Social media is forever evolving and if you’re struggling to keep up with the latest trends, we feel you! It can definitely be a challenge. But don't worry, we're here to help! So, what are some of the biggest social media trends for the coming year? As we head into 2023, we're seeing a big shift towards community-driven content and originality. That's right guys, say goodbye to filters and hello to real, raw, and relatable content. Honestly, we’re here for it!
We're also predicting that 2023 will bring an emphasis on immersive and multi-sensory experiences, so get ready to feel like you're really a part of the action, even if it's just on your phone. Want to know what else is in store for the world of social media? We've got you covered with our list of the biggest social media trends that’ll inspire your strategy in 2023. Trust us, you don't want to be left behind this year!
Are you ready to scale-down in 2023? (wait, what?) Yes, you read that right – the trend of nano-influencers (those with less than 10k followers) and user-generated content (UGC) is on the rise and showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, nano-influencers already make up a whopping 90% of successful influencer marketing campaigns. Why? They're seen as more credible and connect your brand with niche audiences, giving you direct access to your target market. Plus, it means you don't have to break the bank on one campaign.
User-generated content is also becoming a must-have for any brand. It creates a direct connection with real consumers, cultivates strong brand-customer relationships, and boosts credibility. Want to take it to the next level in 2023? Craft dedicated UGC campaigns that inspire and reward customers for creating content about your brand.
The topic of social responsibility and brand authenticity has been gaining traction in recent years and it’s not slowing down in 2023. Consumers want nothing less than complete transparency and authenticity from brands. In fact, research shows nearly 80% of Aussies believe brands should use their power to make an impact for real world and social change. They want to see that companies are actively working towards making the world a better place (but be warned: fake news and greenwashing will not fly and will only lead to backlash from consumers).
Brands will also have to work harder to uphold high social standards and take a public stance on values and behaviour they stand by. Some examples of brands killing it in this area Patagonia, Nike, NRMA and AfterPay. As a brand, it's crucial you’re upfront about ethical business practices and avoid any false or exaggerated claims. Show off the behind-the-scenes of your products and the impact your company has on the world. And most importantly, don't be afraid to take a stand on issues that matter to your audience.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is officially taking over and it's more accessible than ever – in fact, it's expected to grow by 120% annually. TikTok effects, for example, have a range of AI-inspired options to choose from, including the ability to create an entire background for your video by just typing text. Copy generators like Chat GPT and Jasper.ai are also becoming popular with brands and creators for drafting outlines or ideas for written content.
While AI can't replace originality, creativity, or thought leadership, we're sure to see a lot more of it in the coming years. But don't forget, AI will never replace the power of personalised, authentic content. While it can help you come up with new ideas and captions, it'll never be able to capture your brand's unique voice and personality like you can! Nonetheless, get ready to embrace the robot uprising and let AI help you take your content to the next level!
Are you ready to up your authenticity game? In 2023, consumers, especially Gen Z, will be looking to see if a brand's actions match their words. Simply having powerful messaging without taking action won't cut it. This includes the importance of having a diverse creative workforce to create authentic connections between a brand and its consumers, particularly with heritage and history-related messaging.
When it comes to building trust with your audience, it's vital to ensure that your brand's messaging is reflective of the consumers you're trying to reach. This way, you'll be able to inspire real, meaningful conversations and truly connect with your audience.
Step aside Google, TikTok and Instagram are the new go-to search engines for Gen Z. This means that if you want your content to get discovered, optimising your posts with keywords is key. This change reflects how searching for information on the internet is shifting. Users are looking for a more curated, personal and exploratory experience, like TikTok storytelling and honest reviews on Reddit.
Here's a tip for your 2023 social media strategy: Make a list of keywords you want your brand to rank for and consistently create content around them. It's all about staying ahead of the game and making sure your brand is easily discoverable on the platforms that matter.
Have you noticed more and more storytelling videos starting in the middle instead of at the beginning? It’s a trend that certainly gained traction in 2022 and we have a sneaky suspicion it’s gonna blow up in 2023. Effective storytelling is all about the hook, and there’s no better hook than starting a story from the middle – it literally makes viewers stop in their tracks to go back through your content to catch up and figure out what the heck is going on. #FOMO might be dead, but the essence of it remains alive and well - no one wants to be left out of the conversation.
Are you ready to rock the mic? Social audio is the new big trend for 2023, giving you the chance to connect with your audience through voice chats on social media platforms.
Clubhouse started the trend in 2020, but now other platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have jumped on board with features like podcasts, Soundbites, Rooms, voice tweets, Spaces, and Audio Events.
According to Hootsuite, more than 74% of businesses are planning to invest in audio-only content in 2023. This is a relatively untapped market, so it's a great opportunity for businesses to stand out. Plus, it's a great way to directly communicate and gather feedback from your audience. When implementing your social audio strategy in 2023, don't forget to keep user privacy a top priority and build sustainable relationships with your audience and creators. It's all about the sound of success!
Scratching your head at the term multi-sensory social media? Don’t fret – here are the basics: this trend combines different formats like audio, video, text, and even fully-immersive environments to bring a more engaging experience for social media users. We've already seen Instagram adding music to still images, Twitter adding a podcast page in the US, and Meta investing heavily in the metaverse. Want to stay ahead of the trend? Start experimenting with different formats in your content like audio, polls, GIFs, music, captions, and more. It's a great way to introduce the concept of multi-sensory social media, even on a smaller scale.
According to sources like Forbes and HubSpot, short-form videos are here to stay and are likely to grow even more in 2023. In fact, HubSpot predicts that this format will see the most growth in 2023 and has the highest ROI. Meanwhile, Hootsuite predicts that TikTok will become the number one social media network.
Want to stay ahead of the game in 2023? Keep video as a top priority, be present on the most popular platforms for short-form videos like Instagram (Reels), TikTok, or YouTube (Shorts) and work with influencers. As more social media platforms are working on making video captions the default option, make sure to include it in your video strategy too.
As a business or brand, it's important to stay ahead of the game and stay on top of the latest trends. And that's where The Influencer Agency comes in. We specialise in helping businesses and brands navigate the ever-changing world of social media, specialising in influencer strategies. Whether you're looking to increase your reach, build a stronger brand, or create more engaging content, partnering with influencers can get you there! Get in touch with us today and let's work together to take your social media game to the next level in 2023.
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