Tiktok:
Tiktok has come a long way since its initial release in 2016 and its growth has been unbelievably fast. With 1 billion users being accounted for in September 2021 (which is a huge jump from the 689 million in January 2021) Tiktok was crowned the 7th most popular social media app. However, it’s not only the millions of users who have hopped on the Tiktok trend but other social media companies as well, with many taking inspiration from the short video's popularity. The creation of Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and Reddit's new video feature is all thanks to Tiktok. In 2022, we’ll see how more popular brands use the app to promote their businesses and the effect it has on social media as a whole.
However, it’s not only the millions of users who have hopped on the Tiktok trend but other social media companies as well, with many taking inspiration from the short video's popularity. The creation of Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and Reddit's new video feature is all thanks to Tiktok. In 2022, we’ll see how more popular brands use the app to promote their businesses and the effect it has on social media as a whole.
Social media as a shopping platform:
Social commerce increased 25% over the peak of the pandemic as shoppers could easily purchase goods from the comfort of their own home. Companies such as Instagram made this even easier by enabling you to shop via the explore feed and then tap on a sticker to purchase your items without even having to leave the app. This isn't a feature exclusive to Instagram however, Facebook introduced Facebook shops in 2020, which are virtual storefronts for buyers and sellers and Pinterest even allows you to make a purchase by tapping on pins! As we enter 2020, we believe brands will continue to capitalize on social media selling and make it even easier for customers to make a purchase whenever and wherever they are.
Augmented and Virtual reality:
Augmented and virtual reality have gained popularity over the past few years- from Instagram and Snapchat allowing you to use and create your own features, to makeup brands allowing you to see what certain products would look like on you, it has a place in many of our lives. Mark Zuckerberg's idea of turning Facebook into a ‘metaverse’ means our normal lives and day to day tasks such as social media, e-commerce and work (to name a few) will be more integrated with our virtual ones.