What’s new in social media?: Five trends that matter

Raelyn here! And for those who don’t know, I have about 7 years of experience working in social media at various capacities. Currently, I’m the brain behind (most of) our GW social media, and freelance as a social media strategist, manager, and content creator. Staying on top of the latest trends is key to my success both as the social media lead here at Groundwork and in my freelance contracts.

The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends can feel like a never-ending game. But have no fear! I’m here to dive into the latest happenings across the major platforms and give you the inside scoop on what’s new and next.

Long form video is back

If you can remember B.T. (before TikTok) days, YouTube was the place for video content, especially long form video. Well, platforms like Tiktok are now testing out longer video formats, making the video upload limit all the way up to 30 minutes! This shift happening suggests a move towards more in-depth storytelling and challenges the short term content that has been consumed for so long.

Embrace your authenticity and personality

Overly curated feeds are a thing of the past. Consumers are craving authenticity and some humor. Don’t be afraid to put more personality into your brand voice and start experimenting with more lighthearted content. Showing up as your authentic self will lead to building more connections within your online community.

Social commerce is bigger than ever

Platforms are making it easier than ever to discover and purchase products directly within the app. From shoppable TikTok’s and Reels on Instagram to even livestream shopping events, the lines between social interaction and buying are blurring. People’s favorite influencers are starting to become their personal shopper.

Going beyond likes and followers

Platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram are experimenting with hiding vanity metrics in an effort to prioritize meaningful conversations over chasing a follower number. The hope for this shift is to encourage users to focus on the quality of their interactions rather than the quantity of likes.

The creator economy is evolving

The influencer industry is changing. Brands are increasingly recognizing the value of nano/micro influencers over mega-influencers. This opens doors for everyday people who have unique perspectives to build a loyal following and potentially monetize their content. If you’ve been thinking about exploring the influencer/content creator route, now might be the time!

How can you leverage these trends?

• Experiment with longer video formats: If you haven’t already, try creating engaging content that’s beyond 30 seconds.
• Lighten up your brand voice: Show your audience the human side of your brand.
• Embrace social commerce: Make it easy for your audience to learn about and purchase your products directly within the platform.
• Focus on authentic connections: Build relationships with your audience through meaningful interactions, not just posting to get likes.
• Explore being a creator: Don’t be afraid to create your own corner of the internet. You never know what opportunities it might lead to.