Which Social Media Trends are Driving Success in 2016?

We’re already a couple of months into 2016, and the year hasn’t disappointed - at least in terms of digital media. While it can be challenging to keep on top of the latest trends, one thing is for certain: social platforms look for ways to capitalize on the newest developments. For instance, Snapchat has become hugely popular with the millennial crowd, which has led brands to be more interested in advertising on the social app.

As we move further along into 2016, keep on the lookout for these social media trends that are driving success as we speak.

More Precise Targeting

One of the main reasons why brands market to the 18-34 year-old demographic (which in today’s case is the highly sought after millennials) is because they are going through significant lifestyle events, such as buying a home or having a baby. Understandably, these life-altering events affect their purchasing habits.

Also, because this age group hasn’t formed strong brand loyalty ties, they are more open to hearing about new products. If brands can target them at the right time, they’re more likely to earn the person’s loyalty.

What this means for your brand is that you need to collect and study behavioral data to better understand your audience. This way, you can deliver highly customized content at the right time, when people are more likely to be interested in your product.

User Generated Content

Brands know that their customers are some of the biggest assets they have. That’s why they have found a creative, new way to pull them in: user generated content. This content is written by influencers and can have a huge impact on prospective buyers. It can include any type of content such as videos, chats, tweets, blogs, discussion forums, etc.

Thanks to social media, user generated content has a great platform that can reach a lot of people. Influencers enjoy having their voice heard, and prospective buyers appreciate the honest feedback. It’s a win-win.

Content Presented in Real Time

Thanks to streaming apps like Snapchat and Periscope, and more up-to-date news available with Twitter Moments, the demand for real-time content has increased. People don’t care to hear about news or important events after the fact. They want to find out things as they’re happening.

If you want your brand to be relevant, live broadcasting is an important tool to keep in your arsenal. Obviously, some brands are built to share real-time news while others have to be more creative. No matter what industry you’re in, start by sharing regularly updated content. If you can tie your content into trending topics, you’re naturally placing yourself in the conversation.

Immersive Content

The millennials love interacting with micro-video and GIFs. In fact, cinemagraphs see 60% more engagement than static images. That’s why platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google are fighting for more content in this form. For example, Facebook and Google have added 360-degree video capabilities.

Expect to see more immersive content on your favorite social networks. They’re pushing for this type of content by making it easier to create it, while young consumers are eating it up.

Messaging Apps and Emojis

Messaging apps are hot. They provide quick, simple ways for people to connect with others, host group chats, make a phone call or send money. Messaging apps also integrate emojis and stickers, which young consumers love for expressing how they feel. Aside from some of the great messaging apps that are out there, you may have also noticed that Facebook Messenger has added Gif Apps to encourage users to create more interactive expressions.

Conclusion

There you have it! Some of the game-changing social media trends that are already driving success in 2016. Of course, things change quickly, so don’t get too caught up in the details. Take the main points from these trends and move forward. As long as you understand the need for highly targeted content offered in real-time, as well as more immersive and expression-driven content that is simple and fun, your social media marketing strategy will succeed!