10 Must-Know Social Media Trends 2024
New year, new meme ♡
Before thinking ahead to social media trends in 2024, it’s always good to reminisce on social trends from before. Remember when everyone was obsessing over Pedro Pascal and you couldn’t scroll 3 seconds without seeing one of those memes? What about that Kiss Me More dance challenge from Tiktok?
Yep, those happened this year…
What’s our point? Social trends move at light speed. Everyone kind of knows this, but that’s why it’s crucial to keep your finger on the pulse of the social media currents.
10 Must-Know Social Media Trends for 2024
Okay, you got us. We can’t predict what song will be trending 2 months from now or what show everyone will collectively latch onto. Nobody can. However, we can predict the overall social media trends for 2024.
So sit tight as we navigate through 10 of the most anticipated social media trends for this new year.
1. Trending Audios Take Center Stage
If you aren’t tapping into trending audios already… we need to have a separate conversation. (Kidding but not really kidding).
Using trending audio in your content is a very slept-on way to skyrocket engagement across platforms. Even if it's trending for a dance challenge, using it in a Reel or TikTok will still get your content on the map.
Especially in 2024—the popularity of trending songs and mixes is predicted to grow even more.
Pssst… We keep a list of the newest trending Reels audios and update it daily here. You’re welcome.
2. TikTok's Influence on Video Trends
Since about 2019-2020, TikTok has shaped video content across all social platforms. The super viral, attention-grabbing trends will continue originating from this platform in 2024.
What does this mean for you? A couple of things:
If you aren’t posting on TikTok, it’s time to start. (Even if it means crossposting your content from IG).
Perusing through your FYP can expose you to new trends before they really get popular on other platforms.
Embrace these trends early, adapt them creatively, and watch your content grow your engagement and reach new audiences.
3. The Emergence of TikTok Shop
This one’s for all of you with ecommerce businesses.
TikTok shop has really been changing the landscape of online shopping. At first, most found annoyance in seeing ad after ad, but the TikTok shop content is now taking a different turn.
The increased authenticity of influencers and content is changing the feel of these posts from ads to non-ads. And, as a result, shifting audiences’ opinions on these types of posts—opening the door for their popularity in 2024.
Start working with influencers and UGC now to create these ad-non-ad posts to jump on the TikTok shop bandwagon for next year.
4. Authenticity: The Crown Jewel for Brands
Speaking of authenticity…
If you want to make your brand stand out on social media, you’ll want to put out authentic content. The algorithms on Meta and TikTok have already started favoring transparent, authentic content. And we don’t see them stopping anytime soon.
What does this mean? Showcase your genuine values, stories, and missions. Transparency and sincerity are now must-haves in your social media content strategies.
5. Video Content Continues to Reign Supreme
Video content is truly the undisputed empress of social media.
And will continue to be one of the biggest social media trends of 2024. Videos will be the key to captivating your audience, staying relevant, and moving with the flow of social trends throughout the year.
Can’t think of what Reels or TikToks to post? Don’t sweat it, friend. Here are some ideas for skincare brands and businesses in general!
6. Rise of Micro-Influencers and UGC Creators
Micro and nano influencers, to the front!
In years past, everyone has been itching to land influencer partnerships with the biggest following. Well, the tides of this social media trend in 2024 are turning.
Micro-influencers and user-generated content (UGC) creators will be the driving force for authentic engagement. Collaborating with these influencers and encouraging UGC will humanize your brand and build genuine connections with your audience.
7. Social Platforms as the New Search Engine
Where you do think most people search for product recommendations or services?
If you answered just Google, you wouldn’t be fully correct. One social media trend in 2024 is platforms acting more like search engines. Users now turn to platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for product discovery and research.
Catch the wave and optimize your captions and hashtags with plenty of SEO keywords to reach new audiences on social.
8. Marrying Video and Carousel Content
Mixed-media carousels should be on your watch list for social media trends in 2024.
Carousels and video content are already Instagram’s top-performing content types. So putting them together is a pretty genius move that more and more accounts are catching onto.
Looking for some inspo to tap into this emerging social trend? We’ve got 7 carousel ideas lined up here to get those creative juices flowing.
9. LinkedIn: The B2B Marketing Powerhouse
Who could have foreseen LinkedIn becoming the IT girl of B2B marketing?
LinkedIn will be influential in growing your brand’s network and lead generation for your B2B business. Even if you don’t have a B2B marketing channel, this platform is key to establishing yourself as an authoritative voice in your industry.
10. Shares Outweigh Likes and Comments
“Stop trying to make likes happen. It’s not going to happen!” or whatever Regina George said.
Hopefully, we aren’t the first to tell you that you shouldn’t be tunnel-visioned on likes. This will only ring more true in 2024 with shares taking the spotlight.
While likes and comments will still hold significance, shares will become the ultimate metric for evaluating content success. Encouraging your audience to share your content will amplify your reach and impact.
Taking it a step further? Our Social Media Manager, Angela, can take you through increasing your engagement on Instagram here.
2024: A New Frontier For Social Media Marketing
In a nutshell, 2024 promises a dynamic landscape for social media. And if you’re a bit overwhelmed by how much there is to execute a successful social media strategy, we’re here to help out!
Our team at Scott Social drinks, eats, and breathes social media marketing, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got content that’s captivating your audience.
Get in touch with us and leap ahead in your social media game for 2024!