We are living in the age of social media. Each month new social platforms and features are launched – and if your brand wants to survive in this consumer-driven market, you need to show up where your audience goes. Simply having a presence on social media is no longer enough. You need to keep up with the latest trends and ensure you are on board with all the latest features and newest platforms.
Social media is all about connecting with your audience on a personal level and being part of their community. When you get the hang of it, it has the power to transform brands. Why? Whether you know it or not, every aspect of your life is influenced by social networking sites in one way or another. An old favourite back in the charts? That’ll be thanks to TikTok. A sudden spike in a previously underperforming product? Check your industry’s influencers’ latest videos. The point is, these days, social media takes one of the top spots in marketing. A space that was once filled by prime location billboard ads, front cover magazine features and costly TV ads is now occupied by free-to-use and user-friendly social media platforms.
So, let’s dive in and explore the latest social media platforms your business needs to watch in 2022.
#1 TikTok
If you haven’t heard of TikTok, the clock is ticking for your marketing success. The fastest-growing social media platform in recent years, TikTok has amassed a sizeable audience of over 1 billion active users since its launch in 2016. And there’s a good reason for that.
Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok is based on a content graph, meaning its powerful algorithm works to show users highly relevant content rather than restricting their page to people they follow. For brands, this means your content has a high chance of being seen by your target audience without having to spend a penny – they really weren’t playing around when they said ‘For You Page’.
The beauty of TikTok is you don’t need expensive camera equipment and an experienced production crew to make an impression – in fact, more authentic content tends to perform better. Take inspiration from trending sounds, filters and hashtags and get creative with your content. The key is to make it relatable*. Once you’ve created your content, you can play around with sounds, effects and other basic editing features, meaning you can do it all without leaving the app.
If you want to switch things up, you can share or duet influencer and user-generated content or opt for paid advertising to really push your message. TikTok offers a range of ad options for brands, including brand takeovers, native ads and sponsored hashtag challenges.
*Including pets really helps too! Office dog? Share them with the world.
#2 Instagram Reels
If TikTok were a person, Instagram Reels would be its doppelgänger. With options to add filters, text, stickers and trending audio to your reels, your business can turn static images into engaging visual content. And now, thanks to templates, it’s easier than ever! If you find a sound you like and see the ‘Use template’ option, all you need to do is select your pictures and/or video clips and Instagram will sort the rest. The result? Perfectly synced audio and visuals with huge potential to go viral.
So, why should your business care about Instagram Reels? This is one social media platform that really favours the use of new features. If you are looking to reel in new audiences, you’ll want to hop on this bandwagon. Your content will not only be shown on your profile and followers’ feeds but also in the explore and reels pages – and the more places you can show up, the better. Not only this, but reels are highly engaging and offer a creative way to showcase your brand’s personality. Not to mention the engagement benefits… check out the chart below.
#3 BeReal
With social media being dubbed a facade that masks real-life issues and emotions hidden behind closed doors, an app designed to capture authentic, in-the-moment moments sounds oh so refreshing. And it seems the world agrees. With a 315% increase in monthly active users since the start of 2022, it’s clear that now is the time for your business to BeReal.
The app works by prompting users to snap a photo – using the front and back camera to offer friends a true in-the-moment POV – once a day at different times each day. Once the notification is clicked, users are then given 2 minutes to snap their shots and update the world with their whereabouts. If your business has a younger target audience, this could be the ideal platform to promote your brand and build relationships with potential customers. But how can you post content on this fast-paced app without compromising the authenticity which makes the content so successful?
BeReal content ideas
Here are a few ideas for content from brands that have mastered this new social media platform:
- Promo codes: Chipotle uses BeReal to share limited-time promo codes that encourage their audience to download their app and make an immediate purchase
- Behind-the-scenes content: Day in the life style content is really taking off across social media platforms. BeReal offers brands another way to connect with their audience on a more personal level by sharing snapshots of their working days.
- Sneak peeks: launching a new product or service? Why not give your most loyal followers a sneak peek – don’t be afraid to get creative.
As with any social media platform, whether it’s successful for your brand or not will depend on your strategy, goals and audience. Whilst it may be tempting to jump on every new social media platform that enters the app store, it’s really important to evaluate the impact it will have on your overall goals and strategy.
Check out our ultimate guide to social media marketing to unlock top tips and tricks for succeeding with social media. And if you need a helping hand, why not get in touch to organise a free no obligation consultation? In the meantime, check out our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses like yours enhance their social media presence.
