Social media is always changing, with new platforms coming up and old ones changing too. Did you know over 4.7 billion people worldwide use social media? That’s 59% of the global population, showing how big social media’s impact is.
Looking ahead, it’s important to watch the social media apps that could change everything. They’re changing how we connect, engage, and share online. This article will look at the most exciting and new social media trends for 2024 and beyond.
If you love social media, create content, or want to stay ahead, knowing about these changes is crucial. It will help you navigate the digital world in the future. So, let’s explore the social media apps that will shape our online interactions.
Key Takeaways
- The global social media user base has reached over 4.7 billion, highlighting the increasing importance of social platforms.
- New and innovative social media apps are emerging, challenging the dominance of established players.
- Visually-driven and audio-based social experiences are gaining traction, reflecting the evolving preferences of users.
- Niche communities are finding a home on specialized social media apps, catering to specific interests and passions.
- The creator economy is thriving, with social media apps like Patreon and Substack empowering creators to monetize their content.
The Rise of BeReal and the Appeal of Authentic Content
In a world full of perfect pictures on social media, BeReal stands out. It’s a social app that shows real life without filters. Since 2020, BeReal aims to let people see their friends as they truly are. It does this by asking users to take a photo at random times every day.
BeReal’s Mission and Features
BeReal changes the way we see social media. It makes users share real, unedited parts of their day. Unlike other apps, BeReal wants you to take a photo within two minutes daily. This shows what you’re doing right then. This method helps create a more real social experience. It lets people connect with friends in a more meaningful way.
Rapid Growth and User Adoption
People love seeing real life online. From May 2022 to January 2023, BeReal grew by 313%. This growth is amazing because BeReal is free and doesn’t show ads yet. It shows how much people want real connections online.
The BeReal app is getting more popular. It’s exciting to see how it will change. But one thing is sure: people want real, honest content online.
Audio-Based Social Media Apps Gaining Traction
Social media has seen a big rise in audio-based social media apps like Clubhouse and Spotify Live. Clubhouse, a new app for live, audio-only chats, became popular when it started in 2020. It quickly got over two million users a week by December 2021. But, its popularity dropped by more than 60% soon after.
Leveraging Existing Audience
Spotify launched Spotify Live in 2021 to meet the demand for live audio. It used its huge user base of podcast and music fans to stand out. Users can easily switch between music, podcasts, and live chats on Spotify Live.
The Future of Audio-Based Platforms
The future of audio social media looks bright, with clubhouse app and others growing and changing. Platforms like Spotify Live are becoming top choices for live audio chats. They will succeed by meeting user needs, offering unique content, and being different from regular social media.
Established Platforms Embracing New Formats: Instagram Reels
Social media is always changing, and big platforms like Instagram keep up by adding new stuff. In 2020, Instagram brought in Instagram Reels. These are short videos, up to 90 seconds, that you can make and edit right in the app.
Unlike Stories, which vanish after a day, Reels stick around. They live in a special tab on your profile. This lets creators and brands reach more people, as Reels show up on the Explore page too.
Instagram Reels stand out from TikTok with its cool editing tools like this Moovly review. You can mix clips, change the layout, and add AR effects. This makes your Reels look better and more fun. As more people use Reels, it’s becoming a big deal on Instagram.
If you’re a brand or a creator, Instagram Reels is a great way to share your stuff. As social media changes, being able to try new things is key. It helps social media apps stay interesting and keep users coming back.
Social Media Apps for Niche Communities
In the ever-changing world of social media, some social media apps have found a special place for niche communities. Discord and Twitch are two examples that have grown beyond their original goals. They now offer unique spaces for different groups to connect and share.
Discord’s Evolution Beyond Gaming
Discord started in 2015 as a chat app for gamers. Now, it’s a versatile platform for many types of communities. Users can find groups for book clubs, fitness, language learning, and even cryptocurrency fans.
Discord’s servers are customizable. This lets people connect, work together, and share their interests through video, audio, and text.
Twitch’s Expanding Content Offerings
Twitch was once all about live-streaming games. But now, it’s home to a wide variety of content. You can find cooking shows, makeup tutorials, and even music performances. This change has brought in more viewers. It shows how Discord communities and twitch streaming can attract different kinds of people.
