Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest – these are some of the most popular and well-recognised social media platforms in the world right now. Over the last decade or so, businesses have recognised the power of these platforms and begun utilising these to build their brand and boost their sales. And while these are still very viable and profitable options, today’s digital landscape means things are always changing and new technologies are always emerging – and that new social media are joining it.
As such, it’s important that you stay up to date on the latest social media trends if you hope to get ahead of the competition. In recent years, video has become king of content and this trend doesn’t look to be slowing down. This is why several new video platforms have emerged of late and existing brands such as Facebook and Instagram have begun branching out and looking for innovative new ways to make the most of the video era.
Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the more traditional methods and social media sites we’ve discussed above but there are a number of new apps and platforms that forward-thinking businesses need to be aware of. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the newest platforms to emerge in recent years, looking at their features and why your business should take full advantage of these over the next 12 months.
1. TikTok
What is it?
Let’s start with the social media app that has taken the world by storm in 2020, TikTok. The video app now has over 1.5 billion users and the app allows them to create and share short clips with their connections using fun filters, stickers, logos and music overlays. TikTok is particularly popular with a younger audience, with the most downloads coming from those ages between 16 and 24.
Features useful to your business
• A place to share fun videos and build your brand
• Sponsored videos
• A variety of advertising options
• Branded filters and effects
• Ability to sponsor hashtags
Why you need to take advantage of it
If the numbers don’t already speak for themselves, there are several other key reasons why you need to take advantage of this app right now. Firstly, if your target audience is the younger generation then this is the perfect place to reach them. You can also use it to promote your products or services and build your brand. Why not consider partnering with some of the top TikTok influencers for maximum results.
2. IGTV
Instagram also recognised that video was becoming the most popular form of content and so in 2018 it launched Instagram TV (IGTV). The IGTV platform allows users to watch and upload videos and these can be anywhere from 60 seconds up to an hour in length. Although it was released a few years back now, the platform has sky-rocketed in popularity this year and the app has now had over 7 million downloads. This figure looks set to increase over the coming years.
Features useful to your business
• IGTV adverts
• Support of vertical videos not just horizontal
• Long-form videos (up to an hour)
• IGTV’s series feature
• Ability to host Q&As
Why you need to take advantage of it
There are several reasons why your business should take advantage of this platform in the coming months, not least of all because video is becoming one of the most important types of content. Firstly, platforms like YouTube are becoming saturated with thousands of videos uploaded everyday, so this is your chance to get ahead on emerging video platforms like IGTV. What’s more, with the number of monthly Instagram users expected to rise to 989 million by 2022, it’s clear that this is a hugely popular platform and therefore you have more chance to reach your target audience.
Not only this, but IGTV is particularly useful to businesses that sell products that are visually appealing such as jewellery, clothes or gym equipment. You can also use this platform to do ‘how to’ videos and tutorials.
3. Vero
Vero has been likened to other well-established platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, allowing users to share pictures, videos, music, TV shows and more! But the unique selling point of Vero is that it has no adverts, no data mining and no algorithms. It was set up as a way to make genuine connections and as a result, the brand labels itself as “more social, less media”.
Features useful to businesses
• ‘Buy now’ button on posts
• Ability to share a vast range of content
• Links to an in-app sales portal
• Ability to classify your followers into different groups and target audiences
• A place to share videos, music and build your brand
Why you need to take advantage of it
But without adverts, data mining and algorithms how can businesses take advantage of the platform? Well, the top reason to take advantage of Vero is that it’s all about making genuine and authentic connections with your audience and building your brand, though you do have the option to include sales links in your posts where needed (unlike Instagram).
Being able to share such a wide variety of content in one place also allows you to learn more about your followers and what it is they do and don’t engage with. It’s really about getting a better understanding of your audience, that way you can target them more effectively on other platforms as well as tailoring your offering to ensure you’re giving them exactly what they want.
4. Triller
Triller is an LA-based music and video sharing app that has been backed by huge celebrities such as Snoop Dogg. The app actually launched in 2015 but has really taken off this year with the app reaching 250 million downloads in August 2020.
Despite also being able to create professional videos and follow trending challenges, the brand argues that it is not a copy of TikTok but rather a more adult version of the app.
Features useful to businesses
• A place to share fun videos and build your brand
• Ability to sponsor hashtags
• Influencer marketing
• Brand-influencer partnerships
• Live events
Why you need to take advantage of it
Like Vero, this app doesn’t currently offer brands the opportunity to run adverts therefore you need to be a little bit creative about your marketing strategy on this platform. That said, with the app growing so fast and with so many big-name celebrities getting on board, it’s clear that you can’t afford to let Triller pass you buy, particularly if your business is related to music in some way.
Don’t delay getting on new social media platforms
In 2020, having social media is no longer just an option, it is a necessity and brands must embrace it if they hope to succeed. In today’s digital age, new social media platforms and trends are always emerging and it’s important that businesses are keeping as on top of these as possible. What’s more, with more people online than ever before and record numbers of new users signing up since the COVID-19 pandemic, now is time to make your business shine online.
The best way to go about this is to select a few of your favourite platforms from the list above and get your profile set up. You don’t need to have all of these platforms, in fact it’s better that you don’t, especially if you’ve already got Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Instead, pick a medium and get really good at creating content for that platform, this will help your business to excel in a world driven by social media.
Written by Stuart Cooke, Marketing Manager at NI Parcels. They are a courier comparison service that helps ecommerce businesses find the best shipping solution for them.
