choice of social media platform for all 4 generations (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers). If your business is wondering which social media platform to take advantage of right now – Facebook is the one!
2. Time spent on social media is… DECREASING?
Since 2020, over 12% of people have said that they don’t use social media as much as they used to. It’s true, the Covid-19 Pandemic had us all glued to our screens because let’s be honest, what else is there to do when on house arrest? Because of this, people are making more of an effort to travel, spend time outdoors, and appreciate not being in the house all day. So, what can businesses do to help themselves through this? The answer is this: Add a sense of wellness to social networks, increase engaging content, and target the younger generation who are still glued to their phones (and still making Tik Tok dances) after the pandemic. A great example of clever and engaging content is Lays #DoUsAFlavor campaign that urged people to vote for their recent favourite new Lays chips flavour, and this ultimately set up the right audience for Lays to then release their best-voted flavour. Clever right?
3.Short-form videos and why you should make them
It’s true, a 5 second impactful, gripping, and fast-paced video is bound to hold your attention. A 5 minute long, slow-paced, ‘get-to-the-point’ video is probably going to lose the attention of some people. Tik Tok is certainly to blame for this, but many other platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube) have also introduced shorter, bite sized videos. Instagram ‘Reels’ has shown a 20% increase in engagement since 2020, so it only makes sense for companies to hop onto this trend and get their content to the places where people are watching. If you are looking to make short form videos and need some inspiration, Puma did a great job at this by challenging followers to recreate their logo as ‘barista art’ after seeing someone attempting it on a short form video posted on social media. What are you waiting for? Go buy that ring light!
4. Augmented Reality, but make it fun!
Not only are filters becoming the number one way to wear makeup without any makeup, but brands are actually using filters for users to test their makeup products. L’Oréal and MAC have already offered virtual product testing in the form of filters on Instagram, which means you don’t even have to leave your couch to know that you’re in love with the new ‘Double Maroon’ lipstick shade that your favourite makeup brand just released. This unlocks infinite doors for the product industry that allows people to ‘try on’ clothes, accessories, hair colours etc. before buying them. Imagine being able to see how good clothes from an online-only store will look on you before buying them? This will certainly decrease the number of returns too. If you’re in the product industry, we suggest you try and find a clever way to hop onto this trend!
And? Have you learnt something? We hope so!
Grab your notebook, pen, and possibly a cup of coffee, and start jotting down those Social Media goals for 2023 (because its less than 2 months away!). Remember to make your content engaging, valuable, and fun – that’s what everyone is after these days.
Lastly, remember to enjoy it! Social Media is the quickest, best, and most efficient way to connect with billions of people around the world every day… So, if you have managed to positively impact one person through a post, that is one person you have made happier in the world today. And THAT, is a win!
Have a great November 😊
