Social media moves fast - really fast.
Staying ahead of trends is crucial for businesses targeting their ideal customers on social media.
As we step into 2024, businesses face many new opportunities and challenges on social media.
This article dives into the anticipated social media trends for the year, offering valuable insights for lifestyle brands and businesses aiming to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
1. The Rise of Video Continues
Video content has been a dominant force, and in 2024, it's expected to maintain its stronghold.
Platforms like Instagram (Reels), TikTok, and YouTube (Youtube Shorts) will likely see even more emphasis on short-form videos.
Businesses can leverage this trend by crafting visually appealing, concise videos that capture the essence of their brand and resonate with the millennial audience.
2. Video Captions ON
Along with the continued popularity of video content comes the need for video captions.
Not only do they make video content more accessible, they also make it easier for people to consume your content.
Many people have their phone volume on silent and are unable to watch videos without captions, hence will scroll right by your piece of content.
Adding captions is key. An added benefit is that keywords in your captions can help you get discovered (more on SEO down below).
Take a look at this video by Rare Beauty. Even without your sound on, you can read what they are saying easily. This is what short-form video content needs to look like in 2024.
3. AI Adaption
Many businesses are realizing the profound benefits AI can have for their business and social media.
The challenge is to use AI in a way that supports human creativity and expertise, not replaces it.
Social media users are wary of AI generated content and less likely to trust content created by an AI application.
According to the Hootsuite Social Trends 2024 Consumer Survey, “62% of consumers say they are less likely to engage with and trust content if they know it was created by an AI application”.
However, not using AI isn’t an option anymore with more and more businesses finding ways to incorporate AI.
The key is being subtle and maintaining an authentic brand by mixing AI and human elements.
An example of a brand that’s using AI for fun social media graphics is Love Shack Fancy.
Known for their feminine, pink, and floral clothing, they created a series of pink “Barbie Winter Dream Houses”. Check out their post here.
Not only are the graphics very much on brand, but they are also seasonal (all houses are snowed in) and referencing Barbie (which was a huge hit in 2023).
4. Entertaining Content
The years of posting highly promotional content have been over for a while, with brands understanding the importance of offering value to their audience.
In 2024 more than ever, people want to use social media to be entertained.
Think about it this way, most people use social media as a brief escape from their to-do list, and the last thing they want is to see salesy content.
Memes and entertaining videos are the way to go.
Let’s look at this video OSEA posted to promote their Black Friday Sale:
A cute puppy being tickled? Yes, please! This video is sure to stop the scroll and bring a smile to people’s faces.
The short and snappy caption “BRB, shopping our Black Friday offer. 🐶” still reminds people of their Black Friday Sale without being salesy.
5. Keeping an Eye on Threads
After a highly successful launch in July of 2023, Threads hasn’t been on the minds of people since pretty much 2 weeks after launch.
However, as we are nearing the end of 2023, we are seeing an increased use of Threads.
Since its launch, more features have been added and more and more people see it as a valid alternative for X (formerly Twitter).
As of December 2023, we don’t recommend adopting Threads as a social media platform for most businesses, but as we enter 2024, it’s crucial to keep an eye on its development.
6. Emphasis on Authenticity and Transparency
Authenticity remains a cornerstone of successful social media strategies.
In 2024, millennials are expected to value transparent and genuine brand communications.
Businesses should focus on building authentic connections, sharing UGC and behind-the-scenes content, and embracing transparency in their messaging.
A great example of using UGC for an authentic social media presence is Summer Fridays.
They frequently showcase real people using their products in their everyday lives. This helps build both an authentic brand as well as trust with their audience.
7. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has been all the hype for many years and will continue to be a powerful tactic in 2024.
However, as people crave more and more authenticity on social media, it’s important to pay special attention to the way influencer campaigns are perceived.
Being very intentional with the selection of influencers as well as the type of content they provide is key. Influencer marketing needs to be subtle, not salesy.
8. Social Media Platforms As Search Engines
Millennials and Gen-Z are increasingly using social media platforms as search engines.
Optimizing posts for SEO becomes crucial for discoverability on both social media and traditional search engines like Google.
While hashtags remain effective, the power of SEO and keywords is set to soar in 2024.
Lifestyle brands must embrace these strategies to enhance their visibility and connect with their target audience effectively.
Conclusion: Social Media Trends 2024
As we navigate social media in 2024, the key for lifestyle brands targeting millennials is adaptability.
By understanding and embracing these social media trends for 2024, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the digital conversation, fostering meaningful connections with the millennial audience.
Stay ahead of the curve! Let us manage your socials.
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