A new year always brings mixed feelings of excitement and nervous anticipation, and this has never been more the case than this year. But it's also presenting certain challenges when it comes to predicting what the biggest trends might be on social media.
We’re not even at the end of January and the platforms are already buzzing with everything from Bernie Sanders memes, to viral ‘Internet Drama’ TikToks, and you-know-who being banned from multiple platforms.
You have to be optimistic about the future, especially in this industry, and if the last year taught us anything it’s that small, positive voices and a dash of humour can make all the difference.
As a result, in the months ahead I believe that indie organizations will come out on top. With the help of Instagram ‘shoppable’ features and Reels, micro-content creators will thrive, as people continue to hold big tech accountable.
Companies that communicate with a transparent, purposeful tone of voice on social, environmental, and ethical causes will be the ones to go viral and truly resonate with people.
Video will also be a key method of connecting with your audience – but this year ‘going live’ will be crucial.
Finally, memes will continue to develop and remain a huge part of internet culture, bringing some much-needed humor along the way.
We asked our Twitter community to share their thoughts on what we can expect on social media in 2021. Here’s what they had to say.
Driving people into virtual events via much more innovative ways to cut through the noise and stand out
— Jennifer campbell (@jcampbell58) January 24, 2021
People are re-evaluating what's most important to them and the role social can play in enjoying life's simple pleasures.
— Hudson Fuggle (@hudsonfuggle) January 21, 2021
Use of #chatbots#Influencer marketing focussing more on micro/nano influencers
— Smita Poojary (@Smita_DigiMarke) January 21, 2021
memes is the answer. memes will always be the answer.
— TVman (@tvman1up) January 21, 2021
A continued rise of political and world-issue-driven movements on social and the use of insight 'carousels' and infographics to explain information in bitesize ways.
— Alfie Green (@ItsAlfieGreen) January 21, 2021
To find out more about The Drum's predictions for 2021 click here.
