Social Media Trends You Should Be Embracing In 2024

Let’s talk social media trends and what they could mean for your marketing strategy in 2024.

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Just because it’s December doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about your social media! Your business isn’t going anywhere but your social media growth could fade away if you take your foot off the pedal.

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(Take some pressure off the accelerate, it is Christmas after all, just don’t come to a complete stop.)

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When you jump on the latest trends, it's like opening up a direct line to chat with your audience. This means you can hear what customers, colleagues, and even competitors have to say – both the good and the not-so-good stuff. It's like having a conversation with everyone connected to your brand on social media.

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Smart Insights have looked into the current trends on marketers in 2024 and have found the top 5 Identified social media trends.?So, let’s explore them…

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1.? Raw Content:

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Raw and authentic content takes precedence (as always). If you follow us on any of our social media channels, you might have noticed that we ALWAYS talk about the importance of authenticity and raw content, and if you haven’t seen them, then you’ll find the links to our channels at the end of this blog.??

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Not every piece of content needs to be meticulously produced; sometimes, the charm lies in its unpolished nature. This authenticity, whether an impromptu monologue after a meeting or a behind-the-scenes tour, allows brands to reveal the people behind the business, building a connection with the audience beyond constant sales posts.

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Authentic Creator Content:

The popularity of platforms like TikTok and Instagram is projected to grow in 2024. The rise of influencers and creators, at the heart of innovative content, is fuelled by the appeal of fun, different, and authentically human content.

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And it’s not just TikTok and Instagram.

Of course, we’re going to talk about our favourite platform!

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LinkedIn!

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In November, Fast Company wrote about the rise of LinkedIn Influencers.

While AI offers opportunities for innovation, the demand for content that resonates with communities remains strong. Expect a surge in creators and influencers with unique perspectives, providing brands with opportunities to connect with distinct audiences.

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The trend of partnering with LinkedIn influencers is poised to grow in 2024.

Brands willing to explore this less-charted territory, setting detailed briefs, respecting creative autonomy, and aligning content with the platform's nuances, stand to unlock the full potential of LinkedIn's influencer landscape.

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As the saying goes, in the world of social media, sometimes the unexpected players are the ones who steal the show.

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2.? Social Media Collaboration and LinkedIn Articles:

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Collaborating with brands on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube injects vitality into your content strategy. It's a dynamic way to showcase your brand personality, leverage the credibility of your collaborators, and engage with a broader audience. The symbiotic relationship formed through collaboration often results in a win-win situation, where both parties benefit from the cross-pollination of followers and heightened visibility.

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Overcoming the challenge of declining visibility in feeds requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing social media solely as a promotional tool, consider it a means to develop relationships with the public, fans, customers, and employees. Something we will not stop talking about! Because building those relationships will always be relevant, whether it's 2024 or the year 3000. (Not much has changed but they live under water.) ??

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Leverage user-generated content to meet your content needs, simultaneously gaining increased visibility and trust in your brand through collaboration.

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LinkedIn's Collaborative Edge:

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Now, let's shine a spotlight on LinkedIn, the professional networking haven where collaborative articles can work wonders for your visibility.

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Collaborative article stands out as a beacon of collective wisdom. Whether teaming up with industry peers or influencers, these articles create a synergy that not only broadens your reach but also adds layers of expertise and credibility to your brand.

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When you share the virtual stage with others in your field, you're not just creating content; you're crafting a narrative that resonates with a diverse professional audience. These collaborations not only enhance your visibility on the platform but also position your brand as a thought leader within your industry.

3.? Social Search

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Platforms like TikTok have evolved beyond mere entertainment hubs; they've become the search engines of choice, particularly for the Gen Z audience. The allure lies in the brevity of bite-sized, hyper-specific, and user-generated videos that not only captivate but also deliver information with unprecedented efficiency.

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Understanding the role of social search in the digital realm is essential for crafting effective marketing strategies. As the go-to search engine for a substantial portion of Gen Z, platforms like TikTok present an invaluable opportunity for brands to showcase their products or services in a format that resonates with this tech-savvy demographic.

