Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash
Trends shift as quickly as we scroll through our feeds. With 2024 just around the corner, we’re seeing some major changes in the social media world. For those in social media agencies, marketing, or any creative role, it’s essential to stay up to date.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the top social media trends in 2024 and beyond.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the hottest 2024 social media trends:
- Video Content Domination
- Ephemeral Content Continuance
- Integration of Shopping and Social Media
- Enhanced Hyper-Personalization
- LinkedIn Will Be a Prime Social Media Channel for B2B
- Rising Role of Micro and Nano Influencers
- Hybrid Content
- Social Media Automation
- Authenticity Will Take Center Stage
- User-Generated Content Will Increase
1.Video Content Domination
The first big social media trend in 2024 is video content. According to a study by Wyzowl, people on average watch 17 hours of online video content per week. This number is expected to increase in 2024 as video format continues its undeniable reign.
Marketers themselves acknowledge that video content boasts one of the highest ROIs among media formats, with 92% asserting it provides a substantial return on their investment.
From short reels on Instagram to in-depth YouTube tutorials, videos are the medium du jour for engaging and retaining audiences. Brands not harnessing video will be missing out on a substantial slice of the engagement pie.
2. Ephemeral Content Continuance
Snapchat started it, and Instagram Stories perfected it. Ephemeral content, those fleeting moments that disappear after 24 hours, will be still very much in vogue in 2024. Why? They’re authentic, real, and create a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) that drives user engagement.
There’s a huge benefit to creating Instagram stories. Studies show that after viewing Stories on Instagram, 62% of users become more interested in a brand or a product.
3. Integration of Shopping and Social Media
Social commerce is the new frontier. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have seamlessly integrated shopping features, making it easier than ever for consumers to purchase products directly through social media.
With 83% of shoppers turning to Instagram for product discovery, the melding of social media and e-commerce is a trend that’s here to stay.
Need inspiration? Adidas, Glossier, and H&M are prime examples of brands capitalizing on social commerce. Through captivating product showcases on Instagram and Facebook, they provide a seamless shopping experience within the social platforms.
4. Enhanced Hyper-Personalization
Hyper-personalization in marketing is going to be big in 2024. With the advancement in AI and machine learning, users now expect content tailored specifically to their preferences. Hyper-personalization involves leveraging data analytics to deliver more relevant content, products, or emails to users.
Based on Deloitte data, 90% of customers find personalized advertising appealing, meaning they are more likely to make a purchase. And brands know it. Think about:
- Spotify’s personalized playlists;
- Netflix’s viewing recommendations;
- Amazon’s tailored shopping suggestions.
These brands have taken hyper-personalization to the next level, so expect more businesses to employ similar tactics in 2024.
5. LinkedIn Will Be the Prime Social Media Channel for B2B
Move over, Facebook! LinkedIn is quickly becoming the hotspot for B2B marketing. With its focus on professionals and industry-specific content, 65% of B2B marketers claim they will increase their LinkedIn usage next year.
Credit: LinkedIn
LinkedIn is great for in-person selling as you can showcase your products and how they solve actual problems.
Related Read: How to Become a LinkedIn Top Voice (Tips and Tools)
6. Rising Role of Micro and Nano Influencers
While celebrity endorsements are impactful, there’s a shift towards micro (10k-50k followers) and nano influencers (<10k followers). Their niche audiences, genuine engagement, and trust factor make them invaluable for brand partnerships.
In fact, a Linqia study revealed that 90% of marketers want to work with micro-influencers since they have better engagement than larger influencers. This trend is set to continue in 2024.
7. Hybrid Content
2024 will be witnessing new levels of automation, one of which is hybrid content. Hybrid content represents a fusion of artificial intelligence and human creativity in content creation.
Hybrid content offers advantages like quicker content production, tailored personalization, and consistent quality. A study by Botco.ai reveals that 73% of B2B and B2C marketing executives are already using generative AI to help create text, images, videos, or other content.
The blend of AI’s scalability with the authentic touch of human refinement makes hybrid content widely appealing for brands aiming to connect deeply and efficiently with their audiences.
Related Read: How to Leverage AI in Social Media Like a Pro in 2023
8. Social Media Automation
While the heart of social media lies in genuine interactions, the logistics can be optimized. After all, time is money, and automation is the key. From writing social media captions to scheduling posts, brands are looking for tools that can help them scale and automate content production.
In 2023, Ascend2 discovered that 50% of brands have adopted marketing automation tools for social media management, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. This growth is expected to persist, as automation not only reduces costs but also enables brands to concentrate on strategy and content creation. By adopting these tools, brands will benefit from consistent posting, real-time engagement tracking, and heightened overall efficiency.
9. Authenticity Will Take Center Stage
Users are tired of inauthentic brand messaging. They crave real, transparent interactions. Brands that are genuine in their communication and acknowledge their mistakes will foster more loyalty. A Stackla survey showed that 88% of consumers prioritize authenticity when choosing brands to support.
The modern consumer values transparency over curated perfection. In 2024, this means brands should showcase behind-the-scenes looks, candid moments, and even acknowledge imperfections or mistakes.
10. User Generated Content Will Increase
UGC (User Generated Content) is the future of content marketing. It’s genuine, builds community, and best of all, it’s free.
Moreover, as consumers become central storytellers, UGC fosters a dynamic brand-consumer relationship, transforming passive viewers into active participants and advocates.
Brands such as LEGO, Starbucks, and GoPro have masterfully leveraged UGC, turning customers into content creators through campaigns, contests, and community engagement, thereby amplifying brand loyalty.
Parting Thoughts
2024’s social media landscape will be dynamic, user-centric, and more integrated than ever. For brands and marketers, staying updated with these trends isn’t just recommended—it’s vital.
From video content to the authenticity-first approach, there’s an enormous potential to engage, convert, and build genuine relationships with your audience. Embrace the change, and let’s make 2024 the most socially engaging year yet!
Once you have your trendy content polished off, you’re almost ready to publish it. However, before you do, it’s essential to have your content reviewed and approved. Gain is the tool that streamlines this process for you. It allows you to set up automated approval workflows, so when someone submits a project for approval, the next person in the chain is instantly notified that their input is needed.
What’s even better? Gain automatically sends reminders to clients for content reviews. With this feature, your team can concentrate on pivotal discussions and tasks without the burden of manually nudging stakeholders for their feedback.
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