Social media has been a part of our everyday lives ever since its inception. Modern media and applications evolve so fast nowadays that there can be a new update every other day, and those updates can include dozens of different features. Trends on social media are constantly changing day-to-day as well. As we move into 2022, we will look at social media trends rising in popularity and staying relevant.
Livestreaming
Livestreaming has been on the rise for a few years now with no sign of stopping. Platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and many other social media sites offer livestreaming and attract millions of streamers and viewers alike. Livestreams allow people to interact with content creators and brands without leaving their homes. The real-time interaction brings you and your audience closer together. Some platforms favor live content on their searches which increases the chances of followers seeing the content on their newsfeed. Livestreaming services are being continuously added to different social media platforms, and their popularity will continue to grow as social media apps push for more livestreaming content.
Short-Form Videos
Another trend we notice maintaining popularity is the creation and consumption of short-form videos. People highly value their time and how they spend it. Most people do not have the time to watch a video that is 10 minutes or longer, even more so if it isn’t intriguing. Social media’s solution is short-form videos, which are only a couple of seconds in length and are easily digestible. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram utilize this video format, and clips that are only 15 seconds or less can receive millions of views. A shorter video means less time spent producing, which allows for a more aggressive content strategy from brands. Since the videos are so short in length, they can be shared quickly and reach a larger audience overall. With TikTok being the #1 most downloaded app and Instagram placing 2nd, there’s no doubt that short-form videos will continue to be a popular trend moving forward.
Social Media Shopping
Due to the effects of the pandemic, brands and companies heavily relied on online marketing to reach their consumers from the safety of their homes. Facebook and Instagram quickly adjusted to the needs of their users and implemented an online shopping feature within their applications. Users can visit a shop’s business profile through Instagram or Facebook and view the various products they offer. Convenience is at the user’s fingertips, allowing them to browse clothing, cosmetics, accessories, and many more kinds of stores all inside one social media platform. TikTok and Twitter are planning to include similar features on their platforms in the future. The safety and convenience these features provide consumers will be a new standard for social media apps.
Livestreaming, social media shopping, and short-form videos will continue to influence social media as a whole considerably. However, with technology becoming more advanced by the day, 2022 may bring forth entirely new trends that completely shift the norm of social media.