By Isabelle Flores
Over 5 billion people in the world use social media in 2024, and the way they interact with content is growing faster than ever. With social media trends constantly shaping digital marketing strategies, it is essential for brands to stay ahead of the curve. The more active and up-to-date these companies are on trends through their online presence, the more recognition they will receive.
Let’s dive into the latest and most significant trends that have and will continue to make an impact on social media.
The Rise of Short-Form Video Content
With the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok and features like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, short-form videos are becoming a dominant form of content. Videos tend to grab the attention of users better than still photos, and those with smaller attention spans gravitate towards videos that are more brief to stay engaged. Brands have been using this to their advantage by creating short-form video content that follows current trends and can resonate with their audience. For instance, Josh Cellars Wine recently posted an Instagram Reel of someone duct taping a tumbler cup and a bottle of wine together to put their own little twist on the “wine walk” trend. This is where people pour wine into their everyday water bottles and go for an outdoor stroll. This way, they can market their product, while also appealing to their audience and current trends.
The Evolution of Social Commerce
Social media platforms have increasingly become shopping destinations for users because of their convenience. With users’ ability to see real people wearing clothes, trying out products or receiving a service and being able to purchase it with just one click on the same website, these platforms are beginning to integrate these features more and more. TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace have specifically become very prevalent. Brands can set up their social commerce presence by including optimizing product listings and leveraging user-generated content. PacSun for example comes up on my Instagram feed specifically multiple times a day. The posts typically say “sponsored” and have tags on the articles of clothing that bring users straight to the website for purchase. This not only makes it easier for users, but also allows for an increase in web traffic for the company.
The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency
There has been a growing demand for authentic and transparent content as consumers become more savvy and skeptical of overly polished marketing. Users want to be able to relate to others they see online instead of watching those who romanticize their lives to the point where it is unrealistic. Brands can show transparency by sharing behind-the-scenes content, openly addressing consumer concerns, or using real customer testimonials. Peloton is a good example of a company that shares the stories of how their brand changed real customers’ lives in their advertising campaigns. This humanizes the brand and shows that there are real people behind the screen who are affected by their company.
The Continued Growth of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is evolving now more than ever. Companies are beginning to take notice of micro-influencers due to their higher engagement rates and niche audiences that trust them. Identifying the right influencers for a brand can be difficult and depending on the brand, one must meet specific requirements. Companies also need to set clear goals for their collaborations and pay attention to the ROI of influencer campaigns. Madewell for instance tends to send mailers to micro-influencers who are sophisticated and focus on fashion content. This allows for the brand to reach their niche audience through these creators while also staying true to their brand image.
It is important for brands and content creators to keep up with the changes in trends to stay relevant. Trends evolve day-to-day, so it is important to stay current while also looking out for what is next.
Happy Valley Comm 