4 Social Media Trends You Need to Focus on in 2022
We’re already 11 days into the new year and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the trend forecasting. Some are obvious, some seem like a reach, and some are just downright confusing. But, don’t fear! We’ve been monitoring how social is going across a variety of industries and have 4 trends we’ll be focusing on (at least in Q1) of 2022.
Here are the top 4 social media trends we’re focusing on for our clients:
Short Form Video
If you think your audience isn’t on TikTok and you can continue to ignore it, you’re already behind. TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform with millions of visitors every single day, and it’s not just Gen Alpha and Gen Z on there. In 2020, it was predicted that Gen X would be using TikTok just as much as Gen Z and that absolutely came true.
So, how do you maximize your reach on TikTok?
Experts believe posting often (2-3x a day) and being very specific with your hashtags is the way to grow - and we agree! We launched a client’s TokTok account in June of last year and quickly watched as their followers grew to over 1,200 in one month. As we refine their strategy and continue to create new video content, we’re seeing steady growth on their hyper-specific videos over general informational posts.
The return of the Chronological Feed
Did you hear the news? Instagram is returning to a chronological feed for one of their new feed options! This is exciting for people who feel they miss seeing posts from friends - but it will present a whole new challenge for marketers. For years, many have stopped monitoring when to post because the key metric was getting engagement but this feed style will put a splinter in that plan moving forward. Posting times and getting engagement will now be more important than ever.
We recommend your marketing team be constantly monitoring your metrics and testing times to post so you can adjust quickly to the changes.
Social Commerce
Social commerce isn’t new in 2022 - but it’s changing and growing quickly. We agree with the experts who anticipate it quickly becoming the mainstream form of shopping this year. Brands and businesses are seeing extreme growth in commerce through integrating their e-commerce platforms with social media channels and leveraging influencer marketing.
Instagram Checkout makes it easier than ever for brands to advertise and sell their products directly through the platform in their stories, Reels, and feed posts, and Tik Tok is has changed the game for influencers and Tik Tok Shopping.
Social Advertising
In 2021, Social Media Advertising use was up 93.5% - and that isn’t going to slow down just because we may be going back to ‘normal’. We will continue to see that rise into 2022 and your marketing team will need to be vigilant and smarter with ad budgets, audiences, and personalized creative.
