As 2020 draws to a close, everyone just wants to look ahead. In the article you will find the top 10 social media trends 2021 to adjust your social strategy in good time.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from 2020, it’s that you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Accordingly, it will be difficult to identify trends for the coming year, but the experts at Talkwalker and Hubspot have teamed up to try just that. In turn, they asked another 70 experts and professionals about their forecasts for the coming year. In addition to messaging and nostalgia marketing, for example, the corona pandemic will continue to dominate content.
#10: Remixing is the new UGC
Platforms like TikTok show how it is done: Younger target groups in particular no longer just want to consume, but also want to help shape it. While UGC is nothing new, it will be recreated in 2021. Brands can get in direct contact with customers and fans, for example through functions like the Duets on TikTok.
video/6826515776124505350" data-video-id="6826515776124505350" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px">@madisonbeer ##duet with @charlidamelio ????????????????
#9: Coronavirus content will focus on the 4 Cs
Even if the corona pandemic comes to an end in 2021, the effects will be felt for a long time. When it comes to communication, companies should therefore keep the four Cs in mind: Community, Cleanliness, Contactless and Compassion.
#8: Messaging will become more memetic
Everything doesn’t always have to be serious: In 2021, companies can also show a casual side and discover memes for themselves. Although a certain degree of caution is required here, customers generally have a higher tolerance for memes. According to Hubspot and Talkwalker, 55 percent of 13-35 year olds send out memes weekly. Sending such can help to be perceived as up-to-date and modern.
#7: Nostalgia Marketing will engage your audience
Everything used to be better, wasn’t it? Nostalgia marketing had its rightful place in the marketing world in the past few years. But in the coming year, business with the good old days should really boom. Because after a year 2020, which we would all rather erase from our memories, it is all the more important to remember the past.
#6: Conversational Marketing will drive sales
Similar to him # 8, this point is also about making companies more approachable and personal. A special focus should therefore be placed on conversational marketing in 2021.
#5: The line between social media and gaming will blur
The gaming industry has spawned its own communities that marketers should keep an eye on as a target group. Especially during the lockdown, more and more people used games to connect with each other. Instead of winning, it was much more about the social aspect.
We recently had 200,000 people playing our cloud games per week, making @FacebookGaming one of the largest cloud gaming platforms in the world: https://t.co/fvjQLAaM3i
One of the first games available this week is Asphalt 9: Legends by Gameloft. pic.twitter.com/0PtCdabRt7
– Alexandru Voica ???? (@alexvoica) October 26, 2020
#4: Old-school marketing will be the new „new“
As in every industry, trends come and go in marketing. Some of them reappear. Especially in uncertain times, many yearn for the tried and tested. Therefore, the experts suspect an increase in old-school marketing in 2021. In the report, Cheryl King explains how, for example, podcasts can increase trust in the company – a medium that 55 percent of Americans listen to regularly.
#3: Social media giants will adapt to the new normal
According to the experts, the year 2020 will not affect the social media giants. Because of their size, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can more easily adapt to changes. However, the experts expect stronger regulation by the governments, but also at the urging of users. Another very big topic will be the stronger focus on social commerce.
#2: Digital Disinformation will be tackled
After 2020, users will have had enough of uncertainty. You value clear communication, no pretending or glossing over. Here, too, companies should follow a clear line in their communication and join the fight against fake news.
#1: Audiences will be more socially conscious
Last but not least, brands and companies should have learned in 2020 that most customers care how and whether important global issues are addressed. The corona pandemic and BlackLivesMatter issues are just two examples. Companies can position themselves more courageously in 2021 and thus gain sympathy.
The entire report, including further insights and expert opinions, can be here download.
