The Top 3 Social Media Trends for 2022

Start the New Year on the Right Foot!

The New Year is almost upon us! We honestly can’t believe it came so fast, 2021 was full of new changes, challenges, and exciting marketing news. Who could forget that back in 2020, one of the predictions for the biggest social media trends would be for the rise of video content…and that was right!

Social media grew at an astonishing rate this year, and we know that 2022 is only the beginning for incredible social media innovation.

While we can’t say that we’re psychics or can read the future, AMP has noticed several signs of where the industry will be going this new year, and as our gift to you before 2022, we wanted to share the top three trends we think will dominate social media.

Here we go!

Consumable Short-Form Videos

The Phenomenon of TikTok

There is no doubt that the rise of TikTok during the first stages of the pandemic has brought us to this point. According to BusinessofApps, leading media and information source for the app industry, TikTok was “downloaded 693 million times in 2019 and 850 million times in 2020,” despite its slower launch in 2017.

Unlike some apps or social media sensations that die down after its 15 minutes of fame, TikTok is no passing fad, and with major brands like Duolingo, the NBA, and more actively using the platform to reach new consumers, TikTok is here to stay.

Additionally, we can see that TikTok’s success has carried onto different apps, including Instagram with it’s Reels feature, just showing how much TikTok’s popularity has dominated the social media space.

Let’s also not forget that the shorter a video is, the better! We don’t mean posting five second clips, but think critically: would a consumer rather want to see a longform interview around 30 minutes long or prefer a 30 second reel that showcases the product or service you are promoting? In a blog by Hubspot, writer Pamela Bump explains that “Gen Z enjoys quick or short-form video content, like that of Snapchat or Instagram Stories, while millennials value long-form content, such as detailed videos or podcasts.” Throw on a global pandemic on top of this, and we have a reason why shorter videos tend to do bigger numbers.

If you’re looking to gain more views and interest in your content, start with short videos that can be easily watched in under one minute and keep it as authentic as possible. Audiences have become quicker to catch obvious advertising, and are not as receptive as they were in the past.

Just one note to keep in mind: it won’t be enough to just create a short video and post it. You have a better understanding of what does well now, but how do you differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack that’s essentially doing the same? Well, the second trend on our list may give you the edge you need.

Influencer Marketing

Refined and better than ever

Influencer marketing isn’t anything new, promoting your brand through endorsements from content creators (big or small) has always been a helpful way to put your business on the map.

But professionals in the industry have noticed a shift in its effectiveness, and for the better.

According to AdWeek in a post by Marty Stewart, 40% of consumers who saw an influencer on social media using an endorsed product have done out to purchase it, and according to Influencer Marketing Hub, “63% of marketers intend to increase their influencer marketing budget in the next year.”

Obviously, these are not small numbers.

Experts have noticed that outside the usual perks that influencer marketing brings to a business, the COVID-19 Pandemic has been a major factor in making influencers the perfect third party between a business and its consumer base, and when an influencer comes off engaging and trustworthy, individuals will flock to support the business.

If 2022 is the year where you plan on using influencer marketing, it’s encouraged to look at micro-influencers. While at a smaller level, these creators usually have highly engaged and loyal communities. A good rule of thumb is: don’t go bigger if you don’t need to, stay smart and think of long-term success with a more niche influencer.

But influencers and content aside, social media is about sending a message to an audience who will listen and support you. For our last trend coming in 2022, we’re looking at bettering your content for every audience member.

Diversity and Inclusion

Taking a Stand

In an October 2021 blog by Deloitte Insights titled Authentically inclusive marketing, authors Christina Brodzik, Nathan Young, Sarah Cuthill, and Nikki Drake explain that “consumers—especially the youngest generations—are expecting more from these messages than just details about the latest seasonal sale.”

In the midst of the global pandemic and social turmoil, audiences are now looking at brands to see if they truly support some of the content they push or if they are simply posting certain pieces for the sake of attention?

Especially in Gen Z, who are more action-driven and passionate about social issues compared to their older generations, brands have begun to tackle issues centered around their audience as a way to align.

This is paramount for a business that wants to be authentic towards its audience, when your business aligns with its community, audiences will want to stay involved and support.

Keep this trend in mind, but beware of its overuse. A brand that constantly reshapes itself to tackle certain issues may come off as inauthentic and simply use popular cultural events at the moment. The last thing anyone needs in 2022 is a PR scandal!

We can be sure that we’re not the only ones talking about some of the upcoming 2022 trends, and no one can ever be certain of what’s to come in the digital world. We pass these along based on the statistics and patterns noted by experts in the industry and our own experience working with clients, and hope they can come of use to you.

With that, we’d like to wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and New Year! Advanced Media Pro will see you in 2022…

Looking to start the new year right? AMP is here to AMP UP your marketing strategy! Connect with one of our experts today at [email protected].

About AMP

Based in San Diego, California, we are a small marketing agency with a creative team that celebrates 20+ years of experience in traditional and digital marketing. We recognize that marketing is a cornerstone of a brand’s success but that some businesses struggle to meet their marketing goals, so we made it our goal!

AMP provides virtual marketing management to all types of companies without the expense of having a marketing professional on staff, we work as an extension of your team to generate more leads for your business’ growth. Focus on running your business while we focus on running your marketing!

Want to learn more or start working with us? Email one of our experts today at [email protected] or give us a call at (858) 564-0336!

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