Social media trends are constantly changing and will have a dramatic effect on how we strategise as marketers. The only question is, which direction are we heading in? Below, I look at the trends we can expect to see in social media in 2023.

1. Social Media Shopping

It’s likely by the end of 2022, shoppers will expect to be able to buy products directly through social media without even leaving the app with the use of Facebook or Instagram Shop and TikTok Live Shopping.

Businesses need to ensure that they have set up their social commerce stores if they want a slice of the pie! eMarketer anticipates that the social commerce industry will be worth $80 billion by 2025.

2. Short-form video

It’s no surprise that short-form video has made the list! With the huge rise in the popularity of TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form video is a trend every business should try! If the short video’s not working for you, experiment! Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri highlighted every audience is different. This means that each person has to figure out what works for their individual audience.

3. Ads on the rise

According to Hootsuite’s 2022 Social Media Trends survey, more than 40% of respondents indicated that the decline in organic reach and the need to spend more on paid advertising were their biggest challenges. With many businesses not getting the organic reach they used to, those with budgets will increase ad spend to combat this. Competitors will likely feel forced to follow suit in an attempt to claw back market share. Now’s the time to brush up on your ad skills or rope in a professional!

4. The rise of User-Generated Content Creators

Move over Influencers, there’s a new boss in town! Organic user-generated content has been around for years and utilised by many. But recently, I’ve seen a huge rise in paid user-generated content creators (UGCC) popping up everywhere, especially TikTok. Find out everything you need to know about UGCC’s here.

5. New platforms for niche

It’s expected that new social media platforms, like BeReal are to emerge in 2023 in the hopes of breaking a saturated market. While new platforms do emerge every year with bold claims about reinventing social media as we know it, most often they turn out to be niche sites that have a limited impact. As such, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are not going anywhere just yet. Still, it’s important to keep an eye on any new developments in the industry!

Laura x