With 2023 fast approaching, it’s time to turn our attention to the year ahead and all the new updates to the world of social media it brings. From new platforms to a focus on authentic multi-sensory content, things will soon feel real (even in the virtual world) as consumers demand authenticity, community and immersive experiences.
We all know how fast the landscape can change, so we’re here to keep you up to date. Here are six trends. Do you want to keep your finger on the pulse? Read on for everything you need to know for next year.
Trend 1: Social Audio Boom
The role of voice in social media is rapidly changing as more social media platforms transition to video-based content and a surge in gamers around the world.
Facebook has the Soundbite reaction tool, Twitter has Voice Tweets and Twitter Spaces. LinkedIn has audio events. Now is the time to craft a social media strategy that harnesses the power of social audio. Feeling brave? Dive into the metaverse and give audio marketing a try.
Why start small? Enhance your Instagram Reels strategy with trending audio to ensure higher engagement and wider reach.
Trend 2: Gaming Is The New Playground For Social Media
If you’ve played Candy Crush or Wordle on your daily commute, you’re officially a gamer.
Social media platforms are proven advertising platforms, but in 2023, gaming offers a range of exciting new opportunities for brands and businesses. Many tech companies and brands are also doubling down on their investment in gaming.
Netflix is expanding its reach and building its first in-house video game studio in Helsinki. Additionally, the luxury fashion house continues to use gaming as a means of engaging with the community and bridging the gap between virtual reality and IRL.
The gambling industry is said to be worth around $200.8 billion, and in-game advertising estimates that by 2023 he will be worth $17.6 million. This is a world that thrives on social interaction and remains relatively untapped when it comes to marketing. Will 2023 be the year your brand embraces the power of gaming?
Trend 3: Content Is Displayed In Full-Screen Mode
TikTok’s astronomical boom is nothing new, but its impact on how other social media platforms work will continue.
In this case, it’s no surprise that Instagram followed TikTok, but now also follows YouTube and Facebook. On Facebook, vertical videos show a 90% higher completion rate than horizontal videos, and YouTube is testing a new feature that reformats video ads to play vertically. As more platforms support this aspect ratio, you can reuse the same content to extend your reach.
Trend 4: BeReal & Instagram Candid Challenges Champion Authenticity
BeReal changed the game in 2022, emphasising authenticity. The app launched in 2020, and it’s already been gaining traction this year, ushering in a new era of aesthetics that favour instant, real-world documents over sophisticated curated content.
Instagram Candid, which hasn’t launched yet, will soon send users notifications at random times to show dual camera photos. And it looks like Instagram isn’t the only copy cat here.
TikTok Now sends similar notifications, but naturally supports videos as well. What does that mean to you? Remember the unfiltered photo dumps in the early days of Instagram? Content will become increasingly personalised and organic. Forget big studio photo shoots and opt for something more authentic.
Trend 5: Rise Of Nano-Influencers And UGC
Speaking of shrinking, the rise of nano-influencers (influencers with less than 10,000 followers) and user-generated content (UGC) is not slowing down. In fact, 90% of successful influencer marketing campaigns are already made up of nano-influencers. Considered more credible, it connects brands with niche audiences and provides direct access to target markets – be sure to read up on Google’s Link Spam update. It also means you don’t have to spend a lot of money on campaigns.
User-generated content is also becoming a necessity. This organic marketing tool creates direct connections with real consumers, fosters strong brand-customer relationships, and helps build trust. In 2023, take it a step further by creating a dedicated UGC campaign that inspires and rewards customers who create content about your brand.
Trend 6: AI Handles Content Creation And Analytics Tracking
Let’s clarify what we mean by AI here. Software that automates certain tasks. Efficiently designing social media posts or discovering new advertising channels – this will improve over time with exposure to more data. As a market, AI is expected to grow at 120% annually.
You’re probably already using it, but it could just be that the implementation strategy isn’t defined. One way to incorporate AI into your strategy is by assisting your copywriting. After entering a few prompts, the AI software will return copy suggestions.
But remember: AI will never replace the power of personalised and authentic content. These tools can help you come up with new ideas and captions, but they can’t capture your brand’s unique voice and personality!
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