Social Media Trends to Watch for the Rest of 2023: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Working in an industry that morphs faster than Optimus Prime can be tough — the social media landscape is always changing. If you’re wondering what’s hot, what’s not, and how to fit new social media trends into your strategy for Q3 and 4… you’re definitely not alone. But don’t worry - we have answers.

We looked at the various key trends outlined in data reports from Sprout Social and Hootsuite to bring you this list of the top 3 social media marketing trends that will continue to dominate the industry for the rest of the year!

1. The creator economy will continue to boom

According to video analytics firm Tubular Labs, creator and influencer viewership will hit 10 trillion views per month across all platforms in 2023. In 2022, influencer content was watched 13.2 times more than media and brand content. If you don’t leverage influencer/creator marketing over the next 6 months, you’re missing out on a major opportunity.

Marketers across industries collaborate with creators to generate more engagement, strengthen social communities and reach new audiences. As the playing field becomes more diverse and focused, more brands will be able to find and connect with creators that operate within their target market.

2. BeReal will be a turning point for brands

BeReal was one of the hottest social media trends of 2022. The new kid on the block delighted users and mystified marketers. After all, what are we supposed to do with an app that doesn’t incentivise its constant use? Take the time to zoom out. Understanding why vertical networks, closed communities and apps like BeReal are thriving while consumer social media fatigue rises will be crucial to shaping your strategy.

For the rest of the year, brand authenticity will make or break your business on social. It’s time to shift your focus away from fleeting viral trends and dig into what matters to your audience and business.

 3. Small businesses cosy up to creators

Larger brands are beginning to tighten up their creator budgets, leaving the door wide open for small businesses.  The Hootsuite social trends survey found that smaller organisations are the least likely to work with creators; 72% of small businesses (those with less than 100 employees) don’t work with creators in any capacity, while nearly 42% of businesses with over 1,000 employees do work with creators. So what’s the biggest barrier to entry for small businesses? The answer: cost.

While this pullback in spending is a blow to an already precarious creator economy, it leaves the door wide open for smaller businesses to compete for top creators at lower price points.

By adapting your marketing strategy to these trends, you can stay ahead of the curve and effectively reach and engage with your audience in the ever-evolving social media landscape!