Social media has become an integral part of people’s lives and daily routines. Some are addicted to it so much that the first thing they do after waking up is to check their social media feeds.
So, as we start the new year, we are looking ahead to see what we can expect from social media. Here are the trends that matter most in 2022.
TikTok will see continued growth
It is no secret that TikTok has become one of the most popular social media sites of 2021 – especially among Gen Z – but there was always some apprehension about the longevity of its success.
However, TikTok has implemented new tools and features to ensure the platforms continued success. Although it is still currently behind Instagram – which implemented certain features off the back of TikTok’s success – in the standing, we expect to see big things from TikTok in the coming year.
The expansion of social commerce
By now, we are all aware of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram being used by brands to sell products. However, it is likely in 2022 there will be an uptake in this practice by a much larger volume of brands.
As these platforms continue to make themselves more adept in this practice, more and more brands will utilise this in their sales strategies for 2022.
The continued domination of video content
Video content continues to be one of the most engaging forms of content that brands can utilise on social media, with a study by Cisco showing that by 2022, 82% of all online content will be video content.
Audiences love live videos – such as Facebook lives or Instagram stories – which feel particularly authentic.
If your brand is not currently utilising video content, it is time to start. It will not be long until the lack of video content on your social media will be enough to fall behind your competitors.
Influencer marketing
It may seem like your social media feeds are filled with influencers, and there is a good reason for that.
With the number of influencers on social media continuing to rise, brands are continuing to increase their budgets.
Due to the nature of relationships that influencers can form with audiences, they are perceived as more trustworthy than brands which is why they are an essential aspect of a brands marketing strategy.
In 2022, influencer marketing will continue to grow and the trends we saw in 2021, such as using more small influencers over big celebrity influencers, and the desire for more authentic and genuine influencers will persist.
Reaching new audiences
According to a study by HubSpot, a priority for marketers in 2022 will be to reach new audiences with their content. This includes increasing brand awareness, building strong relationships with customers to increase brand loyalty, and focusing on improving their customer service offering.
Brands will need to be engaging with their audiences and interacting with them through features such as polls, Q&A’s, and live videos.
What can we learn from this?
As the world of social media – specifically social media marketing – continues to grow and change so quickly, brands need to stay on top of trends and be adaptable in their marketing strategy.
If you would like help with managing your social media, get in touch with us and let our expert social media team handle it for you.