Quick tips to keep up with social media trends
By Desiree May, social media lead for the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
We all know that social media is constantly changing and evolving. Although some individuals and businesses make it look easy, there’s no doubt that social media can be a bit of a challenge that requires some learning curves.
As soon as you think you have a hold on the latest trends … BOOM, there’s something new to learn. As social media platforms and technology develop, shift and expand, it is important to understand what has changed, keep up with trends and try to follow where things might be headed.
Below are some highlights and helpful questions to ponder:
How has social media changed in recent years?
- Instagram now has the option to “hide” likes
- Video content will continue to dominate (reels and short videos are leading engagement on Instagram and Facebook)
- Influencer marketing and “lifestyle” content is key
- Social audio (i.e., voiceovers) and live videos are more popular
- Paid advertising is a necessity with the decline of organic reach
What are some new or recurring trends in 2022?
The biggest changes and trends of social media this year are the rise of TikTok and short-form video on all platforms. YouTube remains the leader in this category.
Social media is a competitive space and if you want to continue to thrive and grow your business, you have to adapt quickly. What worked a year ago may not work as effectively this year.
For example, Instagram has changed dramatically from a photo-based platform to a video-based and reel-infused platform for those who want maximum engagement. Here are some additional trends:
- Livestreaming is now available on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook
- Social networks are essential to customer service
- Paid ads drive traffic to a website, and they are valuable.
- Augmented reality improves social media experiences
- Heightened awareness of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and cryptocurrency
So, what are the takeaways about the future of social media?
- Short-form videos are here to stay. This is the quickest way for consumers to like, trust and get to know a brand.
- Social media will be integrated into every aspect of our lives from appliances to clothing to architecture and more.
- A number of new social media outlets are emerging. Social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so we must prepare for the unknown. There will always be something new and different to learn. Looking back to 2000, do you remember Myspace? Friendster? Xanga? Where are they now? Can you imagine TikTok, Instagram and Facebook being platforms of the past?
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