Did you know that there are 5.17 billion social media users as of July 2024? This shows how integral social media has become in our daily lives and the vast potential it holds for brands, businesses, and content creators. It continues to evolve at a rapid pace, bringing with it new trends and opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
In this blog, we’ll explore the latest social media trends of 2024 that will help you navigate the rapidly changing digital environment.
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6 Social Media Trends of 2024
1. Use of AI for Content Creation
A recent study found that 60% of marketers believe usage of AI tools in 2024 has significantly improved their content creation process. It has simplified tasks like caption writing, designing visuals, and analyzing data to determine optimal posting times and the types of content that drive the most engagement.
The above image shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to write captions for your posts. This approach saves considerable time compared to manually brainstorming ideas and often proves to be more effective.
2. Increase In User Generated Content(UGC)
User Generated Content is 6.6 times more influential than branded content. It can lead to better interaction and conversion rates, as potential customers see real-life examples of products or services in use.
Here’s how you can use User Generated Content for your brand:
- Photo Tags: Encourage followers to tag your brand in their photos.
- Hashtag Campaigns: Promote a unique hashtag for followers to use in their posts.
- Photo Contests: Host contests with themed photo submissions.
- Testimonials and Reviews: Share positive reviews or testimonials from customers.
- Feature Followers’ Stories: Highlight interesting stories shared by your followers.
- Tips from Followers: Feature tips or hacks provided by your audience.
With users craving authentic and relatable content, UGC offers a personal touch that traditional marketing often lacks.
3. Growth of Social Commerce
In 2020, Instagram and Facebook introduced features such as shoppable tags, in-app checkouts, and live-stream shopping events. This enabled users to browse and purchase items directly within the apps. By 2024, 25% of potential customers are expected to use these social media features to shop.
In response to this growing trend, businesses have integrated social commerce strategies into their marketing plans, recognizing the revenue potential of these platforms.
The above image shows how Timberland has used the Instagram shop feature in their Instagram post. Viewers can directly click on it to buy their products.
4. Rise of Micro and Nano Influencers
A recent trend in the influencer marketing landscape is the rise of micro and nano influencers. Micro-influencers have an average engagement rate of 3.86%, compared to just 1.21% for mega-influencers.
Unlike celebrities with millions of followers, these micro-influencers have more niche audiences but often have stronger connections with their followers. This makes them highly effective for brands looking to build authentic relationships with their target audiences.
5. Creating Behind-The-Scene Content
Behind-the-scene content has 32% more engagement than staged videos. People are drawn to brands and creators that reveal the “real” side of their functions like the creative process or day-to-day routines.
This type of footage can be strategically repurposed across various platforms—be it social media, marketing campaigns, or even as bonus content—to enrich the overall storytelling experience.
For example, a product photography session can be turned into a reel on Instagram showing behind-the-scenes preparation for the photoshoot.
It could feature clips showing the lighting setup, camera gear, and how the products are arranged for the perfect shot.
This type of content connects much better with audiences and shows the effort, dedication, and real personality behind the products or services.
6. Optimizing for Social Media Searches
16 to 34-year-olds are now more likely to visit social media when searching for information about brands. With social media platforms like Instagram becoming preferred destinations for brand research, your posts and profile need to be optimized for maximum visibility.
For example, if you own a local coffee shop that’s seeking exposure on Instagram you can use the following strategies:
- Use relevant hashtags: Optimize your Instagram profile by using hashtags that are relevant to your business and location, such as “organic coffee” or “fresh pastries.”
- Create engaging content: Focus on content that users would find interesting and want to interact with.
- Utilize location tags: Add location tags in your posts to connect with potential customers in your area.
Social media marketing trends are constantly evolving, making it important for brands to stay up to date with them and tailor their content accordingly. For brands aiming to stay relevant, partnering with a digital marketing agency can be a strategic move to stay ahead of these trends, and strengthen connections with their audience. By adopting these changes and consistently innovating, you can not only attract attention but also build trust and loyalty within your audiences.