The Top Social Media Trends to Watch Out for in 2016
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing the way we communicate, share information, and make purchasing decisions. With each passing year, social media trends evolve and change, challenging businesses to stay ahead of the game. In 2016, we witnessed the rise of several trends that have fundamentally altered the social media landscape and accelerated the pace of digital transformation. Here are the top social media trends to watch out for in 2016:
Live Video Streaming
Live video streaming has rapidly gained popularity among audiences, thanks to the ease of use and immediacy it offers. Twitter’s Periscope, Facebook Live, and Instagram Stories have transformed the social media landscape, providing brands and individuals with new ways to reach their audiences and engage with them in real-time. Live video streaming offers a unique opportunity for brands to showcase their products, services, and expertise in a more authentic and transparent way. It also enables them to humanize their brand and connect with their audience on a more personal level.
Social Media Advertising
With organic reach on social media reaching an all-time low, brands are turning to paid social media advertising to reach their desired audience. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram offer extensive advertising options that allow businesses to target their audiences more precisely than ever before. Social media advertising is highly targeted, cost-effective, and offers a high ROI, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has become an essential part of social media strategy, with brands leveraging influencers’ social media reach and credibility to reach new audiences and drive engagement. Influencer marketing is a cost-effective way of boosting brand awareness and credibility, as well as driving sales and conversions. The rise of micro-influencers – influencers with smaller but more engaged followings – has democratized the influencer marketing industry, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Social Messaging
Social messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Messenger have become an essential part of our daily lives, with over 2.5 billion people using messaging apps worldwide. Brands are leveraging social messaging to connect with their audiences on a more personal level, providing customer support, offering personalized recommendations, and driving sales. Social messaging is highly targeted, personalized, and offers a more private and intimate conversation between the brand and the customer.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality has transformed the way we interact with our physical surroundings, providing new opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences. Snapchat’s lenses and Instagram’s filters have popularized augmented reality among audiences, with brands leveraging the technology to offer immersive experiences and create viral campaigns. Augmented reality allows brands to create memorable and shareable experiences that leave a lasting impression on their audience.
In conclusion, social media trends continue to evolve, providing brands with new opportunities to reach their audiences in more engaging and effective ways. The top trends to watch out for in 2016 include live video streaming, social media advertising, influencer marketing, social messaging, and augmented reality. By leveraging these trends, brands can stay ahead of the curve and connect with their audiences in more meaningful and impactful ways.
