Social media has become a central element of modern life for many people. For the past two decades, it has played an ever-increasing role in the digital realm and beyond. Staying up to date with the latest trends can help you to better navigate the world of social networks. This is especially important if you want to make a career out of social media. The following are eight of the most noteworthy social media trends 2021 is bringing about.

1) TikTok at the Top for Younger Generations

In terms of growth, TikTok is the world champion. Between 2019 and 2020, it grew five times over. TikTok’s rise has been largely driven by Generation Z. However, its meteoric growth in 2020 was also driven by the pandemic. It is likely that it will slow in 2021, but this network is here to stay.

Music plays a huge role in TikTok and has led to a thriving community with a unique culture. TikTok has become so influential that if you open other social media apps, you are likely to see content reposted from the video-sharing app. Understanding this app, social media video production, and its audience is essential in 2021.

2) Stories Make Sharing Moment Easier

Stories have been around for several years on various platforms. However, they have become almost ubiquitous as of 2021. Instagram Stories is perhaps the most popular iteration of this. It creates a great way to share moments and narratives across several posts.

Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and others have their own versions of this. For people creating content professionally for social media, knowing how to leverage these stories is essential. This type of content tends to be very high engagement. On Instagram, more than half a billion users interact with them daily. They aren’t going anywhere soon. This is good news because they offer a valuable format for storytelling.

3) Facebook Watch Provides a New Way To Connect

2020 saw a once-in-a-century global pandemic. People connecting more over the internet was one of the many changes that the health crisis brought about. This helped raise the profile of Facebook Watch. Although this service was released in 2017, it became more popular than ever in 2020. The service allows groups to watch a video together. For people looking for a safe way to connect, it was the perfect answer.

It is unclear what will happen with Facebook Watch in 2021. However, while usage is likely to drop, it will probably be above 2019 levels. After all, more people have used it now. This could create some interesting content opportunities on Facebook.

4) Video Makes Twitter More Engaging Than Ever

Twitter has implemented several video tools that have helped to make it more engaging than ever. The NFL and Twitter partnered together to allow live streaming on the platform along with live, Twitter-based comments. The success of this venture has helped to bring the network into center view for people looking to cut the cord but still watch live sports.

Additionally, in 2021, Twitter started testing, letting users directly share YouTube videos. So, users can watch directly in their feeds rather than clicking a link and viewing it on the YouTube app or website. This has helped expand video engagement on Twitter.

5) Twitter’s New Feature Creates Space for Fleeting Thoughts

However, the short-form network wasn’t done there. It also added a new feature called Twitter Fleets. As the name hints, this is intended for fleeting thoughts. It is similar to the “stories” features of other networks. However, it has something of a unique Twitter flair.

Fleets appear at the top of your profile or at the tops of your followers’ feeds. These quick bits only stick around for 24 hours. You can share text, video, photos, or even reactions to other tweets on Twitter Fleets. This is perfect for shower thoughts, casual observations, and anything else that you want to share but don’t want to save for posterity.

6) Live Streaming Is More Popular Than Ever

In addition to sports on Twitter, live streaming saw an explosion in popularity across the board. It was already growing as a popular usage of social media. People are already highly active on these apps; live streaming content on them just makes sense. With many people having more free time and fewer live entertainment options, live streaming offered both creators and consumers a respite.

Like many other trends that started with the pandemic, it is likely that this one will cool slightly in 2021. However, it has planted the seed that social platforms can be used for live interaction in the minds of a large audience. Live streaming will continue to be important this year and beyond.

7) Augmented Reality Continues To Amaze and Engage

Part of the success of TikTok has been the tools it offers for creating content. Filters on Instagram and Snapchat have had similar impacts. These are all based on augmented reality, blending video with digital additions.

This provides lots of ways that social media users can have fun on their favorite platforms. Plus, it is very accessible because all it requires is a phone with a camera. Brands have had surprising success with this in some cases. The right filters can provide a branded experience without feeling inauthentic.

8) Social Commerce Helps Monetize Platforms

Social commerce options allow brands and influencers to sell items directly through social platforms. This can help to expand the potential of all sorts of content. For example, you could put your social media video production skills to good use by showing off a product and having options to buy it right from the app.

This streamlined experience is typical of the social media trends 2021 has brought about. It keeps users within the ecosystems of various social media platforms rather than linking out to other services. It also provides more tools for serious commercial activity on social networks.

Find a Path to Social Media Career Success

All the above trends will play a role in shaping the landscape of social media in 2021. Plus, there may be other new technologies and features that emerge over the year. However, no matter what happens, there will always be a space for people who can create engaging content. Ultimately, social media platforms are all about engaging with others in an authentic manner.

This means that you can make a career in social and emerging media. Some video production courses, writing lessons and a strong understanding of social networks can help you to find success in the social space. If you understand the potential of social media, this may be the right path for you.

Apply to the Media Schools, located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami

The Media Schools, located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami, provide programming to help you find your path to success on social media. Options include writing, broadcasting, audio, and video production courses as well as other relevant topics. Discover more about social media coursework today and apply online to The Media Schools.

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