How to Prepare for the Future of Social Media

It’s hard to believe that social media has only been around for about a decade and a half. In that time, it has fundamentally changed the way we interact with one another – and not always for the better.

Today, it’s hard to find a business without a social media marketer on the clock. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are continuing to grow, increasingly offering features that help businesses connect with customers and prospects, reach more people, build relationships, and generate leads and sales. 

So what does the future hold for social media?

• Younger users
• Virtual Reality
• Mobile first
• Web 3.0
• More accurate algorithms
• Visual content
• Wrap-up

Younger users

While social media platforms have been around for many years, they continue to evolve and change. In particular, social media sites are targeting younger demographic groups more aggressively than ever before.

One reason for this is that younger demographic groups are some of the heaviest social media users. They spend a lot of time on these platforms, and are more likely to engage with the content that is posted.

Additionally, younger people are often more trusting of social media content, and more likely to share their personal information. As a result, popular social media sites are increasingly targeting these groups with new features and products that appeal to them.

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. There are several reasons why it has been so successful in targeting this demographic.

For one, the platform is extremely user-friendly and intuitive. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, and users can create content with just a few taps. Additionally, TikTok offers a wide range of content options, from funny videos and memes to dance challenges and educational content. This variety helps to keep users engaged, and it also means that there is something for everyone on the platform.

It’s also worth noting that TikTok is highly addictive, with many users spending hours scrolling through their feeds each day. This is likely due to the platform’s use of algorithms that show users content that they are likely to find interesting or engaging. Users keep going back looking for that dopamine kick an entertaining video can provide.

As a result, TikTok is expected to continue growing at an extraordinary rate, with some estimates suggesting that it will reach 1.8 billion monthly active users by the end of 2022.

There’s also some evidence of another social media trend, which is going away from search engines in favour of TikTok. This way of searching is increasingly more popular among Gen Z.

How to prepare

• Understand that social media is the new way of communicating and engaging with customers – businesses must have a social media presence to reach out to younger customers. Any unified communications solutions businesses use to unite all their communications include social media channels because they are essential to attract new customers and prevent miscommunications that negatively impact customer experience.
• Be aware of the types of content that are popular among younger demographics, and post accordingly.
• Use social media apps to actively engage with younger customers and foster dialogue.
• Stay up to date with changes to the social media landscape and adapt your strategies as needed.

Read also: The Best TikTok Monitoring Tools

Virtual Reality

In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz around Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies have the potential to change the way we interact with the world and each other.

While VR has been used mostly for gaming and entertainment, AR has gained a lot of traction on social media. Platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram are using AR filters to engage users and create new ways for people to connect.

It’s no secret that virtual reality is becoming more and more sophisticated. What was once a niche technology is now being developed by some of the biggest companies in the world, and the potential applications of the virtual world are almost limitless.

As technology continues to evolve, the line between virtual reality and “real” reality will likely become increasingly blurred.

Some experts believe that VR will eventually become a mainstream part of our lives, used for everything from education and training to entertainment and social interaction.

There are many potential uses for VR technology, but some of the most exciting possibilities are in the field of education. For example, with VR, students could be transported to different historical periods or geographical locations, allowing them to experience history in an immersive way.

VR could also be used to simulate dangerous situations, giving people the opportunity to learn how to handle them without putting themselves in real danger.

How to prepare

• Develop branded filters for VR and AR applications that can be used on social platforms.
• Design a marketing strategy that focuses on using VR and AR technologies to promote the brand.
• Train your social media manager on how to use VR and AR technologies for marketing purposes.
• Monitor social media platforms for mentions of VR and AR technologies to stay ahead of new trends.
• Be careful of fake news as with the rise of AI, there is more and more traps to fall into.

Mobile first

With over three billion people around the world using social media, it’s no surprise that businesses are focusing their attention on mobile-first social media. After all, 99% of social media users access social networks exclusively on mobile devices!

Mobile-first social media is growing for many reasons.

First, mobile phones are more convenient than desktop computers, making it easy for people to consume content on the go.

Second, they have smaller screens and require less scrolling, making it easier for users to find the information they’re looking for.

Third, they are heavily used by the younger demographic which often comprises the majority of platforms’ total user base.

Finally, mobile-first social media platforms are designed to work well with other mobile apps, such as messaging and payment apps, making them more useful for users.

