Needless to say, 2017 was a big year for social media. Various platforms continue to shape our culture and change the way we perceive and communicate information. Each year, social media trends continue to evolve, prosper, or die at alarming rates, and it’s crucial for social media marketing to keep up and stay ahead of the curve. In order to accomplish this, let’s take a glance at some of the biggest social media trends in 2017. By learning from them, we’ll be able to build a road map of 2018 and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s see how 2017 changed social media marketing.
Videos, Videos Everywhere
If you don’t think videos have become widespread over the past year, just take a look at your social media feeds. Videos have dominated every platform and for good reason, they’re engaging. According to AMA.org, 85% of all social media traffic will incorporate some sort of video by 2019 and will be the largest growing ad type with over $28 billion in ad spend. Compared to images, videos are much more engaging and have incredible click-through rates. In short, it’s more bang for your buck. Even Boomerangs, which are 1-second video loops, receive incredible engagement compared to static images and are easy and cost-efficient to produce. Next time you want to share your company’s culture on Instagram, consider snapping a quick and easy Boomerang!
Live Videos
Okay, didn’t we just talk about videos? Yes, yes we did, but live videos are in a league of their own. Nearly every popular platform has begun to implement live videos and their engagement is staggering. It also helps that many platforms, most notably Facebook, will send out push notifications telling your followers when to tune in. In reference to Livestream.com, 80% of audiences prefer watching a live video than reading a blog, which means you’re far more likely to watch a live video about social media in 2017 than read this blog (sigh). They’ve also shaped the way we receive our news. Over 60% of watched live videos are news related. Whether you’re catching up on recent events or getting updates on the current administration, you can be confident you’re getting the most up-to-date information. Indeed, the revolution will not only be televised, it will be live!
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is taking social media by storm. Since the birth of powerful video platforms like YouTube, everyday people have been able to gain followers and make a significant impact on our culture. And these trusted figures have an even bigger impact when they produce sponsored content. Marketing is changing. Audiences are getting drowned in traditional and digital ads. Influencer marketing allows brands to cut through the noise with individuals who have built a rapport with an audience over time. According to Dreamgrow.com, 49% of Twitter users make decisions based on an influencer’s suggestion. Coupled with video platforms, influencer marketing has become financial boon over the past year and it shows no signs of stopping.
At Versa Creative, a Houston advertising agency, we specialize in creating engaging content and digital ads for social media. If you?d like to learn more about social media marketing or other valuable advertising platforms or techniques, check out our other blogs or, better yet, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Linkedin<!
