One constant in our digital landscape is the ever-evolving nature of social media. Despite the transient nature of trends, this year’s focus shifted from strict adherence to guidelines to embracing a culture of experimentation.
Anticipate a significant move towards originality and transparency in 2024. Explore further for insights into the foremost social media trends that can fuel your strategic approach in the upcoming year.
Know About Social Media Trends
1. Delegating Social Media Tasks To AI
Over 80% of marketers indicate that AI tools have resulted in time savings and improved workflow efficiency. In numerous instances, there has been a notable increase, sometimes doubling or tripling, in the utilization of specific AI applications by marketers within the past 12 months.
According to a survey conducted by Hoot-Suite, 75% of social media marketers intend to employ AI for a comprehensive overhaul and rewriting of text in 2024, reflecting a significant rise of 103% compared to 2023. Notably, a recent survey has highlighted that over 40% of social media marketers are currently utilizing AI for the generation of captions.
2. The rise of AI-generated content
AI-generated content is the result of utilizing artificial intelligence tools, including natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision. The surge of social media platforms has led to an escalating demand for top-notch, captivating, and tailored content. AI-generated content addresses this demand by empowering marketers to produce content, thereby saving valuable time and resources efficiently.
Several noteworthy AI tools have surfaced to assist marketers in crafting content specifically for social media. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most renowned ones:
- Chat GPT serves as a natural language processing tool capable of producing social media copy.
- Synthesia operates as a video creation tool leveraging AI for the generation of personalized videos on a large scale.
- Lexica functions as a tool for generating images by interpreting natural language descriptions.
One major issue revolves around the absence of originality and genuineness in content generated by artificial intelligence. Additionally, there exists the potential for inaccuracies, prejudices, and ethical dilemmas associated with the utilization of AI-generated content.
For individuals involved in social media marketing, it becomes imperative to comprehend both the advantages and drawbacks linked to AI-generated content. It is crucial to employ these tools in a manner that is both effective and ethical. Through the utilization of AI-generated content, marketers can efficiently attain their objectives while upholding the authenticity and creativity of their content.
3. Instagram Threads are here to stay
Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta) declared that Threads had achieved a user base of 30 million within less than 24 hours. Presently, the total count of users has surpassed 150 million, with 23.6 million users engaging daily.
Instagram’s team has introduced Threads, positioning it as a significant rival to X, formerly known as Twitter, promising an enriched experience in text sharing and participation in public discussions.
Allegedly, Threads offers a dedicated platform for self-expression, fostering meaningful conversations and connecting with like-minded individuals. By logging in with your trusted Instagram account, you can personalize your profile and engage in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Take command of your interactions by controlling who mentions and replies to you, promoting positive engagements. Employ filters to screen out specific replies containing certain words. Explore posts from accounts you follow and discover recommended content. Effortlessly share your thoughts on Instagram and other platforms, allowing your creativity to flourish without limitations.
Threads also allow seamless linking with the two platforms, enabling the promotion and sharing of identical bios and profile images. This facilitates the creation of a new profile with just a few clicks. For those not inclined to develop an entirely new strategy, we propose the following as a starting point.
- Repost Tweets.
- Share quotes from your articles and add a link to increase traffic.
- Celebrate social media holidays.
4. YouTube is alive and kicking; sort off
Despite the dominance of short-form vertical videos, YouTube, the second most visited website globally, remains deeply entrenched in the competition. YouTube continues to boast the highest average visit duration (00:20:04) and maintains one of the lowest bounce rates (21.65%).
Tik-Tok and vertical video cater to a younger and more technologically adept audience. In contrast, YouTube appeals to a broad spectrum of demographics, encompassing even one-third of baby boomers.
YouTube has numerous benefits:
- Brands can strategize for long-form video content with lasting impact.
- Crafting content based on search queries ensures enduring relevance. Rather than relying on specific algorithms like the FYP (For You Page), you can leverage Google to direct traffic to your content.
- There are great opportunities for repurposing. You can divide long-form videos into shorter clips for social media, repost them on IGTV, or embed them in your blog, offering a valuable SEO tactic.
It is essential to guarantee that every video delivers meaningful content, is inclusive (utilizes subtitles, captions, and descriptions), features a compelling title driven by relevant keywords, and showcases an attention-grabbing thumbnail. Utilize a resource like VidIQ to analyze how individuals search for information on YouTube and subsequently examine thumbnails that instantly capture your interest. Go a step further and embed video links in your digital business card to increase their visibility within your network. The eyeballs on your videos, the better.
5. Social commerce will continue to rise
Social commerce stands out as a persistent trend in the realm of social media, capturing our attention for an extended period. Both brands and social media platforms have been diligently exploring effective methods to transform social media networks into lucrative sales platforms.
Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media wielded substantial influence over consumers’ purchasing habits. In 2018, a notable 30% of consumers expressed their intent to make purchases through platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat.
While these figures experienced a significant surge during the pandemic, there is a noticeable shift in consumer expectations. Factors like inflation, challenges in the supply chain, heightened awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and increased activism, coupled with the looming possibility of a recession, are collectively impacting the landscape by influencing availability, competition, and values.
6. Short-form video is still the king
TikTok and Instagram Reels are the pioneers of short-form video content. As of 2023, TikTok boasts an impressive 1.677 billion users worldwide, with an average monthly active user count of 1.1 billion. This popularity is not without cause; users crave concise, captivating, and entertaining content.
Wyzowl’s report on video marketing statistics for the year 2023 unequivocally indicates that video marketing is the future, underscoring its significance in the digital landscape.
91% of businesses used video as a marketing tool in 2023
96% of video marketers say video marketing has increased user understanding of their product or service.
91% say video marketing has helped them increase traffic.
89% of people say watching a video has convinced them to buy a product or service.
79% of people say watching a video has convinced them to buy a software or app.
7. Gen Z uses Instagram to discover new brands
Gen Z represents a generation that primarily engages with mobile platforms, and Instagram stands out as their key avenue for exploration. According to a recent study conducted by digital and creative agency Composed, 60% of American Gen Z consumers utilise the platform to unearth unfamiliar brands and products.
Furthermore, findings from a report by Piper Jaffray reveal that 73% of Gen Z shoppers in the United States express a preference for brands and retailers reaching out to them regarding new products and promotions via Instagram.
Conclusion
The social media landscape in 2024 is marked by innovation, user empowerment, and a focus on meaningful connections. The trends discussed in this blog are not isolated developments but interconnected elements shaping a more immersive, secure, and dynamic digital future.
As we embrace these changes, it’s crucial to stay adaptable, mindful of our digital footprint, and open to the limitless possibilities that social media will continue to unfold in the years to come.
Our journey through the ever-evolving social media trends landscape promises a future where connection, creativity, and community thrive in unprecedented ways.