Rapidly Changing Face of Social Media and Their Impact on Business

LinkedIn

Next Chapter for LinkedIn: Generation Z, AI, and Verified Users

According to Hootsuite's social trends report on LinkedIn, the platform is likely to undergo significant changes. Specifically, LinkedIn will prioritize "knowledge" and "advice" content over personal content, thanks to algorithm updates that focus on professional content. This shift is expected to impact the type of content that users see and engage with on the platform.

In terms of demographics, Generation Z is set to play an increasingly prominent role on LinkedIn. As the fastest-growing generation, they have already surpassed the adult age group in terms of joining the platform, with millions of new users signing up every year. This influx of young professionals is likely to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the platform.

Social Media Today's predictions for LinkedIn trends in 2024 suggest that the platform will continue to invest heavily in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This technology will be used to improve user experience, suggest career paths, and enhance content matching and recognition. AI will also be employed to optimize video content and event feeds, making it easier for users to discover and engage with relevant content.

LinkedIn is also expected to prioritize user verification, aiming to confirm the identities of its 100 million users by 2025. This move is designed to combat bots and increase trust in the platform. Furthermore, the platform plans to introduce new tools and incentives for creators, such as rewards and career advancement opportunities, to motivate them to produce high-quality content.

Facebook

Facebook's Unspoken Truth: More Than Meets the Eye

According to Social Media Today's report, Facebook is set to further incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform in 2024. Expect to see more AI-powered features and recommendations, including an increase in Reels featured in user feeds.

The trend of declining organic reach for linked posts, which began in 2023, is expected to continue as Meta shifts its focus away from news content and towards more entertainment-focused content.

In 2024, Facebook is expected to expand its iconic sharing options, introducing new features that will enhance user engagement. These new features include animated posts, which will allow users to add motion to their content, and new stickers that can be used to convey emotions and personality. Furthermore, the platform will place a greater emphasis on 3D photos, enabling users to use them as digital avatars and identity markers in the online space.

Meta will develop messaging tools for businesses, enabling them to share content with specific groups rather than publishing it publicly. The platform will also introduce a range of new advertising options, building on the success of click-to-SMS advertising.

Instagram

Instagram Goes AI: What It Means for Creators and Users

In 2024, Instagram is set to take personalization to the next level, leveraging AI to serve up more relevant and engaging content to users.

Instagram is about to get a whole lot smarter! New features like AI-generated stickers, real-time visual editing tools for live streams, and collaborative photo editing with friends will revolutionize the way we create and share content. And with AI-powered message summaries and suggested replies, staying in touch with friends just got a whole lot easier.

YouTube

YouTube Shorts: Why You Can't Ignore It Anymore

A staggering 500% surge in Google Trends interest for YouTube Shorts in the US since 2021 is just the tip of the iceberg. Global statistics from Statista reveal that by 2023, Shorts users reached a remarkable 2 billion monthly active users, indicating a widespread phenomenon that transcends borders and demographics.

According to Hootsuite, YouTube Shorts has already proven its potential for driving engagement and audience growth. With Shorts videos offering a unique chance to tap into new audiences, creators and marketers alike can't afford to overlook this opportunity to connect with millions worldwide.

Telegram

With over 800 million monthly active users and a daily influx of 2.5 million new registrations, Telegram has established itself as a major player in the digital landscape. But beyond its secure messaging capabilities, the platform is rapidly evolving into a robust social network, boasting a slew of innovative features that are redefining user engagement.

Once primarily known for its focus on secure messaging, Telegram has quietly transformed into a vibrant social hub. As the app continues to expand its feature set, it's poised to become a full-fledged social network, leveraging its massive user base and daily influx of new sign-ups to cement its position as a dominant force in the digital space.

According to Hootsuite, marketers are increasingly recognizing Telegram as a viable payment option, integrating it alongside other platforms to reach a wider audience. They're also leveraging the connected advertising platform to send targeted promotional messages to channels with more than 1,000 subscribers, and even utilizing payment robots for secure transactions between buyers and sellers.

Threads

Threads: A Challenger for X

According to Social Media Today, Threads is poised for significant growth, with projections suggesting it will reach a user base equivalent to X or rival it by mid-next year. The addition of new features such as direct messaging and an API is likely to accelerate its momentum, bringing it closer to achieving this ambitious goal.

BeReal

BeReal, the selfie app that once reached a peak of over 73 million active users, has seen a significant decline in popularity. According to Hootsuite, a staggering two-thirds of these users are no longer active on the platform, indicating a rapid uninstallation rate, particularly among Gen Z users who tend to be more fleeting in their loyalty to new products.

Snapchat

Virtual Reality and Smart Incomes

Social Media Today predicts that Snapchat will create new revenue opportunities by:

• Testing new advertising options that enable direct communication between users and companies, and using meta and "click to message" advertising methods.
• Rolling out more features and new artificial intelligence tools, initially available to Snapchat Plus users.
• Releasing the first version of augmented reality glasses in 2024, with a smaller version targeting specific users and markets.
• Continuing to improve and develop 3D Bitmoji characters to effectively display products, communicate, and represent users in games and social environments.