As we approach the ever-evolving landscape of social media in 2024, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. The year ahead is surely going to bring new trends and whatnot.

So how can you be prepared for these upcoming trends?

Simply by reading this article.

We will explore five key social media trends that are set to shape the digital sphere, providing you with valuable insights to build your social media plans for 2024.

So, let’s start with the talk of the town, “ AI.”

Social Media Trend #1: Using AI With Authenticity

If you’re not living under a rock, we are sure you are aware that AI content generation is the trend. As a marketer, AI is essential, and its use will only surge in 2024.

According to Hubspot, 31% of marketers use generative AI to make social media posts.

But there is a catch! Social media users worry about AI creating fake content. You may also have experienced AI generating generic content, and therefore, the authenticity of your post may come into question.

The Statista survey proves this point.

So, how do you solve the question of authenticity?

The only way is to make the content feel human-like and by providing valuable content with your own brand’s voice instead of generic ones generated by AI; nobody questions who’s behind it.

Social Media Trend #2: The Reign of Short-form Videos

Vertical short-form videos have emerged as a dominant form on social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and not long before, even YouTube, with its “Shorts,” accepted this form of content, making them a great form to go viral.

So what makes this short and portrait video so impactful?

The attention span of a user has reduced to 8.25 seconds. Due to their nature, they can capture attention quickly and engage viewers with concise, visually compelling content.

Statistics show that –

• 73% of consumers want to learn about a product or service through short-form videos.
• 59% of short-form videos are watched for 41-80% of their duration.

These short videos are a boon for brands, offering a compact yet effective way to convey their message. Whether showcasing products, giving a sneak peek behind the scenes, or sharing quick tips, these videos engage viewers.

Short-form video trends allow brands to craft content that captures attention and creates an emotional connection with the audience.

If you haven’t integrated short-form videos into your social media strategy yet, you are missing an excellent opportunity for your brand/agency.

Social Media Trend #3: Social Media are Becoming Search Engines

Search engines are no longer the only source of finding information. Social media has joined the race and has been evolving into a place where we go to discover news, products, and insights.

Don’t just take our word for it; read the words of Senior Vice President Prabhakar Raghavan, who oversees Google’s Knowledge & Information organization:

“In our research, we’ve found that nearly 40 percent of young people, when searching for a place to have lunch, no longer turn to Google Maps or Search. Instead, they head over to TikTok or Instagram.”

So, why the significant change?

Well, it’s all about convenience and relevance. People would rather trust the recommendations and insights from people with faces than believe in faceless websites.

To cater to the audience’s exploration demand, platform are also improving their search experience. For Instance, TikTok has started showing Google search results in its in-app results. Also, almost every social media platform, including TikTok, has introduced functionality that allows ads to appear as part of a user’s search results.

But you shouldn’t just stop all your Google search efforts. Genzers still turn to search engines to evaluate the product or brand after their initial exploration on social media.

Talking about building trust, there’s another trend that has a direct impact on building trust with your customers. That is your DM’s.

Social Media Trend #4: Engagement is Moving to DMs

You might have observed that social media feeds are now overflowing with sponsored content.

This content has made the users shift towards DMs.

Another reason for the shift may be that people feel more at ease sharing their opinions within specific groups rather than putting them out there for everyone to see.

Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, also notes a surge in story posts and DMs, surpassing traditional feed posts.

The advent of chatbots, instant messaging, and AI-powered customer support has transformed the way consumers engage with brands.

Social Media Trend #5: The Booming Creator Economy

A report by Goldman Sachs forecasts that the creator economy will double in value, reaching $480 billion by 2027, from its current valuation of $250 billion.

We all agree that the creator’s economy is booming and transforming how people engage with brands on social media.

Today’s audiences are always skeptical and no longer fully trust or engage with everything brands say and post.

That’s where influencers and content creators come into the picture. Their unique ability to connect with followers and the trust that they have built in the community make them an invaluable asset for brand promotions.

A great example is the collaboration of food influencer Kylie Perrotti and Homiah Foods. This partnership effectively demonstrates how a brand can utilize a food blogger’s unique appeal and audience to enhance its product visibility and appeal.

Conclusion

Social media is an ever-evolving place that continues to shape how businesses connect with their audiences. As a marketer, you should always be ready to adapt and implement it in your strategy.

All that is left is to include them in your marketing strategy.