Each year comes with a new batch of social media trends and experiments. In 2016 we saw one channel shamelessly copying another’s platform and users finding new ways to better engage on old channels. In just a couple of weeks, it will be a new year with brand new trends. Here’s what we’re predicting will be hot on social media in 2017:
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Live Streaming: YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Periscope, you name it. In 2016, video streaming content went from zero to 100, and we don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon. Think of how you can use live streaming at special events, or even as a weekly occurrence, to reach fans.
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Beyond the Post: Content that lives on your feed forever is no longer the only post in town. With the introduction of Instagram Stories and the continued rise of Snapchat, we see temporary content playing a major role in 2017. If you have Instagram, make use of the Story feature to personalize your brand, and if you don’t have Snapchat, it may be time to jump on the disappearing content bandwagon, providing that’s where your audience spends time.
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Influencer Marketing: Brands have a new best friend, and they’re called social influencers. Whether they’re bloggers, YouTubers or Instagram stars, you can reach your target audience and drive sales just by persuading influencers to mention your product or service. It’s traditional word of mouth amplified and then some. Look for ways to reach out to influencers, both paid and organic, in 2017.
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Pay-to-Play: It’s no secret that algorithms make it difficult to get organic content in front of users’ eyes. Yes, we’re talking to you, Facebook and Instagram. In order to get in the game, putting money behind your post is pretty much necessary at this point. We expect 2017 to be the year of not paying for followers, but paying for your content to be shown on followers’ timelines.
What trends do you expect to see on the rise in 2017? What was your favorite social trend of 2016? Talk with us in the comment section below.