The Future of Social Media: Emerging Platforms and Trends to Watch in 2023

 

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Social media has revolutionized how we connect, communicate, and consume information. Over the past decade, social media platforms have become integral to our daily lives, influencing various aspects of society and business. As we look to the future, it's essential to explore the emerging platforms and trends that will shape the landscape of social media in 2023 and beyond. 

The expert social media marketing team at Bold x Collective is here to break it down for you. As a team specializing in the latest and trendiest platforms, we understand how the industry works and what type of content works best on each platform. In this blog, we will discuss the future of social media and the rise of new platforms, examine social media trends, and explore the implications of marketing strategies. Let's start with the basics!

When Did Social Media Become Popular?

Did you use social media in the early 2000s? If you say no, we'll give you some insight! Social media became popular in the early 2000s with the rise of platforms like Friendster, MySpace, and LinkedIn. These platforms introduced the concept of online networking and connecting with others in a virtual environment. However, the launch of Facebook in 2004 marked a significant turning point! Facebook quickly gained popularity and became the dominant social media platform, with millions of users worldwide. Since then, social media has continued to evolve, giving rise to various platforms and transforming how we interact and engage with content.

The Future of Social Media

The future of social media holds exciting possibilities as technology continues to advance. We've got so much to look out for, from TikTok's tremendous growth to the impact of artificial intelligence, using SEO keywords, and so much more. Let the expert team at Bold x Collective share some key trends and emerging platforms to watch out for in 2023:

Vertical Video and Stories: 

Popularized by platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories, vertical video content will continue to dominate social media. Users prefer the immersive and mobile-friendly nature of vertical videos, and businesses are adapting their content strategies to accommodate this trend. Expect more short-form, vertical video content across social media platforms, enabling users to create and share engaging content seamlessly and intuitively. This also includes popular social media platforms adapted to vertical video content, such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels and more. Vertical video is so in!

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): 

AR and VR technologies are becoming more accessible, allowing social media platforms to incorporate immersive experiences. AR filters, effects, and virtual try-on features enhance user engagement and provide unique opportunities for brands to showcase their products and services. Look for social media platforms integrating AR and VR elements to create interactive and memorable experiences, blurring the line between the physical and digital worlds.

Ephemeral Content: 

Do you have a specific niche that you're focused on? You'll want to read this. While major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will continue to dominate, niche social media platforms are starting to gain traction. These platforms cater to specific interests or communities, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals. Examples include Strava for fitness enthusiasts, Goodreads for book lovers, and Untappd for beer lovers. Brands targeting niche audiences should consider exploring these platforms for targeted marketing, as they offer a more focused and engaged user base.

Social Media Marketing Trends

In addition to emerging platforms, it's essential to keep an eye on what is currently trending: social media marketing trends. These trends will shape the future of brand engagement and customer interactions. Here are some must-watch trends in 2023 by the expert Bold x Collective team:

Influencer Marketing: 

We've all seen influencer marketing every day on social media! The trend is not going away anytime soon. Influencer marketing has become integral to social media strategies and will continue to evolve. Brands will focus on building long-term partnerships with influencers who align with their values and target audience. Micro-influencers will gain prominence with smaller but highly engaged followings as they offer niche expertise and authentic connections. Authenticity and genuine engagement will be critical in selecting influencers for brand collaborations.

Personalization and Hyper-Targeting: 

As social media platforms collect vast user data, brands can leverage this information to deliver highly personalized and targeted content. Personalization algorithms will become more sophisticated, allowing brands to tailor content based on user preferences, behaviours, and demographics. Hyper-targeted advertising will enable businesses to reach specific audience segments, enhancing conversion rates and ROI. Customized and personalized experiences will become the norm, providing users with relevant content and minimizing ad fatigue.

Social Commerce: 

The convergence of social media and e-commerce will continue to grow in 2023. Social media platforms will introduce more features that streamline the shopping experience, such as in-app checkout, product tagging, and shoppable posts. Brands can leverage social commerce to drive sales directly from social media platforms, reducing friction and enhancing the customer journey. Social media will evolve into a more seamless and integrated shopping destination, blurring the boundaries between discovery, engagement, and purchase.

Authentic and User-Generated Content: 

In an era of ad fatigue, consumers crave authenticity more than ever! Brands prioritizing user-generated content (UGC) and authentic storytelling will stand out. We can already see this trend growing tremendously on TikTok and Instagram. UGC encourages users to become brand advocates, generating organic content and increasing brand trust. Businesses will focus on fostering meaningful connections with their audience, leveraging UGC as a powerful marketing tool. By involving users in content creation and amplifying their voices, brands can build a community of loyal followers and tap into the power of social proof. Brands, this is your reminder to be authentic!

New Social Media Platforms to Look Out For

While established platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn continue to dominate the social media landscape, new platforms are emerging and gaining popularity. We recommend getting on these sooner rather than later! Here are some of our favourite social media platforms to watch in 2023:

Clubhouse:

Clubhouse is an audio-based social media platform that allows users to join virtual rooms and engage in live discussions on various topics. The platform gained significant attention in 2021 and continues to expand its user base. Brands can leverage Clubhouse to host industry-related discussions, thought leadership sessions, or Q&A sessions to connect with their audience more intimately and interactively. The audio-focused nature of the platform offers a unique opportunity for engaging in conversations and knowledge-sharing.

TikTok:

Have you tried using the famous platform TikTok? TikTok exploded in popularity over the past few years. The platform's short-form video format and algorithm-driven content recommendations have captivated users worldwide. Brands embrace TikTok to showcase creativity and participate in viral challenges and trends. TikTok's fast-paced and visually appealing nature allows brands to experiment with content formats and engage with a highly engaged and receptive audience.

Ready to Level Up Your Social Media Presence? 

The future of social media holds exciting opportunities for businesses to connect, engage, and build relationships with their target audience! As emerging platforms and trends shape the social media landscape in 2023, brands must stay agile and adapt their strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences. From the rise of vertical video and augmented reality to the emergence of niche social media platforms and the integration of social commerce, the future of social media promises endless possibilities for brands to thrive. By embracing these trends and platforms, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of social media innovation and ensure success in the digital realm.

If you need help figuring out where to start with social media, the Bold x Collective marketing team is here to help level up your social media presence. Our team consists of experienced strategists, marketers, content creators and community managers that are here to take your brand to the next level. Contact us to get started! 

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