Social Media Trends for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of social media, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. As we step into 2024, let's explore some of the key trends that are reshaping the way we interact, share, and engage on social media platforms.

Having Fun with Your Brand's Social Media:

Gone are the days when brand communication was strictly formal. In 2024, we're seeing a delightful shift towards more playful and entertaining brand personalities on social media. Companies are embracing humor, creativity, and a human touch to connect with their audience. Whether it's clever memes, witty banter, or interactive content, brands are leveraging the power of laughter and relatability to forge stronger connections.

Everyone knows about Wendy’s sassy Tweets over the years and they are one of the earliest pioneers when it comes to brands letting their hair down and having fun, especially when that hair has been in tight ponytail braids for years.

Other brands have begun to follow suit, especially brands catering to young Gen-Z and millennial audiences such as Aura Bora.

And Penguin Random House Australia is proving that this isn’t just a US based thing, having in-house content creators who have practically formed their own dance troop to show off books that they have published. If you aren’t as savvy when it comes to knowing your trending TikTok audios, it might also be easy to miss that as they are using a snippet from Not My Fault by Reneé Rapp from the newest Mean Girls (2023) movie, cleverly showing popular LGBTQ books as they dance.

Penguin Random House Australia showcases their books and their moves in this TikTok video!

Being Authentic:

Authenticity remains a cornerstone of effective social media engagement. Users are increasingly gravitating towards genuine, transparent content. Authenticity builds trust, and in 2024, we're witnessing a surge in brands and individuals sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, showcasing real stories, and being unapologetically true to themselves.

Having authenticity at the heart of your content strategy allows for your target audience to truly know your company's core values. It is a way to filter out the noise from clients who might not be your ideal target and ensures that you are able to meet your actual target client’s needs better. As financial strains continue to tighten up peoples wallets, customers are going to want to use their money on products and services that they know and trust.

UGC & Reviews:

With more people looking to social media for product recommendations it comes as no surprise that 99.9% of consumers use reviews when shopping online, with 49% trusting consumer reviews as much as personal recommendations from family and friends.  Because of this, user-generated content (UGC) continues to be a driving force in social media trends. People trust recommendations from their peers, making customer reviews and UGC invaluable. Brands are encouraging their audiences to share experiences, creating a community-driven narrative that resonates authentically with potential customers.

Smartphone Shopping:

The convenience of shopping directly through social media platforms is gaining momentum. In 2024, the integration of shopping features on smartphones is simplifying the purchase journey. From Instagram's shoppable posts to Facebook Marketplace and now TikTok Shop, users can seamlessly explore, discover, and buy products without leaving their favorite platforms.

If you have a physical or digital product that is available for purchase, exploring new ways for your customers to purchase the product in as little steps as possible can become very fruitful if done right. 

Content Series:

Think of your favorite binge worthy Netflix series, it is always easier to keep people watching than to get them to watch something new. Engaging content series are captivating audiences across social media. Whether it's a weekly vlog, a podcast series, or an episodic storytelling approach, content series keep audiences coming back for more. This trend fosters loyalty and a sense of anticipation, driving consistent engagement. 

Bio Links:

Instagram bio links are no longer just a single, static URL. The trend in 2024 is dynamic bio links that allow users to navigate to different sections of a website, shop products, or explore various content channels. This flexibility enhances the user experience and provides a one-stop-shop for all that a brand or individual has to offer.

There are a number of platforms that allow users to create their own link in bio. Our personal favorite is Stan due to its ability to offer additional ways to monetize your following and make selling, booking calls, and signing up for your newsletter that much easier.

Private Groups:

Privacy and exclusivity are becoming more valued in the social media landscape. Private groups on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are flourishing, offering a safe space for like-minded individuals to connect, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions away from the public eye.

Coaches and those creating courses especially could see this as a way to nurture their audiences and utilize the clients they have within the group as brand ambassadors without having to do any extra work. It creates a community and a consistent middle-funnel space to encourage the audience to take a step further and book a call with them.

One coach who is utilizing this tactic ahead of the trend is Freelance Business Coach Julie Cortés. Who uses her Facebook group to provide insight and knowledge into what it takes to run a successful freelance business everyday, proving herself to be a reliable and consistent resource for her target audience.

Content Curation:

With the vast amount of content available, curation becomes essential. Being able to become a resource for information for your customer and clients doesn’t have to just be from your own mouth. By sending your followers additional information (and properly crediting the creator) you can continuously provide knowledge without burning yourself out on ideas. Whether this is purely for information, or to have a bit of fun with your audience by sharing an entertaining and topical meme, it gives your followers a reason to keep coming back. This trend also extends to brands curating user-generated content to showcase diverse perspectives and experiences.

Repurposing by Reformatting:

Content repurposing is not a new concept, but in 2024, we're seeing a strategic approach to reformatting content for different platforms. A single piece of content can be transformed into videos, infographics, blog posts, and more, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.

Different platforms have different voices, content formats, and algorithms. Putting a strategy together when it comes to repurposed content ensures that you are giving the content you created the best possible chance at reaching your audience.

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of social media in 2024, embracing these trends can elevate your online presence, foster genuine connections, and keep you at the forefront of the digital conversation. Whether you're a brand looking to connect with your audience or an individual aiming to share your story, staying mindful of these trends will undoubtedly contribute to your success in the social media sphere.