The Best 20 Trends for Social Media in 2024
The trends for social media in 2024 reflect the rapid shifts in how we engage with content, how platforms are used, and how brands can reach their audiences. As we move into 2024, several key trends for social media are poised to shape the way we interact online.This year, the focus is on authenticity, personalization, and the innovative use of emerging technologies.
Social media is an ever-changing landscape, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for brands, marketers, and influencers. This article dives deep into the top 20 trends you need to watch out for, supported by data and expert insights.
1. Text-Only Posts Are the Sleeper Hit of the Year
In a world dominated by visuals, text-only posts are making a surprising comeback, especially on X (formerly Twitter). These posts allow users to focus on the message without the distraction of images or videos, leading to deeper engagement.
Example:
X remains dominant, with users appreciating the simplicity and directness of text-based posts, often resulting in higher engagement for meaningful content.
Source: Sprout Social: Text-Only Posts Are Back
2. Social Platforms as Search Engines
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are becoming the new search engines for Gen Z. Users are bypassing Google and heading straight to these platforms for product reviews, tutorials, and recommendations.
Example:
TikTok’s search functionality is increasingly being used to find everything from beauty tips to travel advice, making it a critical platform for brands targeting younger demographics.
Source: HubSpot: Social Media as Search Engines
3. The Comeback of Longer Videos
Short-form content may have dominated recent years, but there’s a growing demand for longer videos that offer more in-depth information and storytelling. Platforms like YouTube are leading this resurgence, with algorithms favoring longer, engaging content.
Example:
Creators on YouTube are finding success with videos that are 10 minutes or longer, catering to audiences looking for more detailed and immersive experiences.
Source: YouTube Trends Report
4. Engagement Shifts from Feeds to DMs
Public feeds are no longer the primary engagement space. Instead, users are moving to private direct messages (DMs) for more intimate and personalized interactions. Brands are increasingly focusing on direct, one-on-one communication strategies.
Example:
Brands on Instagram are leveraging DMs to build deeper relationships with their audience, offering personalized recommendations and exclusive offers.
Source: Social Media Today: The Rise of DMs
5. Shares Overtake Likes, Comments, and Followers
In 2024, shares have become a more important metric than likes, comments, or followers. This trend underscores the value of content that resonates so strongly with users that they feel compelled to share it with their networks.
Example:
Content on Facebook that garners high shares often achieves greater visibility and impact, leading to more organic reach and engagement.
Source: Buffer: The Power of Social Shares
6. Telegram’s Rise as the Next Super App
Telegram is emerging as a potential super app, offering a range of services beyond messaging, including channels, bots, and e-commerce capabilities. This positions it as a versatile platform for users and brands alike.
Example:
Telegram’s growth is driven by its robust privacy features and its expanding ecosystem, which allows users to do much more than just chat.
Source: Telegram Growth Stats
7. The Fediverse: A Glimpse into the Future
The Fediverse, a collection of interconnected but independently hosted social networks, represents the future of decentralized social media. While it’s not mainstream yet, it’s gaining traction among those who prioritize privacy and control.
Example:
Mastodon, one of the leading platforms in the Fediverse, is seeing increased adoption as users seek alternatives to traditional social media giants.
Source: Fediverse Explained
8. The Era of the Photo Dump
On platforms like Instagram, the carefully curated grid is giving way to more casual, authentic photo dumps. Users are sharing multiple images at once, reflecting a more laid-back approach to social media posting.
Example:
Instagram users are increasingly posting photo dumps—a series of unrelated images in one post—often to share their experiences more authentically.
Source: Instagram User Trends
9. LinkedIn’s Shift from Personal to Professional Content
LinkedIn is shifting its focus back to professional content, moving away from the more personal updates that have dominated in recent years. This shift is making the platform more appealing to Gen Z, who are increasingly using it for networking and job hunting.
Example:
LinkedIn is prioritizing content related to industry insights, career advice, and professional achievements, resonating with young professionals.
