As a freelance writer who uses social media to promote my work, I can’t afford to ignore the most popular social media trends.
But with so many different platforms out there these days, it’s hard to keep up.
This guide will explain which social media apps and trends you need to pay attention to this year, so you can filter out everything else.
Ready to find out about all the hot topics?
Let’s dive in!
What are Social Media Trends & Why Are They Crucial?
What exactly are Social media trends? Types of social media trends include:
- Topics people are talking about
- Certain forms of content, such as micro-stories, short or long-form video, podcasts, etc
- Changes in online shopping behavior or interest in certain products
- Behaviors among social media users — for example, holding influencers accountable for their actions rather than turning a blind eye
So why pay attention to social trends?
The answer is simple: it helps you get to know your audience better, so you can create content or products that resonate with them. When you stay aware of social trends, it build’s trust. The last thing your target audience needs to think is that you’re out of touch.
But you won’t be, right?
Because you’re going to keep reading to find out about this year’s trends…
10 Social Media Trends You Should be Paying Attention To in 2024
Now that you understand the importance of staying up-to-date on social media trends, let’s take a look at some of the most important trends this year. Here are 10 we believe will stick around for a while.
1. The Power of Short-Form Video
Short-form video is having its moment on social media.
Virtually every major social media platform supports and promotes short videos to their audiences now. This includes TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and even Twitter.
But why are short videos so effective?
Short-form videos, usually less than a minute long, deliver bite-sized entertainment that’s perfect for today’s busy users.
They allow for quick and impactful storytelling, pushing content creators to craft engaging narratives within limited time frames.
With short-form videos, brands can deliver their message efficiently, making an immediate impact on their target audience.
For content creators, short-form videos offer a platform to showcase their talent, creativity, and personality.
Whether it’s entertaining, informative, or thought-provoking content, short-form video content has become a vital tool for brands and creators to connect with their target audience.
2. AI’s Expanding Role in Social Media
Next up, let’s talk artificial intelligence (AI).
From AI-generated content and chatbots to machine learning algorithms and beyond, AI is quickly becoming an invaluable tool for brands navigating social media.
By providing personalized experiences, predictive insights, and real-time analytics, AI is helping brands steer a course that’s not just responsive to the latest trends, but anticipatory of what’s on the horizon.
3. TikTok’s Exploding Popularity
The short-form video app might have started as a fun distraction for teens, but it’s evolved into a social media titan.
TikTok’s unique blend of entertainment, creativity, and engagement has made it irresistible for social media users and brands alike.
TikTok now has over a billion users worldwide. And with new features and functions rolling out regularly, like TikTok Shopping, it’s clear that this social platform isn’t just riding the wave — it’s creating it.
4. LinkedIn & the Rise of the Content Creator
Once seen as little more than a digital resume depot or a network for stuffy professionals, LinkedIn has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Traditionally, LinkedIn was synonymous with resumes and careers and job searching.
However, it has now become a hub where professionals can showcase their expertise, share valuable insights, and build their personal brand, leading to the rise of a new kind of influencer on LinkedIn.
Creators on LinkedIn have carved out their niche and established themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. These creators have the ability to captivate audiences with an engaging social media post, articles, and short-form videos that offer unique perspectives, professional advice, and industry insights.
LinkedIn’s algorithm has adapted to this shift, prioritizing content from creators and promoting meaningful conversations.
Features like LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn Stories enable creators to share real-time updates and engage with their audience in a more dynamic and interactive way.
So if you’ve been neglecting LinkedIn in favor of more ‘creative’ platforms, it might be time to reconsider.
5. The Relevance of Social SEO
Staying visible and attracting the right audience is crucial for brands and creators.
Enter the realm of Social SEO — a concept that combines social media and search engine optimization to maximize visibility and engagement.
And at the heart of Social SEO is keyword strategy.
Just like with traditional SEO, understanding the intent behind these keywords and aligning them with your content is key.
By identifying relevant keywords and incorporating them thoughtfully into social media content, brands can increase their chances of being discovered by users searching for related topics.
Social SEO also involves the concept of topic clusters, which entails creating a network of interlinked content that covers a specific theme comprehensively.
By organizing your content around a core topic and linking related pieces together, you create a web of information that search engines recognize and reward with higher visibility.
6. Stronger Focus on Community Building
Our next trend involves a shift in the way we perceive social media audiences.
People are no longer impressed merely by a vast sea of followers. Instead, we’re setting our sights on something far more valuable: community.
Just like the steady anchor that secures a ship amidst the stormy seas, a committed community can provide brands with much-needed stability.
Engaged communities can lead to higher levels of brand loyalty, greater credibility, and even increased sales.
So, don’t just amass followers. Anchor your brand in a dedicated community!
7. Trust & Transparency in Social Media
In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about data privacy and fake news. People are becoming more conscious of bias and manipulation, so trust and transparency have become much more important to them.
Brands need to be transparent about their actions, be accountable when they make mistakes, and demonstrate that they’re reliable actors in the digital sphere.
By being honest, brands can build stronger relationships with their audience and grow a sense of trust.
8. The Rising Significance of Social Commerce
Here’s another booming trend: social commerce.
Social commerce is just about promoting products anymore — it’s about enabling purchase within the social platforms themselves.
With features like shoppable posts and in-app stores, brands are transforming their social media presence into virtual storefronts.
This new wave of social commerce presents some big opportunities for brands.
With the right social media strategy, brands can turn their social media platforms into lucrative sales channels, making shopping as easy as a tap on a screen.
9. Managing Social Media Crisis
Building brand on social media comes with its fair share of hazards.
A poorly timed tweet, a tone-deaf ad, or an insensitive comment can quickly escalate into a full-blown social media crisis.
To stay afloat in these stormy situations, brands need a solid crisis management strategy.
This can range from quick and sincere apologies to comprehensive damage control plans.
A bad impression is hard to shake, but with the right strategies, you can navigate any crisis that comes your way.
10. Future Trends to Keep an Eye On
In the near future, here are some trends worth paying attention to:
- Emergent Platforms: While established platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will likely remain significant players, keep an eye on emerging platforms that are gaining traction. Exploring new platforms early on can give you a competitive edge and access to untapped audiences.
- AI Advancements: AI-powered content creation, automated customer interactions, and personalized recommendations are just a few examples of how AI is transforming the social media landscape. Stay updated on the latest AI developments and explore how you can leverage them to enhance your social media strategies.
- Shifts in Content Creation Dynamics: The way content is created and consumed is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on the changing preferences and habits of your target audience. Pay attention to the rise of user generated content, short form video, and interactive formats. Embracing these evolving content creation dynamics can help you stay relevant and engage your audience in innovative ways.
- Niche Communities and Micro-Influencers: As social media becomes more crowded, niche communities and micro-influencers are gaining prominence. These smaller, specialized communities offer highly engaged and loyal audiences. Consider identifying niche communities relevant to your brand and partnering with micro-influencers who have influence within these communities.
Of course, these future trends are just educated guesses on what lies ahead. The social media landscape is ever-changing, and new trends will continue to emerge.
Stay curious, continuously learn, and adapt your strategies accordingly. By keeping a close watch on the trends shaping the industry, you can position yourself as a forward-thinking brand and stay ahead of the competition.
Navigating the Wave: The Future of Social Media Trends
Now you know how important it is to stay in-the-know about social media trends.
And you know which ones to pay attention to this year.
So the question is, how will you use this information?
Maybe you’ll decide to join a new platform and start growing a fresh audience. Or maybe you’ll tweak your marketing strategy to include short-form video.
What’s most important is that you take some action to evolve with social trends.
Your audience will thank you for it!
