Social media is always changing, and it can be tough to keep up with the latest trends.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top social media trends to watch out for in 2023!
These are the trends that are going to be big in the coming year, and that businesses need to be aware of.
So if you want to make sure your business is ahead of the curve, keep reading!
We’ll be covering everything from the rise of audio social media, to the ever-increasing importance of user-generated content.
What are the Top Social Media Trends for 2023?
There are over 4.75 billion active social media users today.
This great number was boosted in large part because of the worldwide lockdowns over the course of the pandemic, which meant social media was the easiest way for people to connect socially.
So, it’s no wonder that with this movement social media is now one of the key ways for businesses to market themselves (and even to trade!).
TikTok And Reels
TikTok popularized the short video format, which capitalizes on the increasingly shortening attention span of social media users.
It’s a little bit sad, but true nonetheless: It has been found that 30 seconds is the perfect length of time to share a concise piece of entertainment or education without losing the viewer’s interest.
This is why Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are all getting onboard with this trend.
Not only are these big platforms getting in on the action, but the short video format also opens up space for more creators.
With the high volume of content available for viewing in this format, it is now easier for lesser-known creator’s videos to trend and win themselves an instant following.
This is also where Microinfluencers come into the picture.
Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers are social media creators who have a following of somewhere between 1,000 to 100,000.
Through their relatable content creation, they have gained the trust of their viewers and are commonly perceived as genuine advisers on products.
This is why business marketing is beginning to team up with micro-influencers. These collaborations are less costly than a celebrity endorsement, but still produce wide-reaching campaigns.
TikTok Creator Next even offers the new Marketplace feature, in which businesses and creators can connect with ease and efficiency to form the most strategic alliances.
Social Commerce
Social commerce is the new big online shopping trend, with 30% of online shopping occurring in this manner.
Instagram Storefront and Facebook Shop have been established so that social media users can be advertised to, browse the market, and purchase all within the given social media platform.
This is different from social media marketing, through which businesses only advertise on social media platforms so as to then link users to their own sites.
Online Business Activism
Hashtag activism refers to activism carried out on social media, which is often accompanied by the use of a hashtag to garner support.
Many social media users take part in or observe social media activism, and brands are no exception.
Whether it be a genuine sympathy for a cause or a strategic marketing ploy, big brands such as Nike are becoming more and more vocal about their social justice ideals and opinions.
Brands should be wary, however, when supporting a social justice cause on social media. As we all know, social media users do not waste time when it comes to pointing out the flaws in a post or campaign.
Be sure that your brand’s past and present actions truly match the values that you publicly champion!
You might want to consider your manufacturing processes and what you can do to provide concrete support to a cause, rather than #JustWords.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
AR takes real content and augments it. You’ll be familiar with AR in the form of selfies that turn ordinary-looking people into goblin-looking creatures (or Kim Kardashian).
Businesses can use AR for a number of marketing strategies.
For example, customers can see exactly how a product will look with their shape, hair, and skin tone – think a pair of sunglasses, or a dress.
Virtual reality can take this even further. Businesses can market big items such as cars, so customers can have an immersive experience of the product no matter where they are.
How Will These Trends Impact Businesses?
If businesses get ahead of the curve on these trends, then they will be well placed to boost online traffic and sales.
TikTok marketplace is one example of how businesses are positively impacted by the short video format and micro-influencers.
This new feature matches businesses creators and provides access to comprehensive data analytics pertaining to views and audience reach.
What are Some Examples of Businesses that are Already Using These Trends?
The first thing you’ll see on Nike’s twitter page is their bio which reads “#BlackLivesMatter” and “#StopAsianHate”.
Although these causes are not immediately related to Nike’s business, they know their audience well are strategically participating in activism that is in line with the rest of their marketing.
Nike does not have the cleanest social justice history, but they are making big moves to turn this historic reputation around.
How can Businesses Make Sure They’re Ahead of the Curve?
To stay ahead of the curve, businesses should watch out for the new features that continue to appear on major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram which are purpose built for the use of businesses.
These include features such as TikTok marketplace, Instagram Storefront and Facebook Shops.
In Conclusion
The social media trends mentioned in this article are primed to erupt in 2023, and should provide exciting new opportunities for businesses in terms of creator collaboration.
Companies can now advertise like never before with the emergence of AR and VR technology, and it’s never been easier than now to break new ground with social commerce features!