Radio took 38 years to reach 50 million listeners. TV took 13 years to reach 50 million users. The internet took 4 years to reach 50 million people. In less than 9 months, Facebook added 100 million users. This is exactly why social media is such a pivotal tool in marketing, providing a seamless way to promote your brand while reaching diverse audiences across multiple platforms. Evolving from a foundation of organic content and community engagement, social media marketing now encompasses a blend of optimized organic strategies, paid advertising, influencer collaborations, and data-driven tactics. While it might seem simple to write a caption and hit post in hopes of engagement, the reality is far more nuanced. With trends and algorithms evolving daily, staying up to date of social media marketing trends is essential for businesses. Choosing the right ones to follow and use strategically on your socials can distinguish between an average company and a truly standout one.
Video Dominance in Social Media Marketing
Videos on social media are increasingly effective at capturing and retaining viewer attention compared to alternative forms of content. But how long do people tend to stay on the video before they decide to scroll to the next? Too short and you leave your audience wanting more unsatisfied, too long and people get bored. It’s a hard game to play, but as of late, short-form videos have won out and seem to be the most engaging. TikTok, a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos, has even been able to make an impact as a search engine; ⅖ Americans use Tik Tok to search something up before Google as shown in a recent study. YouTube has also joined the trend with YouTube Shorts, featuring vertical videos under sixty seconds, catering to the growing demand for quick, digestible content, compared to their normal content of videos that can be up to 12 hours.
But don’t get too excited about short-form videos because long-form video has seen a resurgence worth noting. Tik Tok, while known for short videos, now supports recordings ranging from fifteen seconds all the way up to thirty minutes. Long-form videos allow for a lasting impression and deeper engagement by catering to niche audiences seeking in-depth content beyond brief explanations.
While short-form video remains essential in your daily social media strategy, consider integrating long-form storytelling to enrich your content. Finding the right balance of when to use a short video and when to delve deeper with long-form storytelling will enhance your engagement numbers.
Brand Personality, Comical Content
In the ever-evolving world of social media marketing, brand personality is the essence through which companies communicate their tone of voice, core values, beliefs, and visual identity. While visual elements are prominently showcased on social media, it’s through the tone that audiences see deeper insights into a brand’s messages and values. A notable trend shaping this landscape is the embrace of comical content and humor. Whether through witty memes or playful videos, brands are discovering that a light-hearted approach humanizes their identity. People love when content is “real”. Or more so they hate when something looks staged or fake. This so-called “real” content fosters stronger connections with companies audience’s. A prime example of this type of content would be the recent trend on Tik Tok of “Asking our Gen Z Intern to Edit our Video”. The trend consists of an intentionally poorly edited video that humorously obscures their actual message. You can’t even get any actual information out of the video, similar to a blooper reel. Despite lacking clarity, these videos resonate and people love it. Why? Because it’s funny. Click on the link and see for yourself—it’s hard not to laugh.
Other companies are using memes or other forms of humorous content to get people to relate to their posts, Netflix does this often and gains success from it. When promoting new movies or shows on their streaming service, Netflix goes beyond traditional marketing by creating memes that cleverly integrate current trends. Check out this one Netflix did for the new Despicable Me movie coming out, Netflix Meme Post. By blending humor with current trends they engage viewers and strengthen their brand connection. This approach not only engages viewers but also subtly reinforces Netflix’s diverse content library—from latest releases to beloved classics. By embracing humor and aligning with popular culture, Netflix builds a stronger brand affinity and encourages deeper engagement from its audience.
Social Commerce Expansion: Revolutionizing the Shopping Experience with Advertising Agencies
Heard of the Tik Tok shop? Or what about when you’re scrolling on Instagram and see an ad for clothing brands? Both are prime examples of Social Commerce, the continuing trend of selling products directly through social media platforms. It integrates e-commerce, online shopping like amazon, functionalities within social media networks, allowing users to discover, browse, and purchase products without leaving the platform. Social commerce involves features such as shoppable posts, where businesses can tag products in their social media posts, allowing users to click through and make purchases seamlessly, without leaving the site. As simple as entering in your info and you’re good to go. It leverages the social influence and engagement of platforms like Instagram and TikTok to drive sales and enhance the shopping experience by facilitating direct transactions within the social media environment.
This trend has revolutionized the shopping experience, allowing companies to expand their sales rapidly. According to Statista, sales through social commerce in the United States hit an estimated $64.8 billion and are expected to surge to around $150 billion by 2028, more than doubling in just a few years. Tik Tok’s shop has also seen huge successes in the fact that 60% of Gen Z in the US uses TikTok at least once a month. The convenience is a real game changer. With such significant growth projections, it would be a missed opportunity for businesses not to pursue this lucrative market.
Conclusion
Staying ahead in the dynamic world of digital media marketing requires a firm understanding of the latest trends and the ability to adapt swiftly. 2024 has shown emphasis on video content, brand personality through humor and comical content, and the expansion of social commerce. Short-form videos capture immediate attention, while long-form content cultivates deeper engagement. Humorous and authentic content helps brands connect on a more personal level creating lasting impressions. The rise of social commerce offers a seamless shopping experience, presenting vast opportunities for growth.
By integrating these trends into your social media marketing strategy, your business can not only keep up with the competition but also create stronger connections with your target audiences, drive engagement, and boost sales. Look to embrace these evolving trends, and watch your social media presence transform into a powerful tool for a businesses success.