2020 has been an “interesting” year. Between stay-at-home orders and quarantining, we’ve spent more time at home, connecting with family and friends in a new way—digitally.
Social media has provided the opportunity to share updates and catch up with each other. It has also provided an escape and a much needed form of entertainment. With a new sense of living, new trends have emerged in the digital landscape of 2020.
Here are the top 7 social media trends of 2020 that we believe will continue to be prominent long into 2021.
1. Video Content
The number one type of content across all social media platforms for 2020: videos. Video content has become essential to maintaining your social media presence. From sharing silly videos of your dog, how-to videos, or sharing stories, videos are the best option for sharing content with users. Users are more likely to interact with a video over a photo or written content, as there is more opportunity to engage.
2. Social Commerce
Social commerce is a new option that integrates product listings directly into regular social media content. Creators have the option to add shopping tags of their products or services that are for sale. Products can be directly purchased through the social media profile, creating a quick and easy shopping experience. This option is increasingly popular for Instagram Shopping, and has been used for small DIY businesses that were launched during quarantine.
3. Live Video
On pretty much all social media platforms, creators have the option to start a live video. When users start live videos, their followers can watch in real time. Creators have the ability to answer their followers’ questions in real time, host interviews, or give tutorials.
4. TikTok
From how-to videos, viral dances and telling stories, TikTok quickly rose to the top of the social media charts. Although the app was originally released in 2016, it became very popular in early 2020 while the world stayed home, picked up new hobbies and shared viral trends. The one minute videos provide a platform for quick entertainment.
5. Socially Aware Content
Social media has provided a place for millions of people across the nation and world to virtually gather. Through the use of hashtags and large accounts, trends and awareness of events have quickly spread across the globe. Thousands of people have the opportunity to come together and unite virtually for a common cause or reason.
Although it has always been important, 2020 has spurred awareness of the importance of conscious content. It is important to be aware of the content you are spreading, and the tone of the messages you choose to share.
6. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing involves real social media users posting photos and videos of themselves discussing a product or service. By posting, these creators show their support and recommendations. Users are likely to trust these opinions and purchase or support the product or service, too.
7. User Generated Content
Similar to influencer marketing, user generated content is anything created by a user. If you run an aesthetics practice, you might (with permission) post a patient’s before and after photos, a patient story, photos of your customers using your product and so on. Alternatively, your patient’s might post this content and tag you, which allows you to reshare their positive content about your practice.
One perk of user generated content is there is no cost. Many people are willing to share their story and photos of their results. This type of content is considered “real life” and more believable/reliable to consumers as opposed to brand-generated content. Consumers relate to this type of content on a personal level and are more likely to buy the product or service knowing that it worked for others.
The Points Group digital team studies the latest trends to stay up-to-date with all aspects of the digital world, including social media. Contact us if you need help brainstorming, building or implementing your practice’s social media strategy.
