Pack your virtual bags and fasten your digital seatbelts, dear readers! We're embarking on an exhilarating journey through the ever-changing landscape of social media. Just like a summer vacation filled with unexpected adventures, the second half of 2023 promises to be a thrilling ride. So grab your favorite beach hat, and let's dive into the waves of the latest social media trends. The underwater world however doesn't always work out as expected. So let's see how the predictions from the beginning of the year worked out - so far.
1. The Oasis of Authenticity
In the bustling bazaar of social media, authenticity is the refreshing oasis where users are quenching their thirst. Filters are out, and real, unfiltered content is in! It's a trend that's blooming like wildflowers in a desert, with platforms like Instagram embracing the natural appearance. Imperfections are celebrated, and candid conversations are the new norm. So, dear explorers, leave your digital makeup at home and embrace the raw beauty of social media's natural landscape.
2. Riding the TikTok Wave
Surf's up, and TikTok is the wave everyone's riding! This platform continues to be the star of the social media beach, especially among the energetic Gen Z surfers. From dance challenges to financial renaissance, TikTok is the place where trends are born and thrive. Grab your surfboard, and let's catch this wave together!
3. The Kingdom of Short Content
In the kingdom of social media, short and ephemeral content reigns supreme. Instagram Stories, Reels, and the new trend app BeReal are the royal family of this domain. Fleeting and exclusive, these formats are the crown jewels that keep users coming back for more. Hurry, dear travelers, the gates to this kingdom are always open, but the treasures inside are temporary! However, be aware King Youtube also likes long deep dive videos with quality content.
4. Exploring the Web3 Wilderness
Venture into the uncharted territories of web3, where cryptocurrencies and NFTs are the exotic flora and fauna. Instagram's younger generation is leading this expedition, exploring new ways of financial interaction and digital ownership. It's a wild and thrilling adventure, so grab your digital compass and join the exploration! - This is what one could have expected even at the end of 2022. However the NFT market crashed, nobody cares about the metaverse and even crypto is struggling. We don't necessarily say it's over but the hype has gone. Not every brand will need a virtual world, some do however need to claim their piece of land in this jungle.
5. The Cinematic World of Video Content
Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the cinematic world of video content, where emotions and information come to life. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are the Hollywood of social media, producing blockbuster content that captivates audiences. Whether it's a short Reel or a feature-length vlog, videos are the silver screen of the digital age.
6. Bridging Connections with Community
At the heart of our social media journey lies the bridge of community and connection. Platforms are fostering meaningful relationships, creating spaces for political participation, dating, and more. It's a bridge that connects diverse lands and cultures, a place where everyone can find their tribe. It's like a good restaurant in our holidays. The staff is friendly, they talk to you and play some football with your kids while taking the order. Social should be a place to enjoy, good engagement with your followers can do this and avoid the feeling of a black hole.
7. Blast Off with AR and VR
With all the fuzz about these two brothers, we would have recommended preparing for liftoff as we blast into the futuristic world of Augmented and Virtual Reality! With the power of 5G, social media is launching into new dimensions, revolutionizing the way we interact and experience content. Fasten your space helmets, dear astronauts, the future is here! And we actually still do. Not in the 90s Metaverse style but with content that makes sense and enlightens and enriches the life and work of your audiences. Especially AR can be and has proven to be a real game changer e.g. for the industrial service industry.
8. Blossoming Micro-Influencer Gardens
In the gardens of social media, micro-influencers are the blossoming flowers that add color and authenticity. They may not be the tallest trees, but their fragrance is genuine and captivating. Brands are tending to these gardens, nurturing relationships with micro-influencers for a more organic reach.
9. Global Responsibility and CSR
Our journey concludes with a visit to the sacred grounds of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Social media is not just a playground; it's a global village where companies are embracing sustainability and social topics. Employees are the village elders, guiding brands towards credibility and compassion.
Conclusion: The Sunset of a Thrilling Journey
2023, we reflect on a world that's vibrant, authentic, and ever-changing. From the oasis of naturalness to the futuristic realms of AR and VR, social media is a land of endless exploration.
So, dear readers, keep your virtual passports handy, for the adventure never truly ends. Winter is coming, the trends may change, and the waves may shift, but the excitement of discovery remains eternal. Until our next expedition, happy scrolling.
These are the travel diaries we were able to write from our clients and the brands we handle on social media. What are your experiences so far? Did we miss anything? Are your brands traveling to a different destination?