Embrace the ever-changing landscape of social media trends, where change is the only constant.
In the previous year, authenticity took the spotlight (hello, BeReal), and relatability triumphed over filters.
As we step into 2023, these trends persist, highlighting the significance of community-driven content and originality. Stay ahead of the curve by delving into the top social media trends for 2023 with this informative guide.
Top 10 social media trends of 2023
We have our eyes on these game-changers, including the emergence of YouTube Shorts and the growing discussions around AI content creation.
Stay informed and be prepared as we dive into these exciting trends shaping the social media landscape.
Trend #1: Moving Away from Copy & Paste Trends
In 2022, riding the wave of trends was essential for TikTok and Instagram growth.
However, in 2023, relying solely on trending audio is no longer sufficient.
To make a lasting impression, creators and brands are integrating more original content into their strategies.
From longer-form vlogs to candid conversations on specific subjects, video content is embracing a casual and spontaneous storytelling approach.
Video editing is evolving into a storytelling tool, with creators utilizing multiple apps to craft clever and engaging edits.
In the midst of a sea of imitators, the key is to make your video truly shine.
The game-changer? Brands and creators are pioneering their own “trends” by leveraging popular audio and adding their own distinctive twist.
For instance, take creator Yasmin Hero, whose groundbreaking transitions on TikTok revolutionized the filming of OOTD content. It’s all about moving away from copying and pasting and embracing originality straight from the creative cutting room floor.
Trend #2: The Rise of UGC Creators
User-generated content (UGC) has become a powerhouse for brands, with a study revealing that 80% of consumers consider it influential in their purchase decisions.
However, not every brand has an extensive library of UGC or an in-house team to create authentic-looking photos.
This is where UGC creators step in. These creators are hired to produce UGC-inspired content for brands, similar to freelance content creation.
In 2023, UGC creators fill a market gap, with an increase in Nano creators monetizing their social media presence without the need to focus solely on their own channels.
Trend #3: The Rise of YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts has skyrocketed in popularity, with Business Insider reporting an average of over 50 billion views per day, a significant increase from 30 billion in 2022.
Creators are drawn to YouTube Shorts for two reasons: it allows them to attract more viewers to their long-form content and expand their subscriber base.
Moreover, with the introduction of new revenue opportunities for Shorts on YouTube, the platform is reclaiming its status as a lucrative destination for creators. Cha-ching!
Trend #4: The Rise of AI in Mainstream
The future is here, and artificial intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous, more accessible than ever before.
In 2023, TikTok is buzzing with AI-inspired effects, allowing users to transform themselves into their favorite fictional characters.
Copy generators like Chat GPT and Jasper.ai have gained popularity among brands and creators, aiding them in drafting outlines or generating ideas for written content.
While AI cannot replace originality, creativity, or thought leadership, its presence is expected to grow in the years to come. Get ready to witness more AI-powered innovations in the future!
Trend #5: The Emergence of LinkedIn Creators
Here’s an interesting tidbit: LinkedIn predates Facebook. So why is it included in our list of social media trends for 2023?
The answer is simple: organic engagement. Creators are leveraging the platform, injecting personality into their posts, and establishing themselves as industry experts.
In fact, there has been a rise in LinkedIn “Power Users” who enlist ghostwriters to produce content for their dedicated followers.
If you’ve overlooked LinkedIn in the past, now is the perfect time to reassess its potential and explore the opportunities it holds for your personal brand or business.
Trend #6: The Rise of Keyword Search and SEO Domination
Step aside, Google! TikTok and Instagram have become go-to platforms for nearly half of Gen Z’s search needs.
To ensure your content gets discovered, optimizing your posts with relevant keywords is now more critical than ever.
This shift reflects a broader change in how users explore topics on the internet. They seek curated perspectives and personal experiences, like the storytelling on TikTok or honest reviews on Reddit.
Pro Tip: When planning your 2023 social media strategy, compile a list of keywords you want your brand to rank for and consistently create content around them. Stay on top of the search game!
Trend #7: The Rise of Gated Content
Gated content is gaining momentum for several reasons:
Social feed fatigue from constant “suggested content” interruptions.
Creators and brands aiming for stronger bonds with their most dedicated followers.
Creators seeking ownership of their content beyond ever-changing social media platforms.
Monetization opportunities through “exclusive content” for their most devoted fans.
Will this strategy revive excitement in social media content and newsletters? Only time and open rates will reveal the answer. Stay tuned!
Trend #8: Nonlinear Storytelling Takes the Spotlight
A trend that emerged in 2022 and is gaining momentum in 2023 is the art of storytelling that unfolds midway instead of starting from the beginning.
This approach serves as the ultimate hook, whether it involves unraveling a trending topic or sharing a captivating sound bite that leaves viewers eager to catch up.
The @nolitadirtbag account perfectly exemplifies this technique. Its anonymous creator shares cheeky jokes tailored for niche New York-based fashion communities. While not everyone may grasp the joke initially, the page’s rapid growth is fueled by the desire to be part of the inside scoop.
This storytelling style entices the audience to delve deeper and unravel the unfolding narrative.
And what better way to captivate attention than by invoking a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?
Trend #9: Instagram’s Embrace of Creators
Despite discussions of Instagram’s decline, particularly among younger generations, we can’t underestimate its presence in 2023.
Why? The platform boasts over 2 billion monthly active users.
While the average user may voice concerns, Instagram’s appeal and longevity lie in its ability to attract and keep creators engaged.
Our prediction: With the introduction of creator-focused features like Broadcast Channels, Instagram will reinforce its commitment to creators throughout 2023.
Trend #10: Bridging the Pay Gap: Transparency in Brand-Creator Relationships
Creators understand that exposure alone doesn’t pay the bills. Consequently, pay transparency has become a hot topic in social media circles. Even prominent brands face public scrutiny for underpaying, as what once went unnoticed is now being called out.
With the emergence of apps like Clara for Creators and Collab Scale advocating for pay transparency, the industry is poised for clearer guidelines on fair compensation.
Social media remains a dynamic landscape, ever-evolving and full of opportunities.
While new features and trends can be overwhelming, they also provide avenues for experimentation and finding the best approach for your specific audience and objectives.
Whether it’s creating original content or optimizing for SEO, these 10 social media trends deserve your attention as you navigate the wild west of social media.