Social Media Landscape: What Brands Need to Know

7 February 2023

It’s no secret that the social media landscape is constantly evolving, with new platforms, features, and trends emerging all the time. But what can we expect to see in the next year or two, and how will these changes impact brands and businesses?

To get a better understanding of the future of social media, it’s important to take a step back and review past performance. For example, did you know that Instagram has on average 12 platform updates/changes per month? And since Facebook has seen a decline in app opens, length of app usage, and overall engagement, it’s likely that they will continue to make changes in order to address these issues in the long term.

So, what are some of the common themes among these updates?

One trend that we’ve seen is an increased focus on community. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are all placing a greater emphasis on building and engaging communities on their platforms. Brands that fail to consider how they can connect with their audience on a deeper level may find themselves struggling to keep up.

Another trend that’s gaining momentum is the “metaverse.” Whether you love it or hate it, it’s likely that you’ll see more virtual and augmented reality experiences on social media platforms in the near future. From AR ads to fully immersive experiences and NFTs, the metaverse is coming to a platform near you. Now is the time for brands to consider if and how they want to embrace this trend.

Finally, authenticity is a theme that can’t be ignored. With buying patterns changing over time and due to the pandemic, it’s no surprise that authentic content continues to out perform any other type of content. Brands should focus on being true to themselves and their audience to build trust and create a strong connection.

In conclusion, the social media landscape in 2023 will be more focused on community, metaverse and authenticity. Brands should focus on building their communities, embrace the metaverse, and be authentic to connect with their audience in a deeper level. If you feel like your socials need a health check, or if you’re not sure if your brand is consistent on all platforms, it’s always a good time to review and make changes.