Social media has come a long way since its inception, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In the year 2022, the number of active social media users increased by 190 million, indicating 4.2% annual growth, with 6 new users joining every second.
With new platforms and features popping up all the time, it can be hard to keep up. But it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends and platforms, as they can provide new opportunities for businesses and individuals to connect with their audiences and build their online presence.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most promising social media platforms and trends that are gaining popularity and how they can be leveraged to grow your business.
So, let’s dive in and explore the future of social media together.
5 Social Media Platforms Marketers Should Watch in 2023
As we all know, social media platforms are constantly changing and evolving. What was popular last year may not be popular this year. That’s why it’s important to always be on the lookout for new and upcoming platforms that could potentially take off.
TikTok
This short-form video platform has taken the world by storm, with users spending an average of 52 minutes per day on the app. This is significantly higher than other social media platforms such as Facebook (24 minutes) and Instagram (32 minutes).
The platform is known for its short-form, user-generated videos and its algorithm-driven feed. TikTok is a great way to reach a younger demographic and build brand awareness through creative and engaging content.
Instagram Reels
Since launching in July 2020, Instagram Reels has been a hit with users and creators alike. Not only is Reels a great way to engage with your audience, but it’s also a powerful marketing tool. Reels are a great way to connect with your followers personally and show them the real you.
Reels offer a variety of content types, from quick fixes like tips and tricks videos to longer-form content like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. There’s something for everyone on Reels, making it the perfect platform for both personal and professional use.
Clubhouses
Clubhouse is a newer social media platform that is based on audio-only conversations. The platform has grown in popularity in recent months, and it is a great way for brands to connect with their audience in a more intimate and authentic way. Clubhouse is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to become a dominant tool for marketers in the coming year.
Clubhouses allow users to join ‘rooms’ on topics they’re interested in, similar to how one would join a chatroom on other platforms. However, what sets Clubhouses apart is that these rooms are populated by experts on the topic at hand. This makes it a great place to go if you’re looking for a thoughtful and insightful discussion on a variety of topics.
Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming platform primarily used for gaming content, but it has also been used for other types of content, such as music and art. Twitch has a large and engaged audience, and it is a great way for brands to reach gamers and other niche audiences in real-time.
Additionally, Twitch has also added new features like watch parties, which further enhance the social experience of the platform.
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform often used for inspiration and planning. In 2021, the platform reported 459 million monthly active users.
The platform has a large and engaged audience, and it is a great way for brands to showcase their products and services in a visually appealing way. Pinterest is also a great tool for driving traffic to a brand’s website.
6 Social Media Trends for 2023 and Beyond
Here are the top social media trends for 2023 and beyond that are sure to give your brand a leg up over the competition:
User-Generated Content Tops The Chart
Users are becoming more savvy about what they share online and are increasingly likely to trust the content that comes from their peers.
UGC is often seen as more authentic and trustworthy than content created by brands. As a result, it can be highly effective in building brand loyalty and trust. UGC can also be repurposed and shared by brands to increase their reach and engagement.
For instance, GoPro, the action camera brand, is well-known for its user-generated content campaigns, which feature stunning photos and videos captured by customers using GoPro cameras.
The brand regularly shares this content on its social media channels and website, which helps to showcase the capabilities of its products and inspire others to capture their own adventures.
Social media platforms are also likely to continue to invest in tools and features that make it easier for brands to find, curate, and share UGC.
Youtube Shorts Is On Rise
Youtube Shorts is a new feature that allows users to create and share short, vertical videos on YouTube. YouTube Shorts crossed 30 billion views per day in 2022. The feature is similar to TikTok, and it is designed to make it easy for users to create and share videos on the platform without needing expensive equipment or editing software.
This feature will likely appeal to a wide range of users, from individuals and influencers to brands and publishers. It is expected to be a great way for businesses and creators to create engaging and shareable content that can help to increase reach and engagement.
Artificial Intelligence Is Ruling
AI is drastically changing how we interact with technology, and it will only become more prevalent in the years to come. Social media platforms are using AI to provide personalized recommendations, improve the overall user experience, and automate various tasks. Some of the ways that AI is being used in social media include the following:
Content curation and personalization: AI algorithms can be used to curate content based on a user’s preferences and behavior and can also be used to personalize the news feed, search results, and other content on a platform.
Image and video recognition: AI can be used to automatically tag and organize images and videos, as well as identify and remove inappropriate content.
Chatbots and virtual assistants: Social media platforms are increasingly using chatbots and virtual assistants such as Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa powered by AI to provide customer support and answer user questions.
Sentiment analysis: AI can be used to analyze social media posts and comments to identify patterns in user sentiment, which can be used to inform marketing and customer service strategies.
Instagram Creators Are Everywhere
Instagram creators can be found everywhere, from niche communities to mainstream culture. They create a wide range of content, from fashion, beauty, food, travel, and lifestyle to education, entertainment, and activism.
Many creators like Jameela Jamil are also using Instagram for social causes and advocacy. They are using their reach and influence to raise awareness and advocate for issues they care about.
Jameela Jamil, an actress and advocate for body positivity, uses her Instagram account to promote self-acceptance and to challenge societal beauty standards. She also advocates for mental health awareness and has been vocal about her own experiences with anxiety and depression.
Instagram creators are also likely to use a variety of monetization strategies to monetize their content and audience. This can include sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and more.
Go Shopping on Social Media
54% of people on social media use it to research products. Social media platforms are increasingly adding e-commerce features, such as shoppable posts and in-app checkout, making it easier for users to purchase products directly from social media. This allows brands and businesses to drive sales and revenue directly from their social media presence.
Glossier, the skincare and cosmetics brand, has effectively used Instagram to promote its products and allow users to purchase directly from their social media feed. They use shoppable posts and Instagram stories to showcase their latest collections and drive sales.
Some of the ways that social commerce is being used on social media include:
Shoppable posts: Brands and businesses can now tag products in their posts and stories, allowing users to purchase products directly from their social media feed.
Live streaming: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Live have been used by brands and businesses to showcase their products and take orders in real time.
Social marketplaces: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have started to develop their own marketplaces where users can purchase products directly from the platform.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Social media platforms are starting to incorporate VR and AR technology to allow users to virtually try on clothes or see how furniture would look in their homes before making a purchase.
Also Read: The benefits of shopping in an ecommerce marketplace
Customer Support Is A Priority On Social Media
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, are being used increasingly as a primary means of customer support. Businesses are expected to use social media to provide customer service to 70% of customers so that they can receive support in real time, 24/7.
Hootsuite is a perfect example of a brand that uses social media as a primary channel for offering customer support to its users.
Hootsuite, the social media management platform, has an active presence on Twitter and uses the platform to provide real-time customer support. They have a dedicated customer support handle (@Hootsuite_Help) and are known for their quick response time and detailed assistance.
Final Words
Social media is constantly evolving, and new platforms and trends are always emerging. TikTok, Clubhouse, and short-form video content are some of the most exciting new platforms and trends to watch, while social e-commerce and interactive and immersive experiences are also on the rise.
As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, it will be interesting to see how these new platforms and trends develop in the future.
Featured Image by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
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