What Are the Must-Know Social Media Trends for 2024?

Navigating social media is like keeping up with a fast-changing world. Every year, new platforms appear, rules change, and how people use social media improves. Businesses and marketers need to adapt to succeed in this always-changing and creative space. Whether you’re a social media professional, a freelancer, or a business leader, understanding the trends that shape how people interact, connect, and market on social platforms is crucial.

In this article, we’ll explore the newest social media trends in 2024, discuss ethical considerations and challenges, and provide useful insights to help ensure the lasting success and impact of your social media strategy.

What is a Social Media Trend?

A social media trend refers to shifts in popular topics and user behaviors on social platforms. Staying abreast of these trends is synonymous with staying ahead, and constantly being aware of the latest viral topics and behaviors.

Achieving ‘viral’ity is a coveted state for marketing managers, akin to reaching the pinnacle of social media success. Understanding what influences and alters audience behavior on social media is crucial for crafting an effective social media strategy that yields positive results.

Decoding the Importance of Social Media Trends 2024

Understanding social media trends is crucial for the success and relevance of your business. It ensures that your brand remains up-to-date and appealing, especially to younger audiences. Just as you wouldn’t trust a professional who hasn’t kept up with the latest trends and technologies, users are similarly put off by businesses using outdated social media techniques and platforms.

Social media platforms are always evolving, with new features being introduced, improving advertising processes, and even the establishment of entirely new outlets. By researching and adapting to these changes, your business can use the learning tools provided by each trend, ensuring sustained growth and relevance in the ever-changing digital sphere.

Also Read: 7 Video Marketing Tools You Should Know About in 2024

Top 11 Social Media Trends to Look Out for in 2024

Explore the social media marketing trends 2024 landscape with a focus on emerging platforms and innovations:

Instagram:

In 2023, Instagram stands out for its precise algorithm and potential audience growth, drawing 59% of marketers planning to explore the platform. With a focus on social selling, Instagram offers a solid in-app shopping experience, making it a strategic investment for marketers.

TikTok:

TikTok continues to lead in audience growth potential, engaging 62% of users, particularly Gen Z. As the go-to platform for short-form videos, TikTok maintains its popularity and high return on investment. The current TikTok user base stands at 1.677 billion, and this number has the potential to gradually evolve into billions.

Facebook:

Despite a surge in 2022, Facebook remains pivotal in 2023, especially for investing in social media communities. Its robust community-building features position it as a significant player, making it essential to observe emerging trends and user engagement.

Live Audio Platforms:

Live audio chat rooms gained prominence in 2023, attracting 23% of marketers. Facebook Live Audio is a frontrunner, with a significant percentage of marketers already invested, aligning with Gen Z’s preference for expressive content.

Threads:

Meta’s Threads gained rapid traction, reaching 100 million active users within 10 days. Integrated with Instagram, Threads offers seamless onboarding and adds a dynamic dimension to the social media landscape.

Lemon8:

Lemon8, owned by ByteDance, expands accessibility globally, blending aspects of Pinterest and Instagram. Focusing on fashion, beauty, health & wellness, Lemon8 provides a unique space for curated lifestyle content.

Substack:

Empowering writers and content creators, Substack facilitates publishing and monetization through subscription-based newsletters. Its popularity stems from the tools it offers for managing subscriptions and fostering direct connections with readers.

BeReal:

BeReal offers a refreshing alternative, encouraging users to capture unfiltered moments in their daily lives. It fosters an environment of authenticity by deliberately excluding filters.

Partiful:

Facilitating event coordination, Partiful enables hosts to create questionnaires, send reminders, and streamline fund collection. Enhancing event planning efficiency, Partiful creates a sense of community among guests with features like event updates and a dedicated event page.

Twitch:

As a top platform for live streaming, Twitch showcases video games, eSports, and imaginative content. Beyond viewership, it offers interactive elements like subscriptions and donations, creating a unique space for live interaction and community building.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is breaking away from its job-centric image, and evolving into a more personal platform. It’s no longer just about professional content; users are sharing raw, authentic experiences, and discussing work-life balance, mental health, and inspiration challenges. This shift started during the pandemic, turning LinkedIn into a space for diverse advice. However, it’s unclear if the platform’s algorithm favors these personal posts over traditional professional content.

Winding Up

Staying informed about the latest social media trends in 2024 becomes effortless with the right tools. Utilizing social listening and analytics tools simplifies your work, allowing you to uncover emerging trends. Ensure you plan your social media strategy but remain adaptable to reconsidering or incorporating the latest trends into your calendar. By doing so, your audience is more likely to engage and transform into a loyal community.