Source: LinkedIn Content Strategy
10. TikTok Shop and the Re-Emergence of Authenticity
TikTok Shop is sparking a new emphasis on authenticity in influencer marketing. Users prefer genuine recommendations over polished ads, leading to more organic and relatable content.
Example:
TikTok Shop allows creators to sell directly within the app, promoting products they truly use and love, which resonates better with their audiences.
Source: TikTok Shop Insights
11. BeReal Strategies Are No Longer Essential
The once-trendy app BeReal, which encourages users to post unfiltered moments, is losing steam as its novelty wears off. Brands no longer feel the pressure to create specific strategies for this platform.
Example:
Many brands have shifted their focus back to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where their audience engagement remains stronger.
Source: BeReal’s Decline
12. TikTok: The Birthplace of Video Trends
TikTok continues to be the birthplace of viral video trends. Brands are increasingly turning to TikTok to identify and capitalize on emerging trends before they spread to other platforms.
Example:
The #BookTok trend, where users share book recommendations on TikTok, has not only driven sales but also created a whole new community around reading.
Source: TikTok Video Trends
13. The Unhinged Social Media Manager Calms Down
The era of the “unhinged” social media manager, known for their bold and unconventional posts, is calming down. Brands are returning to a more measured, strategic approach that balances creativity with professionalism.
Example:
Wendy’s, known for its sassy Twitter presence, has begun to adopt a more balanced tone, blending humor with more traditional brand messaging.
Source: Social Media Manager Trends
14. The Metaverse: Not Quite Here Yet
Despite the hype, social media isn’t moving fully into the metaverse just yet. While platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) are investing heavily in virtual reality, widespread adoption is still a few years away.
Example:
Meta’s Horizon Worlds is an early attempt at creating a social metaverse, but its user base remains relatively small compared to more traditional platforms.
Source: The Metaverse’s Progress
15. AI Becomes the Social Media Manager’s Best Friend
AI tools are becoming indispensable for social media managers, helping with everything from content creation to scheduling and analytics. This trend is leading to more efficient workflows and better-targeted content.
Example:
Tools like ChatGPT and Hootsuite’s AI integrations are enabling social media managers to automate routine tasks and focus on strategy.
Source: AI in Social Media Management
16. YouTube Shorts: A Must-Use Platform
YouTube Shorts, the platform’s answer to TikTok, is becoming essential for brands and creators. With its growing user base and integration into YouTube’s ecosystem, Shorts is a powerful tool for reaching younger audiences.
Example:
Brands are using YouTube Shorts to create quick, engaging content that complements their longer videos, driving more traffic to their channels.
Source: YouTube Shorts Guide
17. Social Media’s Role in Customer Service
Social media is increasingly being used as a primary channel for customer service. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook Messenger allow brands to provide real-time support, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
Example:
Many companies, like Delta Airlines, use Twitter as a customer service channel, responding to inquiries and resolving issues quickly.
Source: Social Media for Customer Service
18. Cross-Platform Marketing Continues to Grow
Cross-platform marketing, where brands create campaigns that span multiple social media channels, is growing. This approach allows brands to reach wider audiences and reinforce their messaging across different platforms.
Example:
Brands like Nike create integrated campaigns that simultaneously run on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, ensuring consistent messaging across all touchpoints.
Source: Cross-Platform Marketing Strategies
19. Preparing for the Future of Social Media
The future of social media will be shaped by technological advancements, shifting user preferences, and the growing importance of privacy. Brands that stay agile and adapt to these trends will thrive.
Example:
As AI and AR/VR technologies advance, we can expect more immersive and personalized social media experiences, changing how users interact with brands.
Source: Future Social Media Trends
Read more:
How to Make Money on Social Media: Actionable Strategies and Tips
20. Tips for leveraging the top 20 social media trends in 2024 effectively:
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Embrace Simplicity with Text-Only Posts
- Tip: Use text-only posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to communicate clear, concise messages. Test different formats, like questions or bold statements, to see what resonates best with your audience.
