2020 has been a crazy year for many different reasons.
One thing that has emerged amongst the chaos is the creative use of video content across social media platforms. From TikTok dances, to LinkedIn talking heads, to those riveting (and sometimes incriminating) live streams, video has dominated this year.
We’ve rounded up the top 6 trends that are filling up your feeds.
On The Fly
Live video.
2 words that can spark dread, anxiety and nervousness.
Never fear!
Live videos can be an incredibly engaging way to interact with your audience, creating an authentic and genuine relationship without heavy edits and scripts. While Facebook live was a little bit of a flop when it first launched in 2017 (maybe we just weren’t ready!), live videos are an incredibly popular medium today.
Not just limited to Facebook, you can now go live on Snapchat, Instagram, and even LinkedIn. A fantastic way to answer questions, demonstrate product uses, or just interact with your community. Capturing the authentic feel of live TV and radio for the social media generation, we know this trend will only continue to grow in 2021.
Vlog Life
Vlogging has come a long way since the days of 2010 Youtube stars.
Nowadays, pretty much everyone is a vlogger.
Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram (and most recently, Twitter) have story functions that allow any user to upload regular and constant mini vlogs.
Let’s face it, we’re nosey creatures by nature.
There’s no denying that getting these sneak peeks into other people’s lives through tiny bite-sized video content does incredibly well. We can see brands continuing to use these mini vlogs as a way to give their audience an insight into the day to day runnings of their business, or using it as a form of influencer marketing.
Silence Please
Videos without sound is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular.
Catering for an audience that can’t always bust out their headphones at any given moment, videos need to remain engaging while considering the fact their viewer might be watching on a busy (socially distanced) train.
Nailing the video formula without relying on sounds is a true art form. This means your videos need to be well thought out and captioned, not only making them accessible but also easy to consume wherever your audience may be.
User Generation
User-generated content is in.
Millennials and Gen Z are less interested in seeing your perfectly polished content and far more receptive to seeing raw and ‘real’ content.
This means that influencer marketing is an amazing tool to get those unpolished and relatable videos showcasing your products, in a much more natural way.
We’re also seeing a surge in content from everyday consumers demonstrating how to use products on platforms like TikTok.
Whether it’s that trendy fashion student showing her audience how to wear your new belt, or a stay at home mum gushing over your new skincare product – these videos have been a marketing trend that has exploded in 2020.
TikTok Isn’t Going Anywhere
Tiktok.
We know you’ve heard of it, and as much as you might want to deny it, it’s pretty damn addictive.
We won’t go into too much detail over how much power this platform has (if you want to read more about the stats behind this powerhouse check out our blog here) but we will reiterate the fact that despite Trump’s best efforts, it isn’t going anywhere.
There’s so much potential on TikTok.
From branded hashtag challenges, to paid posts, to teaming up with the platforms youngest and hottest creators – the best time to be involved was yesterday, the second-best time, is right now.
Professional Flair
If you still think LinkedIn is just for your boss to post inspirational quotes, you’re living in the past, my friend.
This year, we’ve seen a massive growth of video content on the platform, and it’s become one of the best ways to grow your network (and leads!).
The key to a great LinkedIn video is making it short and sweet.
Make sure you give your personal view on a topic, and add value to your audience.
These bite-sized videos are designed to be consumed by the busy professional on the go.
Thanks to that sweet LinkedIn algorithm (think, similar to Facebook in its heyday) videos are often viewed by a large number of people, making them an easy way to cement yourself in your chosen niche.
No need to be fancy! Authentic, genuine, real, and engaging – that’s the key here.
Want to get a kickstart on your marketing campaign? Videos could be the way to go! We are full of ideas and love creating unique and one of a kind strategies just for you and your brand.
