Hot Social Topics for 2020
The new decade is fast approaching. Here at Emote Digital we always strive to think ahead and forecast what the future will hold.
We’ve gathered together our predictions for what will be trending, buzzing, and red, red hot in the world of social media in 2020.
Chatbots
For better or worse, social media is now seen as customer service. This means for businesses, their timely and friendly response to clients is critical.
We’ve already seen a rise in the use of chatbots, but as they develop they will become more and more human. We’ll be privy to uncanny social media situations as these bots learn more about us, accurately recommend things, and become harder to discern from humans.
“We’ve lived with likes for so long, that the removal will rewrite how we navigate social media, where our eyes immediately flick, and how we interpret engagement. “
Hidden Likes
This is not new as we’ve already seen the disappearance of likes on Instagram and Facebook trialled in Australia, but it is likely to be rolled out globally in 2020. Influencers haven’t been happy about the removal of likes, but research suggests it’s better for our mental health.
We’ve lived with likes for so long, that the removal will rewrite how we navigate social media, where our eyes immediately flick, and how we interpret engagement. It could also be that social media companies are moving to monetise the coveted access to engagement data.
New Social Media Network
Although we predict a new social media platform, if we knew what it was going to be we would be choosing which yacht to buy instead of writing this blog.
In 2019, TikTok saw a big increase in users, especially amongst the younger generation. In contrast, Twitter’s users have actually decreased since 2017. It looks like whatever the next social media network may be; we’re ready.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is different from Virtual Reality (VR). Rather than creating an entirely new virtual world, AR projects virtual aspects onto real things. Think of the classic dog filter on Snapchat, or when the dancing hot dog would appear.
This tweaking of reality will become more and more popular, included in live event streaming or experiential marketing. Already this year Facebook plans on rolling out AR marketing, for trying on things like makeup before purchase just by using your phone.
More Video
Algorithms already prioritise video, and we think that won’t be letting up anytime soon. A study by Cisco predicts 75% of online content will be video by the year 2020.
This isn’t that surprising considering the increasing access to highly capable smartphones and fast mobile internet speeds. For businesses, this will mean that more and more video content will need to be produced as part of their social media strategy to capture audiences.
Primary Source of News Info
News sites are requiring subscriptions, as they should deliver quality news stories. However, this also means more people turn to free social media for their news insights.
What’s more concerning is the rise of fake news and deepfake videos that could easily be interpreted as real. Our advice for news in 2020? Always look to legitimate sources.
Social Media Cryptocurrency
Facebook Inc’s global cryptocurrency Libra has been coming for a while now, and 2020 may be the year it launches. This could be the beginning of the mass use of cryptocurrency on social media.
Crypto has so far been mostly inaccessible, but with access to such a wide audience and possible monetisation of aspects of social media, it could become the norm for how services are paid for. Just imagine FarmVille with Bitcoin.
The Rise of Micro-Influencers
Big influencers and celebrities as influencers are not having the same impact they used to, and are no longer as trusted by consumers. Conversely, smaller influencers who have a niche market, are part of a community, and have better relationships with their followers are more likely to be trusted as they seem more genuine and relatable.
In fact, 73% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for products that guarantee total transparency. So looking to micro-influencers instead of big influencers will most likely lead to higher engagement at a lower cost, increased trust in the brand, and higher conversion.
“It will be more important than ever for businesses to track data and adapt to the ever-evolving algorithm.”
Data, Data, Data
This is perhaps no surprise, but data will continue to reign supreme in the new year.
Social media AI will continue improving how it segments data to ensure the algorithm provides the best content possible. It will be more important than ever for businesses to track data and adapt to the ever-evolving algorithm.
We’re already tuned in to the importance of data and are constantly keeping up to date with what’s relevant and how to improve across all digital marketing channels.