Over the past decade, perhaps the greatest phenomenon to capture the collective imagination and attention of the global population is social media. Indeed, social media has become an essential part of people’s lives and daily routines.

Given the importance of social media in customer's lives, businesses turn to social platforms to connect with their target audience. However, the competition is very high and there is a content overload on social media.

Also read: Build your business’ social media presence with your smartphone

Staying updated on the latest social media trends can therefore power your strategy and make you stand out in the crowd. Here are 10 social media trends that you need to be aware of for 2022–23 and beyond.

1. Audiences will only engage if you pivot your strategy

How and where we talk to people is dramatically changing. Some of the key factors determining this change are the rise of smartphone users, increase in marketing to millennials, and the change in people’s engagement habits.

Expect a move away from search engine advertising to more technologically driven methods, such as social video, voice search, and more personalised interactions. Brands will become more customer-focused, understanding exactly where their target audience is, and adapting their messaging to be part of those conversations.

2. Niche social platforms will do well

Facebook and Instagram have long dominated social media as the largest and most popular platforms. There are several other social media platforms are gaining popularity and will continue to do so in 2020 and beyond.

3. Social commerce will grow

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are being used by brands to sell their products and this trend is likely to get stronger.

In fact, social commerce is fast becoming a mainstream retail channel on par with online and offline stores. This trend will grow further with more social networks introducing selling features. Brands will now be incorporating social commerce into their sales strategies. 

Also read: Why and how to add floating social media icons to your online store

4. Video content will rule

Video content is one of the most engaging forms of content and will soon dominate social media over all other types of content. Whether it is short-form videos or long-form content, videos are the future of social media content.

According to a study by Cisco, by 2023, 82% of all online content will be video content.  Therefore, if you’re not currently creating videos, it is time that you include it in your content strategy to remain relevant.

5. Technology adoption will rise dramatically

There will be a rise in the adoption of technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These technologies can offer better and more engaging experiences. Facebook is already taking huge steps in this direction with its social VR world Horizon. Several platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram, use augmented reality filters.

Also read: Beyond smartphones - A new way of viewing the world

6. Influencer marketing will continue to be relevant

Influencer marketing is going to continue to gain traction. There will be a rise in the number of influencers on social media and an increase in marketing spend on influencer marketing by businesses.

Influencers can help marketers achieve a variety of marketing goals and can often be cheaper than paid ad campaigns. These are the two main reasons why it has become so popular.

7. Leveraging social media for customer service

Social media has now even become a customer service channel. A lot of brands have started using social media as a platform for delivering customer service. This has happened as brands have started noticing that customers try to reach out to them on social media. This may be because of a lack of response on other channels or just because it was a more direct way to reach the brands.

Social media is one of the most important customer service channels, owing to the massive fallout if not handled well.

8. User-generated content will be popular

Brands leveraging user-generated content is a trend that will go strong. Some brands, like Airbnb, rely on user-generated content for their social media content. User-generated content is free and is more authentic than branded content. It can help your brand seem more trustworthy and boost your image.

9. Social media communities

Social media communities are social groups created by brands to provide their customers with a networking platform. These are usually private groups where people can talk about their shared interests.

Brands can also utilise their social media communities to launch new products, seek customer feedback, and get customer insights.

10. Social media wellness will be a buzzword

As social media has become an integral part of users’ lives, people are becoming more aware of how it impacts mental health. A recent documentary, ‘The Social Dilemma’ highlights how social media can be highly addictive.

Expect an increased awareness of the importance of social media wellness, with more campaigns encouraging users to take a break from the digital world to spend more time in the real one.

Share with us your thoughts on the social media trends that are our gaining prominence in 2023 and beyond.

Also read: Expert social media tips for the modern entrepreneur

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