In today's digital marketing scene, social media is a big deal. It's where brands connect with their audience, build relationships, and ultimately, make sales. As we roll into 2024, social media is shaking things up once again. From new platforms to different ways people use them, there's a lot for marketers and brands to keep up with. Let's dive into the trends that are shaping social media marketing this year.
Specialised Platforms Are Getting Popular: You've got your big players like Facebook and Instagram, but now, smaller, more specialised platforms are gaining traction. According to Statista, niche platforms like Discord and TikTok saw a 30% increase in user engagement in 2023 alone. These platforms cater to specific interests and communities, giving marketers a chance to connect with highly targeted audiences.
The Metaverse: A Whole New World for Brands: The idea of the metaverse, a virtual reality space where people can interact, is becoming a reality. Social media platforms are getting in on the action, offering immersive experiences that blend the real world with the digital one. According to a report by AR Insider, investments in virtual and augmented reality for social media are projected to reach £30 billion by 2024.
Short Videos Are King: Short videos are everywhere, thanks to apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels. They're short, sweet, and perfect for our shrinking attention spans. In 2024, we'll see even more creative ways brands use short videos to catch our eye. According to eMarketer, over 80% of internet users watched short-form video content monthly in 2023.
Being Real Matters: Consumers want authenticity. They want brands to be transparent and stand for something meaningful. That's why purpose-driven marketing is on the rise. According to a survey by Edelman, 64% of consumers worldwide are belief-driven buyers, meaning they will buy or boycott a brand based on its stance on social or political issues.
AI Makes Everything Personal: Artificial intelligence is making social media more personal than ever. Algorithms analyse tons of data to personalise content and ads based on what we like and do online. It's all about giving users a tailored experience, which leads to higher engagement and sales for brands. According to Salesforce, 72% of consumers expect companies to understand their needs and expectations.
Shopping on Social Media Is Huge: Social media isn't just for chatting anymore. It's also a place to shop. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are adding shopping features, so users can buy products without ever leaving the app. For brands, it's a golden opportunity to drive sales and make shopping seamless for customers. According to Shopify, social commerce sales are expected to reach £1.2 trillion globally by 2024.
Conclusion: In 2024, social media marketing is all about adapting to change. By embracing new platforms, getting creative in the metaverse, staying authentic, using AI smartly, and diving into social commerce, brands can stay ahead of the curve and keep their audience engaged in the fast-paced world of social media.