2022—what a year it has been! From Twitter going through a management shift to Instagram trying features like notes to BeReal trying to redefine social media, it has been quite a journey.
With all of these swift changes, predicting trends for 2023 might be a task, but we will take our shot. So here are a few trends brands can leverage in 2023 to break through the clutter.
- Social SEO will replace hashtags
Over 40% of people between the age of 18-24 are now using Social Media as their primary search engine. This means instead of using Google Maps or Google search engines, users are using Instagram or TikTok to discover places. So, it’s time for brands to buckle up for 2023 by adding some keywords in copy rather than relying only on hashtags.
- Increase in User Generated Content (UGC)
UGC is an organic marketing tool that helps to create a direct connection with the customers and in building a brand-customer relationship. This means that as a brand, you should create campaigns that motivate your customers to create content because people trust other people. So, take it one step further in 2023 with user-generated content.
- A rise in Nano and Micro-Influencers
With higher engagement rates and more audience connections, micro and nano influencers are on the rise. Their average engagement rate is 7%, which is 2% more than the mega-influencers.
Follower count isn’t the most important factor a brand should look for when choosing an influencer. Nano and micro-influencers have a loyal follower base within a targeted niche that can help them reach a more relevant audience and prove more valuable to a brand. So, consider including more nano and micro-influencers in your brand promotion.
- Content goes Full Size
What do you do when a horizontal video pops up on your phone? Do you tilt your phone or scroll past the video? Well, if you scroll past it, you are not alone! About 94% of smartphone users hold their phones vertically, which means vertical videos have a higher completion rate than horizontal videos. So, stick to more of 9:16 (full-screen vertical) content in 2023.
- Gaming becomes the new playground for advertisers
With the gaming industry on the rise and estimated to be worth $200.8 billion, in-game advertising is estimated to reach $17.6 million by 2023. Advertising in gaming is still an untapped market, but you might see brands dabble with it together in 2023.
- Authenticity is the new cool!
With the increasing popularity of photo dumps, unfiltered pictures, and the growth of apps like BeReal, 2023 would see users consuming more authentic real-time content. For example, Lush Cosmetics has a YouTube channel with a series named “Lush How It’s Made” in which their employees explain each step of the manufacturing process in a YouTube video. This creates two-fold authenticity for the brand, as on one hand, the videos help make the ingredients and products more transparent, and on the other, employee inclusion makes the company look more accessible to the audience. These YouTube videos not only make customers trust Lush Cosmetics more but also show the company’s value both implicitly and explicitly. So, in 2023, start posting more authentic real-time content to connect with your audience.
These are just a few of the trends that are slated to dominate the Social Media landscape in 2023. Brands can leverage these trends to stay ahead of their competitors. But remember that Social Media is constantly changing, and the only way to grow is by constantly evolving.