7 Main Social Network Trends for 2024 You Should Track

Even though social network trends can be unpredictable sometimes, they are powerful, and you should know them to level up your social media game. So, it is important to observe new trends and possible upcoming trends to stay up to date, and for improved engagement, increased sales, and a deeper understanding of your customer base. They change quickly, and adapting your strategies according to them can be done more smoothly and professionally if you always track recent advancements. 

Keeping up with the quick changes in social media trends can be challenging, I get it. There is so much information, updates, and change that it can be overwhelming. These trends shape interactions, even change customer behavior considering the rise of social commerce, dictate information, and shape digital culture. 

Therefore, in this article, we will look at the 5 main recent social network trends of 2024 that shape online communities and your behavior on them.

1. The Rise of Authenticity

Now, polished perfect posts do not rule over social media. Instead, it is obvious that the demands of social media users have shifted to authenticity. Users want to see real moments, unfiltered and momentarily. Those authentic glimpses of life increase the sense of trustfulness and humanize the brands especially. 

What do they look exactly for? Transparency and genuineness, not shots of staged moments. Therefore, more and more brands seem to embrace this kind of behavior, sharing behind-the-scenes footage, genuine moments, and thoughts maybe to create a real connection with their audience.

2. The Continuous Rise of Video Content

Video content reigns supreme, dominating social media platforms, especially with TikTok’s success since its launch. The influence of short-form content has been so significant that even Instagram and YouTube integrated short-form content features into their platforms: Reels and Shorts, to compete with TikTok. I even use Instagram only for its Reels feature, finding myself scrolling endlessly. It is not limited to short-form content. Even though we see primarily the rise of short-form content, and glimpses of life, there is also fascinating and captivating storytelling video content. Speaking of which, let’s move on to the storytelling trend and video length of 2024. 

Long Form Video Comes Back

Sharing captivating short-form content with trending sounds was one of the keys to increasing your chance of going viral, and dominating all types of videos. Now, it seems that long-form content is not as despised as before. On the contrary, it has begun to become more popular again with increasing interest in recent months. Even TikTok increased its length from 15-30 seconds to 3 minutes. Now you can upload videos that are 3 minutes long. Similarly, Instagram increases Reels’ max video length to 15 minutes! What could be the possible reason? Let’s move on with social media’s being new search engines.

3. Social Media for Information

You’ve heard right; social media is no longer a place just for entertainment and pass time. Think of the times you’ve looked for customer reviews on social media, especially on TikTok, before buying a product. Personally, I tend to believe that user reviews on social media are quite genuine. User behavior is changing, and I can even observe this myself. Social network channels now have taken the role of search engines. 

4. Creators Begin Stories from Middle or End

Have you noticed creators starting their stories from the middle, sparking your curiosity? This method isn’t new for increasing view counts, but it’s trending now. They share the story’s end first to keep viewers watching, providing a hook from the beginning.

5. Exclusive Content

Nowadays, I’ve realized that many creators have begun to share exclusive content for their most loyal followers. Creators want more meaningful connections with their audience without having to keep up with constantly changing social media. Also, this way allows them to monetize their content. YouTube has already introduced channel memberships; now, Instagram offers an exclusive content tab for subscriptions. 

Also, TikTok integrated it under the name of “Series” which you can purchase access to it. If you want to expand your content, let me introduce you to Views4You, which connects you with your target followers on TikTok!

6. The Expansion of Social Commerce

Social commerce continues to shape social networks by adding new shopping features. In this manner, some brands transform into sales platforms through their social media accounts. Thus, without leaving the app, one can shop directly on the brand’s account.

7. Increased Concern on Privacy and Security

Past years scandals, and people’s getting more awareness lead to a demand for privacy on social networks. There are enhanced privacy features added to the platforms. Also, they share more transparent and clear information about privacy, and control over data sharing.

FAQs

How can I make my content more authentic?

One of the best ways to authenticate your content, especially if you are an individual creator rather than a brand, is to share storytelling content. Focus on genuine storytelling on the platform to connect more closely with your audience. Alternatively, you can leverage user-generated content. As a brand, sharing behind-the-scenes content can positively transform your image on the platform.

What are the best strategies for video content?

Even though Instagram and YouTube introduced features similar to TikTok, observing people’s tendency to watch vertical short content is crucial. However, no matter what video trends come from TikTok, it’s important to observe the trends on the app. The trends of TikTok usually don’t become platform-based; instead, they shape all of social media. You can also diversify your content according to your niche. You can shoot tutorials, a day in the life, behind the scenes, or Q&As for your most loyal followers. Additionally, you can try to integrate longer-form video content and analyze the results.

How can I protect my privacy on social networks?

There are several ways to protect your privacy on social networks. First of all, you can check your privacy settings. You can limit who can see your account, posts, and every piece of information you share on social media. Do not share any sensitive or personal information about yourself.

Then, I strongly encourage you to use strong passwords, especially considering that you can now link your accounts together with one sign-in. Personally, I prefer two-factor authentication. It requires a code sent to your phone or email when you try to log in to your accounts.

How can I make my account all inclusive? 

Adding text descriptions or subtitles to your videos. So you can assist disabled people. Also, use large fonts and vivid images.