With its convenience, ease of use, and integrated functionality, it’s no wonder that mobile-first social media is on the rise.

How to prepare

• A website that is easy to navigate on a mobile device will ensure that customers can view your products and services no matter where they are.
• Make sure your site appears when someone searches for related keywords on a smartphone.
• Use ads that are specifically formatted for mobile devices to reach more consumers.
• Create branded content designed for them, for instance, short vertical videos.

Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is the next stage of the internet’s development, and it’s decentralized. That means there’s no one company or organization in control – instead, power is distributed among users.

This shift is being driven by blockchain technology, which underlies cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Put simply, blockchain is a decentralized ledger that records transactions in a secure and tamper-proof way. This makes it ideal for handling sensitive data, and it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for the internet.

For example, decentralized applications (dApps) can run on a blockchain without needing to rely on a central server. This could make the internet more resistant to censorship and more privacy-friendly. Web 3.0 is still in its early days, but it’s growing fast as more and more people recognize the benefits of decentralization.

How to prepare

At this point, there’s not much you can do except for learning the ins and outs of Web 3.0 and how it could be used.

More accurate algorithms

It’s no secret that social media platforms have been under fire in recent years for their handling of user data. In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, many people have become more wary of how their personal information is being used by these companies.

As a result, there has been a growing demand for more accurate algorithms and more personalized content. Social media companies are beginning to respond to these concerns, and we can expect to see more changes in the coming years. For example, Facebook has revamped its news feed algorithm to prioritize content from friends and family over commercial content. This will likely lead to a more personalized user experience, as people will see more posts that are relevant to their interests.

Furthermore, we can expect to see more AI-powered features that will help to surface content that is most relevant to each individual user. So while the future of social media may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with potential. We can expect to see more innovative features and a greater focus on personalization in the years to come.

How to prepare

• Make sure your content is high quality and relevant to your target audience. Generic or irrelevant content is less likely to be shown in users’ feeds.
• Engage with your audience regularly. The more you interact with users, the more likely you are to appear in their feeds.
• Use relevant hashtags and keywords. This will help users find your content, and it will also give the algorithm a better idea of what your content is about.
• Monitor your analytics. This will help you see what’s working and what isn’t so you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Be patient. It takes time to crack the code on algorithm changes. Don’t expect immediate results; instead, focus on long-term success.

Visual content

It’s no secret that social media has become increasingly visual in recent years. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have built their entire business models around sharing photos and videos, and even on Facebook and Twitter, visuals take the center stage. There are a number of reasons for this shift in internet culture.

First, visual content is simply more engaging than text-based content. Studies have shown that people are far more likely to remember information if it is presented in a visual format and that photos and videos are more likely to generate an emotional response than written posts.

Additionally, the rise of mobile devices has made sharing visuals much easier than it used to be. In the past, posting a photo or video required finding a computer, downloading the file, and then uploading it to a website or social media platform. Now, users can simply take a photo or record a video on their phone and share it instantly with their friends and followers.

As a result of these factors, social media platforms have become increasingly reliant on visual content, and users can expect to see even more photos and videos in their feeds in the near future.

Businesses need to embrace this trend and make sure that their content strategy includes a healthy mix of visuals. In addition to traditional photos and videos, businesses should also experiment with other types of visual content, such as infographics, vector graphics, GIFs, presentation slides and live streams.

TikTok, for one, is becoming an increasingly prominent platform for short-form videos, and businesses would be wise to create content for this platform as well. By experimenting with different types of visual content, businesses can reach a wider audience and generate more engagement.

Read more about content marketing.

How to prepare

• Invest in high-quality cameras and equipment. This will help you to create visuals that stand out from the crowd and grab attention.
• Hire a professional photographer or videographer. They will know how to capture your products and services in the best light possible.
• Create a visually appealing website. Make sure that your website is designed in a way that makes it easy for visitors to find and view your visual content.
• Put more emphasis on user-generated content. Try featuring some of your customers on your website or social platform.

Wrap-up

As social media continues to evolve, businesses need to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. In the future, social media managers will need to focus on community building and influencer marketing. By creating online communities, businesses will be able to connect with their target audiences on a more personal level. And by partnering with social media influencers, businesses will be able to reach a wider audience and tap into new markets. So, if you want to stay ahead of the social media game, start planning your strategy now.