5 Social Media Trends for 2024 and What to Do About Them

Social media is constantly evolving and in 2023, we saw some big changes occur:

• Twitter rebranded to X (and had a lot more controversy to throw into the mix)
• Threads launched in July and has already amassed 70 million users
• Short videos became the key trend for social media engagement as TikTok exploded in popularity

In this week's newsletter, I wanted to highlight some of the key trends happening in marketing right now that you should be aware of. I'll be breaking things down into simple takeaways that you can action.

Choose your platforms and stick to them

Maintaining accounts and posting regularly on multiple social apps can get exhausting. But consistency is still crucial for growth.

So businesses need to get selective about where they spend their time and energy. With new platforms popping up constantly, it's tempting to create accounts everywhere that seems cool or trendy.

But that scattershot approach rarely pays off. Far better to focus on one or two key platforms where you customers are based and develop a community and following.

TikTok Still Rising in Popularity - time to get an account?

The under-25 demographic continues to flock to TikTok and is spending a lot of time scrolling (an estimated 26 hours per month). TikTok now even outperforms Facebook in this age group. So for businesses targeting younger audiences, TikTok should now be a priority over some other channels. Video formats that entertain and feel authentic do best on TikTok, rather than more polished corporate videos. So get out your phone and just be yourself.

Offer Customer Support on Social Channels

Consumers expect ultra-fast response times when they reach out with an issue these days. Social media platforms provide that instant back-and-forth communication customers want. Businesses that reply quickly and empathetically on social channels make memorable impressions and build loyalty. So make sure your customers know that you are ready and available for any questions or concerns they have.

Moving Beyond Super Short Videos

For the past few years, social media creators and businesses have focused a lot on making very quick videos using popular audio clips and songs. This was a good strategy for getting more views and followers.

But in 2024, just hopping on viral audios won't be enough anymore. To stand out, people need to start making longer, more original videos too.

Instead of a basic 15-second dance or comedy sketch, we'll see more vlogs, commentaries, mini documentaries, tutorials and other videos that tell an interesting story. These more creative videos running 1-5 minutes long perform better and help channels grow their loyal fanbase.

Tap Into Nostalgia

In 2023 we saw an explosion of nostalgia on social media. Now Gen Z is bringing back 90's and early 2000's fashion in a big way. So, in 2024, businesses should tap into consumers' nostalgia for those eras.

Post throwback images and videos that remind people of their childhood and teen years. That vintage feel makes for instantly relatable, effective marketing these days.

So dust off those jelly shoes and slap bracelets! Whatever takes customers on a feels trip back to the days of Pokemon cards and Nickelodeon can capture attention. Don't miss out on this throwback wave.