5 Social Media Trends to Watch Out for This Summer

As summer heats up and social media content continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay ahead of the trends and elevate your social media game! Here are 5 social media trends to keep an eye out for this summer:

1. Short-Form Video Content

In the fast-paced world of social media, short-form video content has become a powerhouse for engagement and reach. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have pushed creators to produce content that grabs the user’s attention and delivers their message quickly and effectively. 

2. AI-Generated Content

AI (artificial intelligence) has skyrocketed in popularity since it hit the mainstream market in 2022. Its convenience has provided users with the ability to complete a wide range of tasks efficiently and accurately. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT and Google AI, users will be seeing a huge increase in AI-generated social media text and images. 

3. Influencer Product Placement

Coca-Cola was the first major brand to use product placement in film, paying directors to place, say, a bottle of Coca-Cola on a desk or in the background of the frame. While the placement was always subtle, it was enough of a visual to create a surge in sales. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and we are going to see this very popular marketing tactic with influencers, as well. Strategic and subtle product placement is going to create much more of a connection with people than the “hard sell” we are normally used to. 

4. Brand Authenticity 

Consumers are much more likely to buy from a brand that is trustworthy and transparent. Keeping content more authentic and less structured with audiences will help brands with things like customer loyalty, enhanced engagement, and the brand’s overall trust and credibility. Brands practicing authenticity in 2024 include Arie, Olipop, Native, and more. 

5. Social Commerce

Social Commerce allows users to discover and purchase new products that perfectly align with their interests (thank you, algorithms!). This shopping experience keeps the user inside the platform, without needing to click on any external links or exit the app. With the rise of Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok Shop, expect to see a surge in social commerce on these platforms!

Camille Turner — MFBS Intern