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To harness the full potential of social search, prioritising keywords in titles, captions, and leveraging relevant hashtags becomes paramount. Unlike traditional search engines, social search thrives on succinct and engaging content. Brands that master the art of integrating strategic keywords seamlessly into their content stand to gain heightened discoverability among users actively seeking concise yet impactful information.

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And if you need help with your social media captions then check out our blog on Why social media captions important .

4.? The Role of Edutainment:

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Let meeeee Edutain you!??

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In this era of social search dominance, the fusion of education and entertainment, often termed as "edutainment," becomes a potent tool for marketers.

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The brevity of user-generated videos on platforms like TikTok provides a unique opportunity to educate and engage simultaneously. Tools such as AnswerThePublic and AlsoAsked emerge as indispensable allies, aiding marketers in identifying trending topics, questions, and content gaps that can be transformed into captivating edutainment opportunities.

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In the quest for enhanced discoverability, marketers in 2024 will rely on a toolkit that extends beyond traditional SEO practices.

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For marketers gearing up for 2024, understanding the nuances of this trend and adapting strategies to align with the preferences of platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn is not just an option but a necessity. From keyword optimisation to embracing the edutainment ethos, the future of marketing lies in mastering the art of social search and staying ahead in the race for discoverability in the digital age.

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Want to optimise your LinkedIn? Check out our post about getting your LinkedIn to show up in Google Search.

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5.? AI for Social Listening:

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As we hurtle into 2024, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on social media marketing is poised to reach new heights. One particularly intriguing facet is AI for social listening, a realm where the convergence of technology and marketing strategy becomes increasingly seamless.

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At the forefront of this AI evolution is generative AI, exemplified by innovations like ChatGPT. This technology transcends mere automation, exhibiting the capacity to generate human-like text and responses.

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Platforms such as LinkedIn are quick to recognise the potential of this cutting-edge technology and are taking bold steps to integrate in-app AI tools. These tools go beyond the rudimentary, venturing into the realm of post-writing and comment suggestions.

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LinkedIn's In-App AI Tools:

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LinkedIn's foray into in-app AI tools signifies a shift in the way content is not only generated but also tailored to resonate with individual users. Imagine a tool that not only understands the nuances of your industry but can craft posts that align seamlessly with your brand's voice and objectives. The result? A more efficient and personalised content creation process that keeps your audience engaged and informed.

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A Cautionary Note on Originality:

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However, as we embrace the AI revolution, a note of caution echoes through the corridors of social media algorithms. While these AI tools hold immense promise, the emphasis on original content remains pivotal. Algorithms still value the authenticity and uniqueness that human creativity brings to the table. Therefore, while leveraging AI for efficiency and precision, marketers must tread carefully, ensuring that the essence of originality is preserved in their content strategies.

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The advent of AI in social listening heralds a new era for marketers, offering tools that streamline content creation and enhance user engagement.

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However, this progression comes with the responsibility of maintaining the soul of originality, ensuring that the human touch remains at the forefront of content strategies in 2024.

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To Cut The BullSh*t, What Does This Mean For You?

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In summary, embracing the evolving realm of social media trends is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for businesses looking to thrive in 2024.

From prioritising raw and authentic content that reveals the human side of brands to tapping into the continued rise of authentic creator content on platforms like TikTok LinkedIn and Instagram, the key lies in connecting with audiences on a genuine level.

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Social collaboration and the recognition of social media as a relationship-building tool further underscore the need for a collaborative approach. As social media takes on the role of a new search engine, incorporating keywords and staying attuned to emerging AI tools become crucial for maintaining visibility. The overarching theme centres on putting humans back at the core of marketing strategies, emphasising the importance of genuine connections in an increasingly digital landscape.

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In navigating these trends, businesses can position themselves to not only stay relevant but also build meaningful engagements with their target audience in 2024.

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That’s All For 2023!

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Well, that’s the last blog from us in 2023! Don’t forget to follow our socials. We’ll be providing tips on how to promote your business and make the most of your social media all year round.

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And for our last tip of December: remember to keep your social media content light in December. Though if you were following us or our newsletter- you’d already know about this. ??

Merry Christmas from all of us here at SocialJems!