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Optimize Content for Social Search
- Tip: Treat platforms like TikTok and Instagram as search engines by using relevant keywords, hashtags, and engaging thumbnails to make your content more discoverable.
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Create In-Depth, Longer Videos
- Tip: Balance short-form content with longer videos that dive deeper into topics. Use these videos to build trust and provide substantial value to your audience on platforms like YouTube.
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Engage Through Direct Messages
- Tip: Encourage your followers to connect with you via DMs for more personalized interaction. Use automated tools to manage and respond to these messages efficiently.
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Prioritize Content that Encourages Sharing
- Tip: Focus on creating shareable content by tapping into emotional storytelling, trending topics, or offering valuable tips that users feel compelled to share.
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Leverage Telegram’s Growing Features
- Tip: Explore Telegram’s features such as channels and bots to engage your audience in unique ways. Consider using Telegram for exclusive content or community-building efforts.
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Stay Informed About the Fediverse
- Tip: Keep an eye on the growth of decentralized social networks like Mastodon. While still niche, it’s worth experimenting with if your audience values privacy and control.
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Adopt a Casual Posting Style with Photo Dumps
- Tip: Use photo dumps on Instagram to share a collection of moments or experiences in one post. This can make your brand appear more authentic and relatable.
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Adjust Content Strategy on LinkedIn
- Tip: Shift your focus on LinkedIn back to professional content, such as industry insights, company achievements, and career advice, especially if targeting Gen Z professionals.
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Authenticity in TikTok Shop
- Tip: When selling on TikTok Shop, prioritize authenticity. Showcase how you genuinely use the products, and avoid overly polished ads to maintain trust with your audience.
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Assess the Need for a BeReal Strategy
- Tip: If you’re currently investing in BeReal, reconsider whether it aligns with your brand’s goals, as its relevance may be declining.
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Ride the Wave of TikTok Video Trends
- Tip: Stay active on TikTok by quickly adopting emerging video trends. Use these trends as an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality and creativity.
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Balance Creativity with Professionalism
- Tip: While creativity is crucial, ensure that your brand’s tone remains consistent and professional across all platforms, especially if you’ve previously embraced a more “unhinged” style.
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Monitor the Progress of the Metaverse
- Tip: Stay informed about developments in the metaverse, but don’t rush in. Start experimenting with small virtual reality projects to prepare for future possibilities.
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Integrate AI into Your Workflow
- Tip: Use AI tools to streamline content creation, analyze performance data, and optimize your social media strategy. These tools can save time and enhance your output.
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Use YouTube Shorts for Quick Engagement
- Tip: Create content for YouTube Shorts to capture the attention of younger audiences. Repurpose existing content into bite-sized, engaging videos to maximize reach.
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Enhance Customer Service via Social Media
- Tip: Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook Messenger as customer service channels. Ensure that responses are timely and personalized to improve customer satisfaction.
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Implement Cross-Platform Campaigns
- Tip: Design integrated campaigns that work across multiple social media platforms. Tailor your message for each platform but maintain a consistent overall theme.
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Stay Agile and Ready for Change
- Tip: Social media is rapidly evolving, so stay agile and be ready to pivot your strategies as new trends emerge. Keep experimenting and learning to stay ahead.
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Invest in Future-Proof Strategies
- Tip: Focus on building long-term relationships with your audience by creating valuable, engaging content that adapts to changing trends and technologies.
FAQs: The Best 20 Trends for Social Media in 2024
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Why are text-only posts gaining popularity in 2024?
- Text-only posts offer a refreshing break from the visually heavy content that dominates social media, allowing users to focus on the message itself. This simplicity often leads to higher engagement for meaningful content.
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How can brands leverage the trend of social platforms as search engines?
- Brands should optimize their content for discovery on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, using relevant hashtags, keywords, and engaging visuals that cater to users’ search behaviors.
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Why is Telegram being considered a potential super app?
- Telegram’s versatile features, including channels, bots, and privacy-focused messaging, are expanding its use beyond simple communication, making it a potential super app.