Social media is constantly evolving, and what was popular last year may not be relevant this year. That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest social media trends so you can make sure you’re using the platform in the most effective way possible. Here are the top 6 social media trends of 2022 (so far):
1. Increased Use of Stories
One of the biggest social media trends of 2022 is the increased use of stories. Stories were originally introduced on Snapchat in 2013 and then later adopted by Instagram in 2016. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have all jumped on the stories bandwagon in recent years. What makes stories so appealing? Their ephemeral nature—stories only last for 24 hours before disappearing—makes them perfect for sharing quick, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your life or business. They’re also more personal and intimate than a standard post, which has helped them become increasingly popular with social media users.
2. Rise of TikTok
TikTok is a relatively new social media platform that has exploded in popularity over the past year, particularly among Gen Z users. TikTok is a video-sharing app that allows users to create and share short videos set to music or other audio. The app has a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create engaging content.
With over 1 billion active monthly users, TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms—and one that businesses need to start paying attention to.
3. Live Streaming Goes Mainstream
Live streaming first became popular with the launch of Periscope in 2015, but it wasn’t until last year that it really started to take off. Live streaming allows you to share live, unedited videos with your followers in real time. It’s an incredibly raw and authentic way to connect with your audience and one that more and more businesses are starting to use. Platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch have made live streaming more accessible than ever before—and we expect it to continue to be a big trend in 2022.
What’s more, live streaming is incredibly versatile. You can use it to show off your products, give demonstrations or tutorials, answer customer questions, or even host interviews with industry experts. No matter what type of business you have, there’s a way to use live streaming to reach your goals.
4. Microinfluencers Gain Traction
As influencer marketing has continued to grow in popularity, we’ve seen a shift from mega-influencers with millions of followers to microinfluencers with smaller but more engaged audiences. Microinfluencers typically have between 1,000 and 100,000 followers and tend to be experts in their niche with very specific knowledge about their topic area. Because they have such engaged audiences, they’re often seen as more trustworthy than mega-influencers— making them more effective at promoting products or services. We expect microinfluencers will continue to gain traction in 2020 as businesses look for more authentic ways to reach their target audiences.
5. More Emphasis on Privacy
In the wake of data breaches like Cambridge Analytica and concerns about how platforms like Facebook handle user data, there’s been a growing concern among social media users about privacy. As a result, we expect privacy to become even more of a focus in 2022 as people become more aware of how their personal data is being used by social media companies. Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have already introduced features that emphasize user privacy—and we expect other platforms will start to follow suit.
6. User-Generated Content
One of the latest social media trends is user-generated content (UGC). UGC is any type of content that’s created by users, for users. It can include things like reviews, ratings, comments, and posts.
The benefits of UGC are twofold. First, it helps you create a connection with your audience. When you include UGC on your social media pages, you’re giving your customers a chance to have their voices heard. Second, UGC is a great way to generate leads and sales. According to one study, UGC can generate 6.9 times more engagement than traditional marketing materials like blog posts or product photos.
Conclusion:
As social media continues to evolve, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends so you can make sure you’re using the platform effectively. These are just a few of the top social media trends we’re seeing so far in 2022—so keep an eye out for them!
Steve Brown
Resource Group Media
