In the rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing, 2022 and 2023 have marked a significant shift in social media and a boost in accessible technology. These advancements have fundamentally altered our approach to marketing and digital communication.
As 2024 approaches, the evolution of marketing continues. The trends and developments observed in 2023 have laid the groundwork for what we can expect in the coming year. At The Cusp we’ve been following media updates closely, and here we have well-researched predictions for 2024’s social media landscape. These insights, far from speculative, are based on the latest industry trends, covering everything from innovative advertising methods to new content creation strategies and shifts in user engagement.
Here are our top 10 social media predictions for 2024, offering valuable insights for marketers, business owners, and social media enthusiasts eager to stay ahead in this ever-evolving domain.
- TikTok’s Push to ‘Search Engine
Gone are the days when TikTok was solely for entertainment. TikTok will try to find more ways to extend user behaviours, by incorporating sectors like food delivery and local business listings, that can be targeted to users with “Nearby” stream. - DM Advertising Transformation
Direct messaging is entering a new era, transcending personal communication. Advertisers will up-spend on DM advertising on in-app platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger; expect more personalised advertising directly into users’ inboxes with added creativity to make it memorable. - Facebook’s AI and Video Expansion
Facebook is significantly integrating AI and focusing on video content. TikTok has already begun experimenting with generative AI tools, including text-to-video translation tools and AI profile images. Meta will level up to compete. - Snapchat+ Expansion
Snapchat is upgrading to a premium model. This change promises exclusive features and content beyond its traditional offerings. - Blurring TikTok + E-Commerce (even more so)
TikTok has already integrated in-stream shopping features, blending e-commerce with social media. Users can shop while engaging with content, expect this to intensify a step towards seamless multi-tasking – ever more popular. - More Large-Scale LinkedIn Digital Networking
LinkedIn is transforming networking with virtual events and video streams. This approach aims to make professional connections more accessible and less constrained by physical boundaries. - Pinterest’s AR Try-Ons
Pinterest is advancing in augmented reality, particularly in virtual try-ons. This feature aims to enhance the online shopping experience with a more interactive and realistic approach. - Rise of Multi-functional ‘Everything Apps’
The trend towards ‘Everything Apps’ is growing, with apps offering diverse services from shopping to job hunting. This shift reflects a move towards more integrated digital experiences, ‘X’ seems to be the channel that most desire to be this ‘everything’. - ‘Shorts’ Resurgence of ‘Long-Form’ Video
Long-form video content is regaining popularity following a surge of ‘shorts’ rollouts, challenging the dominance of short-form videos. This trend indicates a diversifying content preference among users. - Powerful Authenticity in Content
Authenticity is becoming increasingly valued in social media content. This trend highlights a shift towards real-life and relatable sellable content to sit beside staged content. Surge of strategy, particularly within tourism, lifestyle, food & drinks and beauty industries.
And there you have it, The Cusp’s social media predictions of 2024 in a nutshell. It’s a mix of new tech, more personalised routes for marketing and making buying decisions while scrolling.