Social media landscape| Trends here to stay
The social media landscape has been rapidly evolving over the past decade, and 2023 is no exception. With advancements in technology and changing user behaviours, social media platforms are constantly adapting to stay relevant and provide the best user experience. Here’s a look at the social media landscape and trends to stay for 2023.
1. Human touch remains irreplaceable
With the recent launch of AI chatbot, ChatGBT, innovation in artificial intelligence is gaining momentum worldwide. Whilst it can be used as a useful tool to support marketing, such as answering questions, providing information and generating ideas, it simply can’t replace authentic content from real humans.
2. Video is king
Video has become the preferred form of content for social media users, and this trend is only going to continue. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube have already gained massive popularity, and other platforms like Twitter and Facebook are also investing heavily in video. Short-form videos will continue to dominate, but long-form videos will also gain traction as more creators and brands experiment with storytelling and education through video.
3. Twitter continues to cause a stir
Elon Musk attended a Twitter Spaces chat in an attempt to appeal to advertisers and communicate his ‘vision’ for the product. He was unsuccessful in reassuring major advertisers on the platform who have since cut spend or withdrawn altogether. Developing apps with similar USPs are competing for the space and user fall out. Some have even suggested there will be a migration of users to LinkedIn, humanising the professional platform further.
4. Niche platforms will rise
With the oversaturation of major social media platforms, niche platforms are becoming increasingly popular. These platforms cater to specific interests and communities, providing a more focused and personalised experience. Examples include Vero for photography enthusiasts, Nextdoor for local communities, and Steemit for cryptocurrency users. We can expect to see more niche platforms emerging and gaining popularity.
5. Social commerce will explode
Social commerce, or the ability to buy products directly from social media platforms, has been on the rise for the past few years, and this trend will continue. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest have already integrated shopping features, and more platforms are likely to follow suit. Social media will become an increasingly important channel for e-commerce, with brands and influencers leveraging the power of social media to sell products.
6. Privacy and security will be a top priority
With increasing concerns over data privacy and security, social media platforms will be under more pressure to prioritise user privacy and security. Platforms will need to be transparent about their data policies and give users more control over their personal information. We can expect to see more regulations and laws governing data privacy and security, which will force social media platforms to adapt.
7. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality will become mainstream
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are already being used by some social media platforms. AR and VR will provide new opportunities for social media users to engage with content, with platforms like Snapchat and Instagram already offering AR filters and lenses. As AR and VR technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more creative uses of these technologies in social media.
In conclusion, the social media landscape is exciting and constantly evolving. As social media continues to shape our lives and how we interact with the world, it’s important for users to stay informed and adapt to these changes.
You may also like to listen to this episode of the Revitalise & Grow podcast, where we ask the question, is Twitter dying? We delve in to what the future holds for Twitter and whether you should use it for your business.
If you’re in the throes of planning your social media content, download our FREE social media content calendar.