As we move into 2022, the social media landscape will look very different than it does today. Here are some predictions about how the industry will change:
- More social media platforms will be created: There are now more than 200 million active users on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat combined. While users are currently using these platforms for a variety of purposes, including sharing photos and videos with friends and family, communicating with co-workers, and engaging with customers, businesses will soon begin to make the best of the unique features offered by these platforms to build brand awareness and drive sales. As more businesses develop their own social media and start using them to engage with their customers, they will help to create new social networks that will fill some of the gaps left by existing platforms. In addition, several new platforms will emerge to replace existing networks that are no longer popular.
- New features will be added to existing platforms: Many of the most popular social media platforms have already introduced new features in an effort to attract new users and keep current users engaged. Facebook has introduced new Stories and Camera features to Snapchat, and Instagram has introduced a similar feature called IGTV. These features are likely to be introduced in other networks and may offer new opportunities for businesses to interact with customers on these platforms. For example, small businesses may be able to use features to host live video chats with their fans or offer special promotions. A coworking space software tool can help organize this feature properly for all industries, and it’s affordable too.
- Social media will be integrated with other technologies: Several new technologies are expected to have a significant impact on the social media landscape over the next few years. Augmented Reality technology is already being used by several social media companies to enable users to virtually try on products and interact with celebrities and other famous people from their screens. This technology is expected to become more sophisticated as it becomes easier to use and more common in the future. Other emerging technologies are also expected to have an impact on the social media landscape. A Facebook status update has shown to affect the stock market, so it is likely that some of these new technologies will have similar effects once they are adopted by large numbers of people.
- Consumers will increasingly rely on mobile and social media for online shopping: Mobile devices have become a part of life for many people, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. To retain customers and have new ones, businesses will need to have a presence on social media and mobile services in order to interact with consumers and provide personalized shopping experiences.
Conclusion
With more social platforms competing for user attention and more competition for ad dollars, brands need to rethink their social media strategy and find innovative ways to reach their target audience and engage them in meaningful conversations that build loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.