Social Media Trends of 2024: What You Need to Know
Like it or not, the digital marketing landscape is always evolving, with new platforms, social trends, and shopping habits, it can be exhausting. Staying ahead of social media trends is crucial for any business looking to stay relevant online and top of mind for their audience. As we have already reached the midpoint of 2024, it’s evident that several key trends are shaping the way brands interact with their audiences. Here’s a comprehensive look at the social media trends that are dominating this year:
1. AI Everything
You’ve undoubtedly seen the introduction of AI into every platform. Whether it’s search based or used in content creation, AI has found its way into normal daily use. With the widespread use of AI, brands are finding the biggest challenge to show that they are retaining their authenticity. It’s not always easy to spot an blog post that’s been spit out by Chat GPT, or a generative AI created image, but thats because of the widespread use the bar has been lowered for what we as the audience accept as “quality” content. This leaves a grand canyon sized opportunity for brands who are willing and able to put in the extra work and produce authentic content highlighting their expertise.
We’re not saying you should ignore AI, as it can be a valuable tool for your team to use in your content marketing / social workflow. We recommend setting AI usage policies and approval workflows to avoid misinformation and unapproved posts being scheduled.
2. Rise of Social Commerce
Social media platforms have increasingly become shopping destinations. In 2024, we’re witnessing a significant rise in social commerce, where users can discover and purchase products without leaving their favorite apps. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have integrated shopping functionality, making it easier for businesses to sell directly to their audiences.
3. Continued Dominance of Video Content
Video content remains king across social media platforms. Short-form videos, especially on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, continue to captivate audiences with their engaging and shareable nature. Additionally, live streaming on platforms like Facebook Live and YouTube are gaining popularity as brands seek more authentic ways to engage with their followers.
4. Continued Growth of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. Collaborating with influencers allows brands to reach highly targeted audiences and build credibility through authentic recommendations. Platforms are also introducing new tools to facilitate influencer partnerships, making it easier for brands to manage and measure the impact of their campaigns. We’re seeing an increase in brands utilizing micro influencers in 2024 as they have come to realize the superior engagement rates authentic smaller creators can provide. If you’re looking to take the dive into influencer marketing, we wrote a nifty article about the Dos and Don’ts of working with influencers.
5. Sustainability and Ethical Branding
Consumers are increasingly mindful of sustainability and ethical practices. Brands that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social causes are resonating more with their audiences. Large corporations such as Apple as well as smaller brands like Caraway, are promoting their sustainable and ethical practices as a way to increase engagement on social media. These efforts catch the attention of like-minded consumers and give brands a leg up in a time where sustainable and ethical practices are more valued than ever.
6. Niche Social Platforms + Using Fewer Platforms
While giants like Meta and TikTok continue to hold the majority of market share, niche social platforms are gaining traction among specific demographics. Platforms catering to professional networking, hobbies, or specific interests are offering brands unique opportunities to target niche audiences with tailored content.
As the saying goes, be where your audience is. While it might be tempting to try and create content for all platforms, there’s no point in wasting valuable time and resources if your audience isn’t likely to be on those additional platforms. Instead we recommend brands focus their efforts to create content for the platforms your target customers are on and tailor your content to the trends of that platform.
7. Leveraging SEO on Social Media
While SEO has traditionally been associated with optimizing web traffic and influencing search ranking, its principles can also be effectively applied to social media platforms. As many social platforms have evolved and improved their search functionality, social SEO techniques have become necessary to improve visibility. By integrating SEO principles into your social media strategy, you can amplify your brand’s online presence, drive traffic to your posts far better than saturated hasthags allowed in the past, and ultimately increase conversions. Remember, SEO on social media is not a one-time effort but a continuous process to ensure your content remains easily discovered.
8. Utilizing Manychat
In the realm of social media marketing, automation and personalized communication have become essential tools for engaging with audiences effectively. ManyChat, a popular platform for creating chatbots on Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger, allows businesses to automate customer interactions, streamline workflows, and drive engagement. ManyChat enhances your customer support capabilities by setting up automated responses for frequently asked questions. You are able to provide instant answers to common inquiries and ensure a seamless customer service experience.
Conclusion
As we navigate the social media landscape of 2024, one thing is clear: adaptation is key. Brands that stay informed about these emerging trends and embrace innovation in their social media strategies will not only stay relevant but also build stronger connections with their audiences. Whether it’s through immersive experiences, influencer collaborations, or sustainable initiatives, the possibilities for brands to thrive on social media are limitless in 2024.
At Tigrett Agency, we specialize in navigating these trends and helping brands harness the power of social media to achieve their marketing goals.
