Social media trends are ephemeral content types that catch the attention of people on different platforms. They can be in the form of discussions, memes, or short-form videos. Social media users are often captivated by trends and tend to participate in, replicate, and share them. Trends can also help businesses increase engagement, drive traffic, and reach on their channels.
Despite their fleeting lifespan, understanding the most prominent social media trends is important for brands to stay competitive and relevant. These ephemeral moments can boost brand awareness, encourage user-generated content, or even lead to a viral sensation. But, if you’re too quick to jump on the bandwagon, your content will get lost in the crowd. Instead, make sure to stay ahead of emerging social trends by monitoring your competition’s activity and engaging with your audience in the moment.
A recent Hootsuite study found that above all else, people want to be entertained on social media. As a result, marketers are loosening the reins and embracing creative bravery. They’re experimenting with tone, humor, and authenticity and ditching the traditional playbook in favor of platform-specific styles that closely resemble their personality.
The most popular social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have seen a rise in longer-form video over the past few years. Whether it’s to generate FOMO or showcase behind-the-scenes of planning or event setup, these immersive experiences resonate with social media audiences and offer an opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience on a more personal level.