Social Media Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2024 [5 Tips]

1. Authentic Content

Raw and authentic imagery may not be a new trend by any means, but it will likely continue to be a vital consideration for 2024. Particularly for younger, social savvy generations, a fully polished image online can come across as being manufactured and fake. This may raise distrust in your brand. Instead, you should try to break up sales posts with more social or rough and ready content. This could involve showcasing the people behind your brand, a “behind the scenes” look into your day to day, or an impromptu monologue of your thoughts on an industry topic. Just remember to keep it real!

2. Social Media as Search

Google may no longer be the titan of search it once was. Almost half of Gen Z now use Instagram or TikTok as their first port of call when it comes to online research. This could be due to a combination of a preference for video formats, but also seeking more curated information and views that appear more personal and off the cuff.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is not just something you should be considering when it comes to your website. It is also essential to keep SEO top of mind when it comes to your social media content. This can be done through use of keywords, an effective hashtag strategy and adding alt descriptions to your imagery.

Looking for more tips on SEO? You might be interested in the resources below.

– How to Optimise for Search Engines
– How to Optimise Blogs

3. Long Form is Back

Bite sized videos in the form of Reels, TikToks and Shorts have been dominating the social media space the past number of years, but that may no longer be the case. Longer form content has been making a resurgence as of late on a number of platforms.

Tiktok has been making the move towards longer videos for some time, starting with one minute videos, increasing to 10 minutes, and is now testing 30 minute videos on the platform. TokTok is also trying to encourage more users to step away from portrait orientation, to landscape, YouTube style videos. In a similar move, Instagram also increased the maximum length of stories to 60 seconds last year. You need to look no further than the popularity of podcasts to see the demand for longer form information, with 57% people in Ireland tuning in to podcasts on a weekly basis.

However, that isn’t to say that short form content is no longer popular or going away. We recommend striking a balance with long and short form media, using bite sized snippets to grab attention, while going more in depth using longer video, podcasts and blogs.

4. Playful Content

With dozens of posts vying for your customer’s attention every minute, you need the edge to stand out from your competitors and make sure your business is top of mind. It is no wonder that many brands are shedding their corporate image online for a more light hearted or sometimes silly personality. TikTok and Instagram are where this type of content shines, but even spaces that have historically been more sincere such as LinkedIn have been making room for humour in the form of industry specific memes and relatable posts.

Playful content taps into a sense of curiosity, humour, and imagination, fostering an emotional connection with viewers. It humanises your brand, making it more relatable and approachable to your customers. By tapping into the latest cultural references, your brand also demonstrates its relevance and cultural fluency. This kind of content is highly engaging, as it invites the audience to participate, share and join in on the conversation.

Looking for tips on how to inject some fun into your feed? Check out the blog below and get those creative juices flowing!

– How To Find Creative Inspiration

5. Micro Influencers

Tying in to the shift towards more authentic content, attention has moved away from larger influencers in recent years towards so called “Micro-infleuncers”. Internet users nowadays are quite clued in to overly promotional brand deals and large influencers do not hold the same power that they once did. In comparison, micro-influencers are perceived as being more real and trustworthy.

Working with micro-influencers also allows you to be more precise in your campaigns.
They may have a smaller following, but their audiences are generally more niche and targeted towards specific topics. By partnering with micro influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic, you can ensure that your message reaches the right people at the right time, maximising relevance and engagement.

Make the most of social media in 2024

While these trends are based on insights and patterns from recent years, it’s essential to stay updated on the evolving landscape of social media and adapt strategies accordingly. Keep an eye on emerging technologies, shifting user behaviours, and industry developments to stay ahead in 2024 and beyond.

If you’re looking for more assistance with your social media strategy in 2024, we would be happy to help you make your way to digital success! Get in touch today on info@marla.ie or 051 853 650.