It’s 2023, and the world can all agree that we want to see the real stuff, not the edited, filtered versions of a highlight reel on social media, even from brands. We’ll undoubtedly see this trend continue and carry through this year and those to come.
But wait. What is lo-fi for you? Lo-fi content is typically produced on a phone; it is of lower quality, often shot behind the scenes or on the go, and requires minimal production.
As we move into 2023, there is no doubt that social media will continue to be a key player for brands to connect with their target audiences. Here’s what we’re expecting to see across social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook this year:
E-commerce content
With the continued rise of social media users turning to platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram for product reviews and recommendations, who do they trust the most to give them an honest opinion? Influencers, of course! We expect to see content creators and influencers amping up their promoting products and brands on their personal platforms. As a social agency, we seek out the influencers that best fit your brand message and create finger-stopping content to attract viewers.
Short-form video
It’s no surprise that short-form video will continue to propel and dominate across platforms. When folks are scrolling on TikTok and now more on Reels and other platforms, they have a short attention span and desire to watch a piece of content that might not pique their interest, so what do they do? Continue swiping. Catching attention in a short-form video is your best bet. Shorter videos with a quick burst of information allow viewers to absorb what they are watching faster, rather than having them sit through a long video to find out the outcome or takeaway at the end. These forms of content are also shared at a higher rate due to the ability to be consumed by people with busy schedules.
24-hour content
Cue to BeReal! BeReal is an app that came out in 2022 and gave many big platforms (TikTok, IG, FB, etc.) a run for their money. It allows genuine moments to be captured in everyday life (And it only lasts about 24 hours). Platforms like TikTok have implemented something similar called TikTok Now. An interesting angle that Instagram took was Instagram Notes, a max 60-character-long status that your mutual friends can see that disappears after 24 hours. And, of course, we all are familiar with Stories, also only lasting 24 hours. It has become more popular recently and is a common form that brands and influencers use to connect with their followers through in-app native features that garner responses from followers. Ooo, free data!
Trending sounds
We can’t forget about the 2022 MVPs, such as Corn Kid and Lizzo’s “About Damn Time,” but in 2023, we will have new sounds that come to light in unique ways that influencers and celebs will hop onto and gain millions of likes and followers. Our advice? If it makes sense and is relevant for your brand, you better jump on the train quickly before it leaves the station! You want your content to live in the rising popularity of a sound rather than the decline. There can be copyrighted tracks that do not allow brands to use a trending sound, which can be a roadblock. There can be funny and unique workarounds, like when Bed Bath & Beyond’s Social Media manager sang a trending sound so that Bed Bath & Beyond could post it to their feed. But in some cases, some sounds are unique new remixes that a brand can utilize.
Micro-Influencers
Surprisingly enough, micro-influencers (followers under 100K) have followers that interact and engage with their page more than large-scale influencers. Working with micro-influencers can be more effective for a brand since their followers trust them like friends and can relate to them more. To reach a specific target audience, find a micro-influencer that meets your brand messaging and audience to create content.
Personalization
New customization and personalization levels allow followers and viewers to feel more intimate with creators and brands. For example, brands are creating “Close Friends” groups to share exclusive content with their most LOYAL customers and followers. Taking it further, you can pay for exclusive content from your favorite IG influencers and brands. Sort of like a Patreon. Unveiling and including your most beloved fans in exclusive content gives them a sense of belonging and intimacy that increases their obsession.
Design
The simple design of content on your social media pages makes more of a difference than you think. Consistent style is essential to developing and continuing so your content can be recognized without seeing the brand name. But it is crucial also to note that Native graphics and text in-app also do very well over a style that was created outside of the app. Platforms are templatizing ways to produce content easily. For example, you can make a reel out of your stories; if you think you need to gain the skills to make a reel, Instagram will help you achieve it!
UGC Content
With a rise in authenticity comes an increase in the want for user-generated content. We are expecting a greater focus on transparent and honest content. The more genuine and relatable you are, the less skeptical your followers will be. How do you get UGC from followers? Common strategies would be hosting a competition or giveaway, where a photo counts as an entry to win something from the brand. These initiatives encourage followers to get involved with a brand.
Interactive & Immersive Content
We expect to see a rise in interactive content that will engage your followers to participate. We already see the Duet feature on TikTok, the “add yours” feature on Instagram stories, and filters across Instagram and Tik Tok! This allows users to immerse themselves and get involved. We expect this to continue and evolve in 2023, finding new ways to interact with users.
Staying on top of the latest content trends and connecting with your audience authentically will be the key to your brand’s success. Reach out to us to get your content on this level; it’s what our team of social experts is here for.
