If there’s one thing we can always bank on, it’s the ever-shifting landscape of social media. Trends swoop in and out like fashion statements. Last year was about breaking the rules and trying new things.
Fasten your seatbelts because, in 2024, we’re not just talking trends; we’re predicting an even bigger shift toward originality and transparency. Intrigued? Of course, you are! Keep reading for the top social media trends to inspire your social media strategy in 2024
Here are 7 social media trends we expect to make waves in 2024.
1: Long-form Content Returns
Bid farewell to fleeting moments! In 2024, the rulebook for short-form content is out. Creativity takes the spotlight as creators and brands embrace longer, original videos. Say goodbye to 15 or 30-second limits – YouTube leads, TikTok and Instagram follow suit. An example of someone who has mastered content in this space is Gilmooree on Instagram and Tiktok. Get ready for content that’s not just seen but experienced!
2: Influencers Use Product Placement
Picture this: your favorite influencer nonchalantly applies lip gloss while regaling stories unrelated to the glossy affair. The comment section erupts with inquiries about the mysterious lip gloss brand. Enter the realm of product placement, a subtle yet potent strategy to captivate audiences. While not a novel concept, it remains a crafty method to leave viewers intrigued rather than fatigued. Influencers like Clara Peirce exemplify this finesse, seamlessly integrating product placements into their content, and turning mundane moments into brand epics.
3: Nostalgia Core
Enter the era of Nostalgia Core! Following the tidal wave of various “cores” in 2023, the resurgence of Gen Z’s love for 90s and Y2K fashion propels nostalgia into the limelight in 2024. Brands are poised to capitalize on this trend, crafting throwback content and leveraging “vintage” promotions for new product launches. Influencers like @LagosVintageVibes, like treasure hunters of memories, unearth gems from Nigeria’s nostalgic vault, sharing glimpses of a bygone era with reverence and joy. From vintage fashion to retro landmarks, their feed is a celebration of nostalgia’s timeless allure, inviting viewers to reminisce and revel in the beauty of nostalgia.
4: Keyword Search & SEO Take Center Stage
Move over Google; TikTok and Instagram are the new search engines of choice for nearly half of Gen Z. The shift towards a more exploratory search experience demands a strategic approach to content optimization through keywords. As users crave curated takes and personal experiences, building a list of targeted keywords becomes paramount in ensuring content discovery.
Pro tip: Regularly create social content centered around your chosen keywords for optimal visibility in 2024.
5: Storytelling Is Less Linear
Get ready for a storytelling revolution! The trend of presenting stories mid-way through, rather than at the beginning, emerges as the ultimate hook in 2024. TikTok’s Trend Report highlights the unraveling of stories in unprecedented ways—endings before beginnings, multiple story arcs coexisting, and communities fabricating fictional celebrities and narratives. This non-linear approach invites audiences to dive deeper, stoking the flames of curiosity and creating a sense of FOMO that keeps viewers hooked. A perfect example of a social media creator that implements this style is Taaooma.
6: Gated Content
A paradigm shift is underway with the ascent of gated content. Fueled by the exhaustion of constantly surfacing “suggested content,” creators and brands seek deeper connections with their most loyal followers. The quest to “own” content beyond the whims of ever-changing social media platforms takes center stage. Whether utilizing Instagram subscriptions or embracing platforms like Substack, this strategy holds the promise of injecting excitement into content and newsletters. Only time and open rates will unveil the true potential of this tantalizing shift.
In conclusion, the social media landscape of 2024 is poised to be defined by innovation, authenticity, and user engagement. By embracing these emerging trends and adapting strategies accordingly, individuals and brands can navigate the evolving digital sphere with agility and relevance.
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