Social media has become a part of the fabric that makes up our everyday lives, with users across all demographics partaking in a wide variety of activities online. As newer platforms continue to emerge, brands will need to keep a close eye on the latest social media trends in order to adapt their content and engagement strategies to these emerging channels.
For example, while some companies may be reluctant to participate in viral trends due to the time and resources required for production, there are ways to do so in a way that is authentic and adds value to the audience. For instance, leveraging the power of memes in B2B marketing can be used to deliver an engaging message in a light and fun way.
Another approach is to develop zero-click content, which offers up valuable insights or engagement material without requiring external clicks (think of an Instagram carousel post or a TikTok video). This can help build platform loyalty and allow people to get what they want from within the app instead of having to leave.
Another trend to watch is how brands will evolve their social media strategy as Gen Z enters the workforce and begins influencing business decision-making. This generation is accustomed to a fast-paced, visual-first content environment, with short-form video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) and real-time engagement winning out over traditional static posts. They also appreciate authenticity and humour in content and prefer peer-generated content over branded messaging.