Update Your Social Media Wardrobe to Stay on Trend

Hey there! Remember when everyone was rocking skinny jeans, and now it’s all about those comfy wide-legs? Social media is kind of like that. Trends change, and staying stuck in the past can make you seem out of touch and irrelevant. But keeping up with what’s “hot” and what’s not can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a shortlist of the latest social media trends to help your business stay fresh, relevant, and totally on point.

 

At Clever, we’re all about staying ahead of the game and sharing what we know. We keep a close eye on what’s happening in the social media world so our clients always have the best, most innovative strategies--and we’re happy to share them with you. 

So, without further ado, here are this year’s top five social media trends and how to jump on them to stay stylish and ready for whatever comes next.

P.S. Click here for the full downloadable eBook and Checklist for Social Media best practices, or continue reading for Social Media quick tips. 

 

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are huge right now. Quick, engaging videos can capture your audience’s attention and get your message across fast. Try creating fun, informative, or behind-the-scenes content that showcases your brand’s personality.

CAVEAT: However, if the audience you’re trying to reach isn’t on TikTok and Instagram, don’t force it. It’s cringey--and not on brand--to be a try-hard in spaces that aren’t a natural fit for your organization.

2. Live Streaming 🎙

Live streaming has taken off, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offering live video features. It’s a great way to engage with your audience in real time, answer questions, and show the human side of your business.

CAVEAT: Livestreams took off during COVID-19 for churches, schools, and medical and self-help spaces. While many gamers, influencers, and entrepreneurs grow their audiences by live-streaming, you can simply do it with a phone or go full-on production. Just consider the cost, ROI, and fit for your organization before dipping your toes into the streaming pool.

3. Social Commerce 🛒

Social media shopping is becoming more popular, especially on Instagram and Facebook. Make it easy for your followers to shop directly from your posts using features like shoppable tags and in-app checkout.

CAVEAT: Not everyone has a product to sell. You can still use your socials to encourage people to take action, like signing up, volunteering, or donating items from an Amazon wish list. Be creative!

4. User-Generated Content (UGC) 📸

Encourage your followers to share their experiences with your products or services. User-generated content not only builds community but also provides authentic testimonials that can influence new engagement.

CAVEAT: While UGC may not take much money, it will take someone’s time as you’ll need a gatekeeper to vet and approve crowd-sourced content to ensure it’s on-brand and appropriate for your audience.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) 🥽

Immersive experiences are trending! AR filters and effects are a fun way to engage your audience. Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram offer tools to create your own AR experiences, which can make your content more interactive and memorable.

CAVEAT: Developing AR content can be time-consuming and may require specialized skills or software. Ensure you have the resources to create quality AR experiences and that your audience will appreciate and engage with this content.

Pro Tip: Do a SWOT Analysis and Channel Audit

To ensure you’re getting the most out of these trends, start with a SWOT analysis of your social media. Identify your strengths (what’s working), weaknesses (what’s not), opportunities (new trends you can capitalize on), and threats (competition, changing algorithms).

Then, do a channel-specific audit. Check how each platform is performing. Is your Instagram killing it, but your Facebook needs some love? Focus on what’s working and tweak what’s not. Or, abandon it altogether. You’re not required to have a presence on every social channel--just those where you want to be, where your people are, and that will do the heavy lifting for you.

By keeping up with these trends and regularly analyzing your social media efforts, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and keep your audience engaged and excited about your brand. So, go ahead, swap those skinny jeans for some bell bottoms, and let your social media game shine! 🌟