From the transformation of messaging apps, to the emergence of stunning augmented reality for immersive marketing experiences, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2019. Pay attention to these 4 social media trends to stay up-to-date and get ahead of the curve:
MESSAGING
2019 is the year of messaging. With the rise of dark social and ephemeral content, it’s clear that social media users are more comfortable communicating and sharing in channels beyond the public feed. Earlier this year, the New York Times reported that Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the technical infrastructure of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger to address this shift. What this will exactly look like or how it will be monetized is still anyone’s guess, but the shift is sure to change social media as we know it.
TIKTOK
TikTok is an easy-to-use video-based social platform reminiscent of Vine (R.I.P.) that allows users to integrate music and choose from a huge variety of filters and editing options. It has over 500 million monthly active users, the majority of whom are under 24. TikTok doesn’t have paid advertising yet, but brands are beginning to work through partnerships with the app and influencers to engage users in a number of challenges that have been known to go viral (Like the #InMyFeelingsChallenge based on the Drake song). Download the app right now to see why TikTok is taking the world by storm.
SOCIAL COMMERCE: INSTAGRAM
Instagram is quickly becoming the place to shop. The latest stats show at least 90 million instagrammers are engaging with brands every month to learn more about products. With an already well-integrated e-commerce set up, businesses can make full use of the mobile screen through Stories to provide customers with quick access to product information, and reach new users through the app’s Explore feature. Even better, a stand-alone IG Shopping app is on the way; if it’s anything like Instagram’s already-existing social commerce, IG Shopping will be a powerful tool to enhance your marketing funnel.
IMMERSIVE MARKETING
Both Augmented and Virtual Reality have been recurring topics over the past several years, but the introduction and widespread adoption of 5G will increase their relevance for marketers. Nike’s SNKRS app and IKEA Place are great examples of brands creating AR experiences to assist customers with their purchasing decisions. Creating immersive experiences for customers creates an opportunity for curious consumers to engage with products more willingly. Micah Jackson, CEO of Angeles Vista Creative Ventures, puts it best: “As people skip YouTube commercials, scroll past mobile ads, and stop watching live television, VR may be the only qualitative advertising platform.”