5 Social Media Trends to Watch Out For in 2021

2020 has been a year of surprises, most of which were unpleasant. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the world’s economy and the way people communicate. Social media has played a crucial role in keeping people connected during these uncertain times. As we enter 2021, we can expect social media platforms to evolve to adapt to the new normal. Here are the top five social media trends to watch out for in 2021.

1. Increased Use of Social Media for E-commerce

With the pandemic forcing most businesses to shut their physical stores, businesses have had to shift their focus to e-commerce. Social media platforms have been accommodating this shift by offering more e-commerce features. Many social media platforms have integrated shopping features that allow businesses to showcase their products and make sales. In 2021, social media will likely play a more significant role in e-commerce than ever before.

2. Growth of Short-Form Video Content

Short-form videos have become increasingly popular over the years, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels taking the lead. These videos are quick, entertaining, and shareable. Brands and influencers have started using these platforms to engage with their audiences by creating relatable, fun, and informative videos. We can expect to see more brands and influencers using short-form videos in 2021.

3. Increased Focus on Local Communities

The pandemic has shown the importance of building strong local communities. With people spending more time at home, social media platforms are creating features that allow people to connect with their local communities. For instance, Facebook has introduced the “Neighborhoods” feature, which allows users to join and connect with their neighbors. We can expect more social media platforms to offer similar features in 2021.

4. Rise of Influencer Micro-Communities

Influencer marketing has been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, we can expect to see a rise in influencer micro-communities. These communities consist of a group of influencers who collaborate with each other to create content and promote each other’s brands. This trend will help brands reach niche audiences and create more authentic and relatable content.

5. More Emphasis on Mental Health and Wellbeing

The pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental health, and social media platforms have a role to play in promoting mental wellbeing. In 2021, we can expect social media platforms to offer more resources and tools to help people manage their mental health. For instance, Facebook has introduced a feature that allows users to manage reminders and journal about their moods. Instagram has also announced plans to roll out a feature that encourages people to take breaks when they have spent too much time on the app.

In conclusion, 2021 is likely to be a year of positive growth for social media platforms. Businesses, influencers, and users will continue to adapt to the “new normal” by utilizing these platforms in innovative ways. As we look to the future, it is essential that social media platforms remain user-centric and promote a healthy digital environment.