Let’s talk trends. And no - we’re not talking about the viral video you saw on TikTok or the dance you just can’t stop doing. We’re talking about real trends that’ll make or break your business regarding social media.
Because social media marketing is evolving. Instead of the one-liner updates, it’s diving deeper into the human psyche thanks to several new features and platforms.
So let’s talk about the top five social media trends to watch in 2022.
Shorter Video Content is King
We’re talking short-form vertical video, y’all. With the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, social media users are craving short, digestible videos. Not only is it a way to get your audience’s attention, but it’s a perfect way to grow your following too! Try keeping video content under a minute and make sure it tells a story.
Pro Tip: Make sure you add captions to your videos so everyone in your audience can enjoy them!
Self-Care, Boundaries, and Mental Health
COVID-19 has changed everything, including social media. During the lockdown, the world found itself using social media more to create some type of human connection. And while it gave us the ability to connect with the world, it also showed us the dark side of social media. More creators and brands started pushing for self-care, setting boundaries, and emphasizing mental health. If you have a product or service that aligns with self-care, make sure you focus on that. Remember that it’s all about positioning yourself to satisfy a need or want.
Pro Tip: Don’t just talk about self-care on social media. Make sure you’re practicing it too. Set boundaries for social media use and make sure you’re taking care of your mental health.
Emphasis on Diversity and Brand Accountability
With the rise of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement, we saw more and more businesses stepping forward and speaking out. This brought social media a renewed awareness, accountability, and a need for brands to diversify the makeup of their marketing.
While we disagree that diversity and inclusion should be a “trend,” we’re happy to see the shift. As a business, it’s essential to be aware of what’s happening globally. Just think - what if you share a meme or turn of phrase that clashes with a current event? It’s not a good look for you or your business.
Pro Tip: Being inclusive in your marketing is easy. Start by reflecting on the people who use your product or service and make sure they’re represented in your marketing efforts. It also never hurts to have a conversation with your audience, whether directly with your community or asking questions (or just listening) on social media.
It’s All About the Memes
Memes are king, y’all. They’ve had their moment since the early 2000s and show no signs of stopping anytime soon. Memes are a great way to engage with your audience, and in the grand scheme of graphic design - they’re easy to create.
Pro Tip: Try creating memes that speak directly to what you do or allow your biz to join a trending conversation.
No Filter? No Problem.
Remember that pristine and curated grid everyone was after on Instagram? That’s out, kids. Perfectly curated content is on the way out, and more authentic, slightly edited content is in. Both brands and creators are adopting videos and photos that are more “real-time,” providing a natural look on social media.
Pro Tip: Authenticity means being true to the “why” behind your brand. Make sure you go beyond the content you’re sharing and speak with a genuine brand voice.
