Social media, just like the digital landscape as a whole, is shaping experiences. It’s safe to say the standard ways of ‘connecting’ on social media have become an afterthought; and emerging tech and digital trends are revolutionising the way we communicate with audiences on various platforms. With consumer behaviour changing, it’s important to realise how the following trends could dominate in not only 2024, but beyond. 

Metaverse Integration Takes Centre Stage

The metaverse has and will continue to make noise. Social media platforms are expected to delve deeper into this unique tech, offering immersive experiences that will certainly transcend traditional boundaries. It’s very likely that we’ll see the integration of Virtual reality and Augmented Reality technologies, allowing users to interact in simulated environments, attend virtual events, shop and explore new dimensions of social networking.

NFTs Will Transform Content Creation and Ownership

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have made a significant impact on the digital art and collectibles market; with various industries capitalising on its popularity. In 2024, social media could witness a surge in NFT adoption, revolutionising how creators monetise their content. From unique profile picture verification to tokenising exclusive content, NFTs are in a position to empower creators by enabling direct ownership and monetisation of their digital assets.

Rise of Privacy-Centric Platforms

As social media platforms have increased the possibilities for users in terms of shopping activity in particular, privacy concerns have also grown. This has led to increased demand for platforms that prioritise user confidentiality. Social media networks that emphasise end-to-end encryption and enhanced user data protection measures are likely to gain prominence. 2024 is likely to see users gravitate towards platforms that offer greater control over their personal information.

AI-Powered Personalisation 

At the moment, there isn’t anything in which AI isn’t playing a part; and social media is certainly in that conversation. AI algorithms look set to continue to play a crucial role in enhancing user experiences on social media. Just like the ‘For You’ feeds on social media platforms, we’re like to see further advanced AI systems employed for content curation, delivering personalised feeds tailored to individual preferences. 

A focus on mental health and wellbeing 

The talk around the importance of mental health has been everywhere throughout 2023; and the discussions have been prominent across social platforms too. Social media will continue to play a huge part in the awareness around mental health and wellbeing in 2024. We can expect to see platforms introduce features aimed at promoting digital wellness, including tools for managing screen time and mindfulness exercises. This will create a more empathetic and supportive online environment.

Influencer marketing will continue to evolve 

Influencer marketing has evolved in recent years, and we don’t expect this trend to slow down. With a shift towards authenticity and long-term partnerships. Micro-influencers, renowned for their niche expertise and authentic engagement, might gain more prominence over mega-influencers. Brands will focus on building genuine connections with influencers, prioritising meaningful collaborations that resonate with their audience.

Whether the metaverse and AR experiences change the social media landscape in definitely, AI delivers more personal content or privacy alters the way social platforms operate, 2024 is a key time for various platforms and their users and we expect these trends to play a huge part in changing the social media landscape in the long term. 

If you enjoyed this blog, read: Digital trends for 2024