December 26, 2023

10 Social Media Trends You Need To Know in 2024

Brace for impact on your social feeds. ✨

Social media's constant evolution is a given. This year, breaking the mold and embracing experimentation took center stage.

In 2024, expect a significant tilt towards uniqueness and transparency in social media.

Dive into the top social media trends that will shape your strategy in 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Resurgence of Long-form Content
  2. Influencers' Subtle Product Placement
  3. TikTok's “FaceTime” Phase
  4. Increasing Use of AI
  5. The Rise of Nostalgia Core
  6. Emphasis on Keywords and SEO
  7. Selective Platform Engagement
  8. Non-linear Storytelling
  9. The Era of Gated Content
  10. Instagram Focuses on Gen Z

#1: Resurgence of Long-form Content

Short-form content has dominated TikTok and Instagram for years. However, in 2024, merely relying on trending audio won't suffice.

Expect to see a shift towards longer, more inventive content, like extended commentary or vlogs, transcending the usual short video format. With YouTube's popularity among younger audiences, TikTok and Instagram will likely encourage more extended videos too.

The challenge? Merging long-form content with trending elements.

#2: Influencers' Subtle Product Placement

Picture this: an influencer casually uses a product without directly promoting it, sparking curiosity in the comments.

This exemplifies the effectiveness of nuanced product placement, a strategy set to gain traction among brands, especially those with affiliate programs, seeking a more organic promotional angle.

#3: TikTok's “FaceTime” Phase

A shift towards informal, conversational content is emerging on TikTok, fostering closer connections with audiences.

This trend, mirroring a FaceTime call, responds to followers craving more intimate interactions with influencers and brands, prioritizing companionship over mere entertainment.

#4: Increasing Use of AI

AI integration is not fully mainstream yet, but 2024 might see more brands adopting AI tools and filters. At Velvet Studios, we're exploring AI capabilities, like our Caption Writer, to streamline social media tasks.

However, challenges around originality and ethical concerns, such as plagiarism and AI influencers, will spark deeper discussions.

#5: The Rise of Nostalgia Core

Following 2023's trend of various 'cores,' we anticipate brands capitalizing on the nostalgia wave in 2024. Expect throwback content and vintage-style promotions to become key marketing strategies, tapping into the Gen Z-driven resurgence of past decades' styles.

#6: Emphasis on Keywords and SEO

With a shift in search behaviors, especially among Gen Z choosing TikTok and Instagram over traditional search engines, keyword optimization in social content is becoming increasingly important. This reflects a preference for more personalized and narrative-driven search experiences.

#7: Selective Platform Engagement

With the potential for social media burnout, brands and creators need to be more selective about their platform choices. The focus will be on impactful engagement rather than spreading efforts thin across every new platform.

#8: Non-linear Storytelling

Storytelling on social media is taking a non-linear turn, capturing attention by starting in the middle of a narrative. This approach, highlighted in TikTok’s 2024 Trend Report, creates a sense of intrigue and FOMO, encouraging deeper audience engagement.

#9: The Era of Gated Content

The move towards gated content is driven by a desire for deeper connections and control over content outside the ever-changing social media platforms. Whether through Instagram Subscriptions or platforms like Substack, this trend reflects a shift towards exclusive content for a loyal audience.

#10: Instagram Focuses on Gen Z

Instagram's increasing popularity among Gen Z, highlighted by Meta’s focus in their Trend Talk, indicates a strategic emphasis on this demographic. This could also signal growth opportunities for Instagram Threads.

In the ever-evolving social media landscape, keeping up with these trends is crucial for successful strategy development. Brands and influencers willing to experiment will likely see the most success.

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