As social media keeps changing, these social media apps show how niche communities shape our online world.
The Rise of Creator Economies: Patreon and Substack
The digital world has changed a lot, and so has how content creators connect with their fans. Patreon and Substack have become big social media apps in this change. They offer new ways for creators to make money and share their work.
Patreon’s Subscription-Based Model for Creators
Patreon lets creators make a steady income from their work through subscriptions. Creators can offer special content and perks to their biggest fans. This way, they control how much money they make. Patreon is now home to over 250,000 creators and more than eight million paid fans.
Substack’s Newsletter and Podcast Platform
Substack is a new way for creators to reach their fans. It lets them send newsletters and podcasts directly to their audience. This platform is great for writers and podcasters who want to make money from their work and connect closely with their fans. Substack is easy to use and shares revenue with creators, making it popular among independent creators.
These social media apps and platforms show how much people want real, personal content. They let creators take charge of their earnings and build lasting businesses. Patreon and Substack are changing the digital media world for the better.
Also, if you want to work with an influencer or content creator in your niche, you can check out the tool in this StarNgage review.
Emerging Social Media Apps to Watch
In the world of social media, new social media apps are catching everyone’s eye. Lemon8 and Kick are two of these newcomers. They bring fresh ideas to how we share and make content.
Lemon8: The Visually-Driven Social Platform
Lemon8 started in Japan in 2020 and now reaches the UK and USA in 2023. It’s like a mix of old Instagram and Pinterest, focusing on beautiful photos and short videos. Users love it for its easy-to-use design and the emphasis on visuals.
Unlike other social media, Lemon8 lets users control what they see. Its simple design makes finding new content easy. This creates a space for visual discovery and inspiration.
Kick: A Twitch Competitor for Streamers
Kick is a new player in live streaming, challenging Twitch for the top spot. It launched in late 2022 and quickly drew in big names from Twitch. With its focus on giving streamers more control and better pay, Kick has attracted 12 million active streamers.
Kick offers a new path for content creators tired of old models. It gives streamers more power and a bigger share of their earnings. This makes Kick a strong choice for creators wanting more control.
Conclusion
The future of social media is always changing, with new social media apps and trends coming up. We’re seeing the rise of real, honest platforms like BeReal and the growth of social media apps focused on audio and community. This will keep changing how we connect, share, and create online in 2024 and beyond.
Brands and marketers must keep up with these new platforms and trends. This way, they can reach and connect with their audience better in the future.
The trends of 2024, like the need for future of social media and 2024 social media trends, will change how we interact and share online. Businesses and individuals need to adapt to these changes to stay relevant in the social media world.
In the future, social media will focus on real, deep, and community-based experiences. By keeping up with these trends, brands and individuals can succeed in the future of social media. They can make the most of the 2024 social media trends that will shape the industry.
FAQ
- What are some examples of popular social media apps?
Popular social media apps include Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Snapchat. - What is the meaning of social media apps?
Social media apps let users share content, connect with others, and build communities online. - What are the logos of major social media apps?
Major social media logos include the Instagram camera, Twitter bird, Facebook “f”, LinkedIn “in”, YouTube play button, and Snapchat ghost. - How has Instagram Reels impacted the social media landscape?
Instagram Reels, launched in 2020, lets users share short videos up to 90 seconds with advanced editing. It’s growing in popularity, helping brands reach their audience. - How have niche community-driven platforms like Discord and Twitch evolved?
Discord started for gamers in 2015 and now covers many topics. Twitch has grown beyond gaming, hosting various content like cooking and makeup tutorials. - How are creator-focused platforms like Patreon and Substack changing the social media landscape?
Patreon helps creators earn from subscriptions, giving them more control over their earnings. Substack offers creators a way to connect with fans through newsletters and podcasts, bypassing traditional media. - What are some emerging social media apps to watch?
Look out for Lemon8, a visually appealing app like Instagram and Pinterest, and Kick, a Twitch competitor with 12 million streamers since its launch in late 2022.
Take a look back and discover the top platforms of 2023 in this “Top 10 Social Media Platforms: Exploding On SocMed To Grow Your Brand In 2023” article.