Blog Post | Dec 12, 2023
7 Social Media Trends Shaping 2024
Explore the evolving social media landscape through these seven predictions for trends in 2024. From AI-Driven personalization to the surge in social commerce, UGC and the changing demands of new market demographics.
The nature and outlook for social media has changed significantly in the last few years, for myriad and wide-ranging reasons, but at the top of the list are the phenomenal growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rising influence of the next dominant demographic, Generation Z (Gen Z).
In this article we will look at seven of the top social media predictions for 2024. Keep these trends in mind when planning your social media strategy for the new year or advising your customers.
AI-Driven Personalization
You have likely experienced AI-personalization when visiting a retailer’s website when it offers recommendations based on your past purchases or interests. This type of personalization, driven by AI, is designed to make you feel loyal toward, and a connection with, the seller.
Use of AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are becoming more accessible, allowing you to introduce new features on your social media platforms including VR showrooms, virtual walkthroughs, and other immersive experiences.
Social Commerce
E-commerce features have been a part of social media for some time but, now more than ever, you can introduce seamless shopping experiences on your social platforms without having to leave the app on your mobile device.
Micro-Influencers: 90% of marketers indicated that they want to work with micro-influencers. Though celebrity social media influencers have played a role in driving engagement with their followers for years, there is growing interest today for working with smaller content creators. You will find these micro-influencers are more approachable, have smaller audiences and higher engagement, and have built up high levels of trust between the creator and audience.
Authenticity: 88% of consumers prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support.
Consumers have seen so much polished perfection online that they are increasingly invested in seeing the people behind your brand. This is especially true of Gen Z who value diversity, inclusivity and truthfulness. This can include real, transparent interactions and honest behind-the-scenes content.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Inviting UGC for social proof has been a practice in marketing for a long time, but it’s especially relevant today as part of your pursuit of authenticity. By encouraging your customers to share their positive experiences of working with you, you can engage with other customers and prospects and build strong relationships. Customers always respond positively to seeing real people sharing their real thoughts.
Short-Form Video: People watch 17 hours of online video content per week, on average
As attention spans decrease, short-form video has become more popular (see: Reels, Stories, TikTok). Gen Z and Millennials have driven the popularity of these social platforms for learning about brands, making it an ideal way to share your business and services quickly with short text captions and engaging images.
Conclusion
Social media is constantly changing and predicting the next big thing (or things) can be a bit of a challenge. But evidence already shows these seven trends are growing in popularity, foreshadowing a dynamic, integrated social media landscape for 2024.
In this article we will look at seven of the top social media predictions for 2024. Keep these trends in mind when planning your social media strategy for the new year or advising your customers.
AI-Driven Personalization
You have likely experienced AI-personalization when visiting a retailer’s website when it offers recommendations based on your past purchases or interests. This type of personalization, driven by AI, is designed to make you feel loyal toward, and a connection with, the seller.
Use of AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are becoming more accessible, allowing you to introduce new features on your social media platforms including VR showrooms, virtual walkthroughs, and other immersive experiences.
Social Commerce
E-commerce features have been a part of social media for some time but, now more than ever, you can introduce seamless shopping experiences on your social platforms without having to leave the app on your mobile device.
Micro-Influencers: 90% of marketers indicated that they want to work with micro-influencers. Though celebrity social media influencers have played a role in driving engagement with their followers for years, there is growing interest today for working with smaller content creators. You will find these micro-influencers are more approachable, have smaller audiences and higher engagement, and have built up high levels of trust between the creator and audience.
Authenticity: 88% of consumers prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support.
Consumers have seen so much polished perfection online that they are increasingly invested in seeing the people behind your brand. This is especially true of Gen Z who value diversity, inclusivity and truthfulness. This can include real, transparent interactions and honest behind-the-scenes content.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Inviting UGC for social proof has been a practice in marketing for a long time, but it’s especially relevant today as part of your pursuit of authenticity. By encouraging your customers to share their positive experiences of working with you, you can engage with other customers and prospects and build strong relationships. Customers always respond positively to seeing real people sharing their real thoughts.
Short-Form Video: People watch 17 hours of online video content per week, on average
As attention spans decrease, short-form video has become more popular (see: Reels, Stories, TikTok). Gen Z and Millennials have driven the popularity of these social platforms for learning about brands, making it an ideal way to share your business and services quickly with short text captions and engaging images.
Conclusion
Social media is constantly changing and predicting the next big thing (or things) can be a bit of a challenge. But evidence already shows these seven trends are growing in popularity, foreshadowing a dynamic, integrated social media landscape for 2024.