Social media is constantly evolving, and as we enter 2021, it’s essential to stay on top of social media trends that can impact your social media presence and marketing success. As social media platforms continue to grow and change, here are the top social media trends to watch, along with strategies to help social media marketers stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
1. Stories Will Take Center Stage
With over 1 billion Instagram users by the end of 2020, Stories has become a critical tool for brands seeking higher engagement. Whether you’re using Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, or LinkedIn Stories, this feature allows businesses to connect with their audiences in a more dynamic, less-polished format, which resonates well with modern consumers. Short form video content, like Stories, gives brands the opportunity to share behind the scenes content, promotions, and customer interactions, all while showcasing brand authenticity.
This is part of the shift toward interactive shopping experiences, where businesses offer user-generated content and seamless engagement in a way that aligns with consumers’ preferences for quick, snackable content. Stories will not only continue to thrive in 2021 but will likely expand as part of the overall social commerce movement, making it easier for brands to convert social media ads into direct sales.
2. Give Your Audience a Stage with User-Generated Content (UGC)
Another social media trend gaining momentum in 2021 is user-generated content (UGC). Social media networks like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok thrive on social proof—content that reflects the experiences and voices of real users. Consumers trust user-generated content 93% more than brand-created content, which makes it a valuable asset for any marketing strategy.
Incorporating UGC into your content strategy not only enhances social engagement but also creates a sense of community around your brand. This is especially true for online communities that value connection and authenticity. For example, Instagram polls, TikTok’s search ads, and Twitter Fleets provide a stage for users to actively engage with your brand. As social media marketers aim to foster deeper connections, micro influencers can help spread your brand’s message to a wider, but highly-targeted, audience.
3. Social Listening and Social Search Optimization
Social media users want to feel heard, and social listening is key to building a loyal following. Brands that can tap into what their audiences are saying on social platforms will be able to fine-tune their social media strategy for better results. As we continue into 2021, social listening is becoming an essential tool for marketers to track real-time sentiment and identify trending topics.
Social search optimization (or social search) will also play a bigger role. As social network sites like Facebook and Instagram evolve into full-fledged search engines, social media ads will need to be optimized for search features. Social search allows businesses to leverage content across multiple channels to rank higher in search engines, boosting visibility for the brand’s content creation efforts. With AI tools and generative AI technologies gaining traction, marketers can use data to refine their social search strategy and ensure they’re optimizing their content for the best results.
4. Live Streaming and Live Shopping Events
Live streaming continues to be a prominent trend in 2021. Platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn Live allow businesses to engage with their target audience in real-time, offering interactive and authentic content. The value of live streaming lies in its ability to create an immediate, personal connection with consumers, which is essential for building brand loyalty.
For e-commerce brands, live shopping events are an exciting way to blend entertainment with sales. As social commerce grows, live shopping features—such as those on Facebook Shops—allow brands to showcase their products and make them available for purchase in just a few clicks. Social media advertising will play a critical role in these events, as it can drive traffic directly to product pages or shopping experiences.
The future of live streaming isn’t just about product demos or behind-the-scenes content. It’s about creating a seamless experience where social ads support brand visibility while short form videos and AI-generated content enhance user interaction and engagement metrics.
5. AI Tools and Generative AI in Content Creation
AI is revolutionizing the way brands approach content creation and social media advertising. AI tools and generative AI are not only enhancing the efficiency of content production but also allowing for more personalized and high-quality content. In 2021, we will see an increase in brands utilizing AI-generated content for everything from creating images and backgrounds to writing copy and generating video content.
The use of AI tools also extends to social media ads, where platforms like TikTok and Instagram are refining their ad targeting capabilities. Generative AI will help brands create short form content that is both engaging and aligned with current trends, allowing businesses to stay relevant in a constantly changing social media landscape.
With AI-generated content, marketers will be able to scale their content creation efforts while maintaining a personal level of connection with their audience. This level of personalization will improve customer interactions and drive positive ROI for brands that invest in AI tools and digital ad spending.
Conclusion: Adapting to the Latest Social Media Trends
As we move further into 2021, social media marketers will need to stay ahead of social trends in order to succeed. From embracing the power of user-generated content to leveraging AI tools for content creation, the key to success lies in understanding and adapting to the latest social media trends. By focusing on engagement metrics, building a social media presence that aligns with your target audience, and utilizing interactive shopping experiences, your brand can stay relevant and continue to thrive on social media platforms.
Staying on top of top social media trends requires a flexible content strategy, one that adapts to the evolving preferences of social media users. Whether you’re leveraging social media ads, short-form videos, or social commerce, your ability to innovate and engage your audience in meaningful ways will define your brand’s success in 2021.
For those in the real estate industry, adapting to these trends also means creating engaging, visually appealing marketing materials that stand out. With FlyerCo, you can easily design and distribute real estate flyers that capture attention, whether shared on social media platforms or printed for offline distribution. These high-quality content pieces can amplify your brand’s social media ads and enhance engagement, helping you maintain a strong connection with your online communities and attract potential clients in the competitive real estate market.