Social Platform Predictions for 2024
With the end of the year in sight, we have our gaze firmly fixed on what lies ahead for the new year. Here Phia Folkes, Seed's social strategist, shares her latest insights for what social media managers should be keeping an eye on right now.
1. Social Platforms as New Search Engines
2024 will witness a paradigm shift with social media channels emerging as potent search engines. Platforms like TikTok are now integrating advanced search tools, making social SEO more critical than ever.
2. Longer Videos on the Rise
Short-form videos have been all the rage, but there's a growing appetite for videos lasting two to five minutes. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are expanding their horizons to accommodate this trend.
3. Direct Messaging: The New Engagement Hub
Engagement is moving away from public feeds and finding a home in direct messages (DMs). Brands should be ready to foster customer relationships in this more personal space. Remember that you should still be living out your brand experience at every touchpoint!
4. Shares Trump Likes
In the realm of engagement, shares are now the gold standard, surpassing likes and comments. A share reflects genuine interest and endorsement, making it a valuable metric for brands. Including this in your KPIs should be on your list in 2024.
5. Telegram: A New Social Contender
Telegram is gaining traction with its range of social features. Its rise signals the emergence of new platforms that brands should watch closely and we will continue to see more platforms emerge in the coming year.
6. LinkedIn's Professional Pivot
LinkedIn returns to its roots by prioritising professional content. It's a signal for brands to tailor their content to reflect expertise and industry insights. We've all seen the "this should probably be on Facebook post" well it looks like Linkedin thinks so too!
7. TikTok's Unabated Dominance
TikTok continues to dominate the social media landscape, with its engaging and creative short-form content captivating more users than ever. Entertainment is the name of the game!
8. SEO Takes Center Stage
Forget hashtags; 2024 is all about SEO. Optimising content for search within social media platforms is now essential for visibility. Spend time looking at ways of doing this.
9. The Essentiality of Video Captions
Captions on videos are no longer optional. They enhance engagement, aid in discoverability, and cater to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments.
10. Authenticity Reigns
Raw, genuine content is king. Audiences crave authenticity, and brands that deliver honest, unfiltered content will connect more deeply with their followers. For brands this can be hard to lean into but those that do will reap the benefits.
Stay tuned for more updates next month!