So the year's 2020. And unless you live under a rock boulder, you’re on social media. Especially if you have a business. Its reach is pervasive, and its influence is undeniable.
Whatever your relationship to social media, being aware of where SM is headed will help you grow your business, understand the changing SM landscape, adapt and adjust your marketing efforts, and just be in the loop! I’ve taken it upon myself to do a little digging and have curated a little list of the top 5 SM trends coming our way in 2020.
1. Ephemeral Content
Whatta whatta? Put into legible terms, stories. Yes, stories. Be it on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok… they’re all here to stay. And grow! So if you’re not already utilizing this fun little feature, then I’d seriously consider changing that. Seen as an intimate way to connect with your network, stories offer the ideal relationship building tool to make your connections more personal. And thus stronger!
2. Social Commerce
The pre-historic days of ad-free social media are LONG gone, and following the tidal wave of ads and influencer marketing, it makes sense that integrating buying options directly into social media apps be the next step forward. Consumers love it because it simplifies browsing, and brands love it because it's another way to integrate into consumers personal spheres.
3. Video Content
Ah yes, we’ve been hearing this one for a while now. But it couldn’t be more true. In two years time, it's predicted that 82% of all online content will indeed be video. That’s a hell of a lot of video. But we love video! So if you’re not already creating/featuring online video content, you may want to consider it.
4. AR
Augmented reality (AR) sounds futuristic, but you’ve been using it for a few years now and may not have realized it. Snapchat and Instagram use AR in their filters. Augmenting reality with a made up face, some crazy facial hair, and even what you would look like as the opposite sex. Brands like Sephora and IKEA are also using AR in a more direct and practical way for their consumers. Sephora has incorporated in-store kiosks where you can “try on” makeup, while IKEA has created an app that can insert a piece of virtual furniture into your home. Because its still new, theres a lot of possibilities open right now for VR. More and more brands are going to start tapping into the possibilities of how VR can be useful to consumers.
5. Niche Media
Niche medias have seen a lot of success over the years as they fulfill more specific needs much better than general platforms could ever dream of doing. And as more and more niche media platforms emerge and grow, brands are going to be selecting which platforms they market on more carefully. For example, B2B brands will focus on ad space on LinkedIn as they can reach a much more accurate pool of their prospective consumer. Brands targeting youth will move to TikTok as the user demographic is mostly teens.
The common theme present in all of these trends is the integration of media into our lives. We want social media to feel more transparent, and strive towards a more harmonious unity between social media and reality. So whether you’re looking to tap into these trends to take your marketing plan to the next level or whether you’re a consumer whose curious about what’s next, get ready to see the line between social media and reality continue to get blurred.
Sky's the limit.
- Lisa
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