Platforms have seen a lot of change in 2021, so what does 2022 have in store for the social scene?<\/p>\n
But before we dive in, it is important to remember that each generation makes use of social media in a different way. Let\u2018s take a quick look through at the most prominent differences:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Gen Zsuse \u201csocial media for entertainment<\/a>, to create communities and learn more about products.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Millennialsuse social media to stay \u201cup-to-date with news and current events<\/a>\u00a0and to be entertained.” Many millennials also use social media platforms in their spare time as a form of relaxation.<\/li>\n
- Gen X\u00a0studies reveal that this group is \u201d160% more likely than other generations to unfollow<\/a>a business if it says something that offends them or opposes their personal beliefs.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Baby Boomersare \u201cthe largest economic force of the demographics<\/a>\u00a0and are committed users of social media; they have large wallets, shop online and are digital influencers.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With these points in mind, your brand can be aware of where each generation will fit into the newest trends that await social media.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s jump headfirst in and find out:<\/u><\/p>\n
1. TikTok is The Place To Be:<\/h3>\n
Now before you jump in and say, \u201cbut TikTok is a place for GenZ or hip brands<\/i><\/em>,\u201d we are here to tell you that is\u00a0not<\/i><\/em>\u00a0true. Take, for example, a celebrity like Taylor Swift. She falls into the category of millennials and yet she is building a strong and loyal\u00a0millennial<\/i><\/em>\u00a0following on this particular platform.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, \u201cTikTok is available in over 150 countries<\/a>, [and] has over one billion [monthly] users,\u201d according to CNBC. This just shows the number of people that a brand, influencer, or content creator can reach on TikTok.<\/p>\n
This platform is sure to play a\u00a0huge\u00a0role in the future when it comes to helping people reach their target audiences. Although there are other brands offering short-form video formats \u2014 such as Instagram\u2019s Reels or YouTube Shorts \u2014 TikTok has built up a\u00a0massive<\/i><\/em>\u00a0user base. We reckon that this platform will continue to dominate in 2022.<\/p>\n
2. Social Selling Will Continue to Rule:<\/h3>\n
E-commerce has become a huge thing this past decade. We have seen influencers boasting about a product, which then leads to their followers purchasing it online. \u201cSocial selling is becoming a cornerstone for e-commerce companies <\/u><\/a>seeking real growth and elevated brand presence,\u201d says Jenn Guidry, director of marketing at eclincher. Consumers want to be able to see what products they\u00a0might<\/i><\/em>\u00a0want to purchase from your brand\u2019s social media presence \u2014 right from their mobile devices. An example can be seen from Versace\u2019s Instagram post below:<\/p>\n
![\"Five](\"https:\/\/www.beingdigitalz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SMM-139x300.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Five](\"https:\/\/www.beingdigitalz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SMM-2-139x300.png\")
<\/p>\nThis is how the social commerce space will continue to grow \u2014 it will be finding new ways for brands to advertise and sell their products online.<\/p>\n
3. Consumers Want Easy Communication Online:<\/h3>\n
Although it is \u201cestimated [that] extroverts make up 50 to 74 percent<\/a>\u00a0of the population,\u201d\u00a0Psychology Today<\/i><\/em>\u00a0says that it has been clear that consumers don\u2019t want to pick up the phone and talk to your brand.\u00a0Ouch<\/i><\/em>! Now before you take it personally, just remember that customers want it easy. And this is\u00a0exactly<\/i><\/em>\u00a0what a brand should offer with its social media presence.<\/p>\n
Fast and effective customer services from a social media page\u2019s direct messages (DMs) are\u00a0essential<\/i><\/em>\u00a0for building long-lasting relationships with your consumers. The same goes if you have a business WhatsApp number. Be sure to support your customer and make their experience with your brand fun and effortless. No more waiting until 08:00 sharp before getting customer service; brands\u00a0are<\/i><\/em>\u00a0able to respond to questions a lot faster on social media.<\/p>\n
4. Short-Form Video Content is the Future:<\/h3>\n
So, it is already evident that TikTok is the place to be \u2014\u00a0but<\/i><\/em>\u00a0there are many other places for perfect short-form video content. These platforms include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- YouTube Shorts<\/li>\n
- Instagram Reels<\/a>, and<\/li>\n
- SnapChat<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you want your brand to reach a high volume of people, then creating short-form video content is definitely the way to go.\u00a0Why<\/i><\/em>?
\nWell, this is because consumers want to be informed, educated and entertained all in\u00a0literally\u00a0a few seconds. This is\u00a0especially<\/i><\/em>\u00a0true when it comes to branded content.<\/p>\nIf a consumer sees clear advertising from a brand or influencer, they might just scroll past. And this is why it is essential to do it in such a way that will grab your audiences\u2019 attention long enough to get your brand\u2019s message over \u2014 before they see it as an advertising attempt.<\/p>\n
5. The Metaverse Will Influence Social Media:<\/h3>\n
The way that people will interact with one another on social media will\u00a0definitely<\/i><\/em>\u00a0change in the next few years. This is thanks to stuff like virtual reality (VR), mixed reality and augmented reality (AR).<\/p>\n
And while some have already invested in VR gear,\u00a0most\u00a0of us already have a device that has a sense of AR to it.\u00a0Have you guessed what it was yet? Yes, it’s your phone<\/i><\/em>!<\/p>\n
Examples of this would be when you downloaded Snapchat and tried on different filters or if you ever played\u00a0Pok\u00e9mon GO<\/a>. There is already a lot of potentials for social media apps to focus on creating more AR content for consumers. And why wouldn\u2019t they give it a go; it allows users to engage and enjoy a brand, so it\u2019s already got that winning streak!<\/p>\n
- SnapChat<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Millennialsuse social media to stay \u201cup-to-date with news and current events<\/a>\u00a0and to be entertained.” Many millennials also use social media platforms in their spare time as a form of relaxation.<\/li>\n