If you are a news content writer or ghost writer, you may have written about media reports over the last twelve months, which have involved social networks.
The American president announced White House policies on Twitter, Facebook convinced Snapchat members to try Instagram, and Apple declared it’s intention to change the way people use their mobile phones.
In 2021, social networks are set to make an even bigger impact, because several technological innovations will be introduced, and social attitudes towards these platforms are changing. Here’s the most important trends to look out for next year:
Instagram Stories Becoming Commonplace
Instagram Stories is used by more than 200 million people every month. This exceeds the number of Snapchat members by 50 million, and Instagram Stories has been around for barely a year!
If this trend continues, virtually fifty percent of Instagram members will use Stories at the conclusion of 2021. Consequently, brands who want to market to Instagram members should spend some time learning about Instagram Stories.
An Increase in Augmented Reality
In its’ initial event held at the Theater dedicated to Steve Jobs, Apple launched the iPhone X and the iPhone 8. Each phone features a new chip, which enables the devices to offer users an amazing augmented reality experience. Although this technology will be used in mobile gaming at first, it is inevitable that social networks will find a way to adopt it too.
For instance, in the coming months, it is likely that Instagram or Snapchat will support filters which enable members to take selfies with celebrities or friends, using augmented reality technology. Likewise, brands are sure to promote their products on social networks using these filters.
Generation Z Takes Center Stage
Recently, Goldman Sachs carried out research that showed Generation Z is more profitable to most businesses than millennials. At the moment, twenty-two is the oldest age of Generation Z. These people are starting their first jobs, and will have more spending power for a long time.
Businesses will start to appreciate this, and will change their social network strategies appropriately. Look out for big investments in platforms used by this demographic, such as Instagram and Snapchat.
Influencer Marketing Continues to be Popular
More than ninety percent of businesses who use influencer marketing techniques think that they are effective. Firms such as Hubspot, Rolex and North Face employ social network focused influencer advertising methods, to reach new demographics and enhance relationships with current customers.
In 2017, businesses that used conventional marketing techniques had little success in engaging with social network users. In 2021, it is probable that many businesses will turn to influencer marketing, to reach audiences who usually ignore conventional methods.
Live Streaming Will Grow
What used to be an entertaining novelty, is now a mainstay of social networks. Now, businesses of all sizes have begun to use live streams to pique the interest of their audiences. Backpack manufacturer GORUCK is an example of an SME that has expanded its’ audience, by live streaming interesting footage on Facebook.
Lots of followers turned up to view coverage of a two day endurance race recently. Next year, more businesses will wake up to the effectiveness of live video streams, and will adopt this as part of their content marketing strategy each month.
Greater Participation of Brands in Messaging Portals
There are more than 2.5 billion users of messaging portals across the world, however businesses still tend to concentrate on reaching customers through social media alone.
Next year, brands are likely to spend more money and time on reaching customers through messaging portals. Voice assistants, chatbots and artificial intelligence will allow businesses to provide customized shopping options on messaging portals, such as WhatsApp, Kik and Messenger.
Changes to Twitter
During 2017, Twitter has not grown its’ user base, with Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn all surpassing it in this regard. In addition, Twitter lost the rights battle with Amazon to stream NFL matches.
Next year, Twitter’s bosses will probably introduce some operational changes. These changes could include incorporating a subscription charge, selling the platform to a private investor, and/or introducing new marketing options, which are inferior to other networks.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous emerging social network trends that are bound to affect businesses and users over the coming year. In all likelihood, virtual reality and live streaming will be widely adopted. Furthermore, businesses will use newer platforms, such as Snapchat and Instagram, to reach Generation Z.
Augmented reality now looks set to feature in social networks, via the new iPhones, in a manner that was inconceivable not so long ago. Finally, Facebook and Twitter will probably amend their policies to safeguard their brands from public criticism, and offer users an enhanced online experience.