What are the top global social media trends that your business needs to know to succeed in 2024 and beyond? Read our latest blog post and find out!

1. Short-Form Video Content Is Dominating
Short-form video content, driven by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, is leading the charge in social media consumption. People are increasingly engaging with bite-sized, easily digestible content that entertains and informs in under 60 seconds.

For businesses, this presents an opportunity to:

Humanize your brand: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses or day-in-the-life videos of your team.
Create product demos: Highlight key features of your products in quick, engaging videos.
Jump on trends: Participate in trending challenges or memes that align with your brand’s voice.
To leverage short-form video for global audiences, make sure your content resonates across cultures. Consider using local influencers, subtitles in multiple languages, or region-specific references to engage with diverse audiences worldwide.

2. The Rise of Social Commerce
Social commerce—the direct selling of products through social media platforms—is a rapidly growing trend, especially on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This trend blurs the lines between social media engagement and e-commerce, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase products without leaving their favorite platforms.

For businesses, social commerce offers several benefits:

Seamless shopping experience: Reduce friction in the buyer’s journey by allowing customers to purchase directly within the app.
Leveraging influencers: Partner with influencers to showcase your products and link directly to product pages through shoppable posts or livestreams.
To succeed in social commerce globally, optimize your product listings for each platform and region, and ensure that your payment and shipping options are accessible to customers worldwide.

3. Live Streaming and Real-Time Engagement
Live streaming has become a major feature on social platforms, with Instagram Live, Facebook Live, TikTok, and Twitch gaining massive popularity. This trend is especially effective for fostering real-time engagement and creating authentic connections with your audience.

Some ways your business can benefit from live streaming include:

Product launches: Host exclusive live streams to unveil new products to your audience.
Q&A sessions: Engage directly with customers and answer their questions in real time.
Virtual events: Organize webinars, workshops, or tutorials that add value to your followers.
For global audiences, consider hosting live streams at times that accommodate multiple time zones. You can also offer multilingual streams or captions to make your content accessible to a broader audience.

4. The Growing Importance of User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content—posts, reviews, or videos created by customers—has become a vital element in social media marketing. Consumers tend to trust recommendations and content from real users more than brand-produced content, making UGC a powerful tool for increasing authenticity and building trust.

To encourage user-generated content:

Create branded hashtags: Encourage your followers to share their experiences using your products with a specific hashtag.
Host contests: Offer incentives like giveaways to users who post content featuring your brand.
Feature UGC in your campaigns: Highlight customer testimonials, reviews, or photos in your social media and marketing efforts.
Globally, tailor your UGC strategies to local preferences. What works in one region may not work in another, so take the time to understand regional preferences and behaviors on social media platforms.

5. Personalization and AI-Powered Content
Consumers increasingly expect personalized experiences from brands. With the advancements in AI and machine learning, social platforms are providing tools to deliver tailored content that speaks directly to individual preferences.

Personalization can help your business:

Improve customer experience: Use AI tools to recommend content, products, or services based on user behavior and interests.
Enhance advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer highly targeted ads based on user data, allowing you to reach the right audience with the right message.
For global brands, personalization should go beyond just language translations. Consider regional trends, local culture, and user behavior to create truly personalized experiences for your diverse customer base.

6. Ephemeral Content: Stories and Disappearing Posts
Ephemeral content—such as Instagram Stories, Snapchat Snaps, and Facebook Stories—is temporary and disappears after 24 hours. Despite its fleeting nature, it remains one of the most effective ways to engage audiences, with over 500 million people using Instagram Stories daily.

Why is ephemeral content so effective?

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): The temporary nature of this content encourages users to engage quickly before it disappears.
Authenticity: Stories often showcase raw, unpolished content, making them feel more personal and authentic.
Interactive features: Stickers, polls, quizzes, and questions allow businesses to engage with users in fun and creative ways.
To succeed globally with ephemeral content, tailor your stories to your international audiences. Use location-based filters, stickers, and localized content to increase relevance and engagement.

7. The Power of Influencer Marketing Continues to Grow
Influencer marketing shows no signs of slowing down, with global brands increasingly relying on influencers to connect with niche markets. The key trend in 2024 is micro-influencers—those with smaller, highly engaged followings. These influencers offer higher engagement rates and more authentic connections with their audience.

To make influencer marketing work for your business:

Work with local influencers: If you’re targeting specific countries or regions, partnering with local influencers can increase your credibility and reach.
Leverage diverse voices: Partner with influencers from different backgrounds to speak to various segments of your audience.
When running global influencer campaigns, ensure that your messaging is culturally sensitive and resonates with each region’s unique audience.

8. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Integration
AR and VR are increasingly being integrated into social media experiences. From AR filters on Instagram and Snapchat to VR-based shopping experiences, these technologies are offering innovative ways for brands to engage their audience.

How AR and VR can benefit your business:

Virtual try-ons: Allow customers to “try on” products such as clothing, accessories, or makeup through AR filters before purchasing.
Immersive brand experiences: Create virtual worlds or interactive experiences that allow users to engage with your brand in a unique way.
To appeal to global markets, ensure your AR and VR experiences are accessible to users in different regions, taking into account factors like internet speeds and device compatibility.

9. Social Responsibility and Purpose-Driven Marketing
In 2024, consumers are increasingly looking for brands that stand for something beyond profit. Purpose-driven marketing, where businesses align with social or environmental causes, has become a powerful trend globally.

Brands can engage their audience by:

Supporting causes: Use your platform to advocate for causes that resonate with your audience, whether it’s sustainability, social justice, or community support.
Transparent practices: Share behind-the-scenes content that shows your brand’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainability.
Ensure that your global campaigns reflect local issues and causes. What resonates in one region might not have the same impact in another, so consider how you can support region-specific causes and connect with your international audience authentically.

Conclusion
As social media continues to evolve, staying updated on the latest global trends is key to keeping your business ahead of the competition. Whether it’s harnessing the power of short-form videos, diving into social commerce, or leveraging AI for personalized experiences, these trends offer valuable opportunities for growth.

By embracing these global social media trends and tailoring them to your business, you can build stronger connections with your audience, expand your reach, and set your brand up for success in 2024 and beyond.