From TikTok Takeover to AI Power: Navigate Social Media Trends & Dominate in 2024

Social media isn't just for cat videos anymore (although, those are still pretty epic). It's the digital town square where billions of people are scrolling, chatting, and shopping every single day. 

We're talking about a mind-blowing 4.5 billion people worldwide on social media platforms according to Sprout Social. 

Young people clock in at almost three and a half hours a day. But it's not just them! Studies by Pew Research also show that adults of all ages are using social media, with those between 30-49 reporting similar usage rates of around 80%, while usage dips slightly for those 50-64 and even more for those 65 and older.

But with so much competition, how do you make your brand stand out from the crowd? How do you avoid getting lost in the endless scroll? 

Why Ignoring These Trends Could Cost You Big

Buckle up, because we're about to drop some serious knowledge bombs on the hottest social media trends you need to know in 2024.

So, what does this mean for businesses? Social media is THE place to be. Like, literally, companies are expected to spend a whopping $76 billion on social media advertising in the US alone in 2024.

But here's the thing, there are SO many platforms, it's hard to keep up. #FOMO

Where's Everyone Hanging Out Online?

Platforms come and go faster than you can say "fleeting content." The key is to be on the ones where your audience is. 

Facebook is still the OG with over 3 billion monthly users, followed by YouTube, Insta, and TikTok is hot on everyone’s heels.  But there's a whole universe of other apps with millions of users too, like WeChat, Snapchat, X, Pinterest, and the list goes on. Each app has a different vibe and attracts a different crowd, so you gotta figure out where your people are hanging out.

Social Media: The New Search Engine

Forget Google, social media is where it's at for finding stuff these days.

We're talking reviews, recommendations, and even straight-up product searches. It's all there.

And guess what? We trust real people more than some boring website. That's why a YouTube review of a restaurant is way more lit than the restaurant's website that just brags about itself.

Even Google is getting more social, with all the videos and stuff popping up in search results.

The new SEO is all about using the right keywords (not just hashtags) on social media posts to get discovered.

Shopping on Social Media? YASSSS

Move over, Amazon. Social media is where it's at for shopping too. 

Places like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shop, and TikTok Shop are blowing up for buying stuff. 

It's all about connecting with brands and having fun while you shop. 

That's where influencers come in. We listen to the people we follow online, and a whopping 72% of Millennials and Gen Z follow influencers. But people of all ages trust recommendations from people they follow online. Influencers are basically the new word-of-mouth marketing, and it's a huge trend.

And guess what? A crazy 89% of companies that marketed through influencers in 2023 increased or maintained their investments.

Ready to Level Up Your Social Media Playbook? Discover Proven Strategies to Boost Engagement, Attract Followers, and Drive Real Results!

So, understanding your target audience's demographics will help you identify the right influencers to partner with and reach the people who matter most to your brand.

AI is Taking Over Social Media (But in a Good Way)

AI is everywhere these days, and social media is no exception. It's helping us with everything from managing ads to creating content and even figuring out what posts will do well. 

AI is also revolutionizing content marketing by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict what content resonates with audiences and even automating some content creation tasks to free up human creativity for strategic thinking.

Imagine never having to stress about posting at the right time again. AI can help with that. And it's only going to get bigger in 2024.

Building a Crew: How to Win at Social Media

We love connecting with brands, but we want to see the real you, not some boring corporate facade. That's why video content is king. We'd rather see real people behind the scenes than a fancy website. Building a social media community is key to growing your brand. But it's not about just throwing stuff out there. We want to see meaningful content and real interaction.

Respond to comments, answer questions, and run contests to keep things interesting Basically, be a friend online. Building a community takes work, but it can boost your brand loyalty and make you a social media rockstar.

Wrapping It All Up

Here are some other trends to watch out for:

Private Messaging is the New Black

We're all about DMs, groups, and personalized content. Figure out how to connect with us on a more private level.

The Rise of Long-Form Video: Buckle Up!

Social media might be known for lightning-fast trends, but there's a surprising shift happening: long-form video is making a comeback. Forget the 15-second limit – audiences are craving in-depth content, engaging stories, and deeper connections with brands. Buckle up, because this trend offers massive opportunities for those who embrace it!

Remember, the key is understanding your audience and what makes them tick. Now go forth and dominate the social media world!

Ready to Level Up Your Social Media Playbook? Discover Proven Strategies to Boost Engagement, Attract Followers, and Drive Real Results!