Top 10 Social Media Trends to Watch in 2023: Live Streaming, Social Commerce, Short-Form Video, AR

As we look ahead to 2023, there are some exciting new developments in social media that are worth paying attention to. Whether you're a casual user or a business owner, these trends will shape the way we interact with social media in the years to come.

Live Streaming Goes Mainstream

Live streaming has been gaining popularity for a while now, but in 2023 it will become even more common. Brands will use live video to connect with their audiences in a more personal and engaging way, whether it's for product launches, behind-the-scenes content, or influencer collaborations.

Social Commerce Takes Over

Online shopping is already big, but in 2023 it will become even more prevalent. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook will continue to invest in shopping features, making it easier than ever for users to buy products directly from their feeds.

Short-Form Video Dominates

Short-form video will continue to be the king of social media in 2023. TikTok and Instagram Reels will see explosive growth, while YouTube will shift towards more short-form content to stay relevant.

Augmented Reality Goes Mainstream

Expect to see more AR filters and effects on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, as well as more brands using AR to showcase products and services.

NFTs Take Center Stage

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) will become more mainstream on social media in 2023. Artists and creators will use NFTs to sell digital art and other unique assets, and brands will use NFTs for marketing purposes.

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have become an increasingly popular way to sell digital art and unique assets, and can be a powerful tool for fundraising and promoting a cause. You may take some steps to explore the use of NFTs as a way to fundraise this example for intellectual disability charities:

1. Educate yourself on NFTs: Before getting started, it's important to understand what NFTs are and how they work. There are many resources available online to help you learn more about NFTs and their potential use in fundraising, such as articles, webinars, and online courses.

2. Identify potential artists: Once you have a good understanding of NFTs, the next step is to identify artists who can create digital artwork to be sold as NFTs. In the case of an intellectual disability charity, consider partnering with individuals with intellectual disabilities who have an interest and talent in creating digital art.

3. Create digital artwork: Work with the selected artists to create digital artwork that can be sold as NFTs. The artwork should be unique, high-quality, and reflect the cause and mission of the charity.

4. Mint NFTs: Once the digital artwork is complete, the next step is to mint NFTs, which involves creating a digital token that represents ownership of the artwork. There are many platforms available for minting NFTs, such as OpenSea, Rarible, and Nifty Gateway.

5. Set up an auction: After minting the NFTs, set up an auction where people can bid on the NFTs. The auction can take place on an NFT marketplace or on the charity's website. Make sure to promote the auction through social media and other channels to reach a wider audience.

6. Collect funds: When the auction ends, collect the funds from the winning bidders and use the proceeds to support the intellectual disability charity. Consider sharing updates on how the funds are being used to create transparency and build trust with donors.

Overall, using NFTs as a way to fundraise and promote a cause can be a unique and innovative approach. By partnering with individuals with intellectual disabilities to create digital artwork, you can showcase their talents and raise awareness for the cause. Just make sure to educate yourself on NFTs, select high-quality artwork, and promote the auction to reach a wider audience.

Social Audio Explodes

Social audio will continue to grow in popularity in 2023. Platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces will see more users, and more brands will use social audio for marketing and customer service.

Influencer Marketing Evolves

In 2023, influencer marketing will shift towards more long-term relationships with influencers. Brands will partner with nano-influencers and micro-influencers, and there will be a greater emphasis on authenticity and transparency.

Privacy Becomes a Selling Point

Privacy will be a key selling point for social media platforms in 2023. Users will demand more accountability from the platforms they use, and platforms like Signal and Telegram will see increased adoption.

Social Media Goes Meta

Meta will become a buzzword in social media in 2023. Facebook's rebranding as Meta signals a new era of social media, where virtual and augmented reality play a bigger role. Expect to see more social media experiences that blur the line between the physical and virtual worlds.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage Brands will invest in sustainable practices, and users will demand more accountability from the platforms they use. Expect to see more sustainability-themed campaigns and content on social media.

As the world becomes more aware of the environmental impact of our daily actions, sustainability is becoming a key focus for individuals and organizations alike. In the world of social media, this is no exception. Brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices can earn the loyalty of consumers who value ethical and responsible practices. At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding accountability from the companies they buy from, especially on issues like environmental sustainability.

A great example of this is the coffee brand, Blue Bottle Coffee, and their collaboration with a social entrepreneur, Vava Angwenyi. Blue Bottle Coffee is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, and in 2021, they partnered with Vava to launch a new line of coffee beans from women-owned farms in Kenya. The initiative not only supports women entrepreneurs in the region, but also promotes sustainable farming practices and creates a positive impact on the local community.

Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability initiatives like this one.

Brands can use social media platforms to showcase their efforts to reduce waste, promote renewable energy, and support social causes. This can help build a positive brand image, attract new customers, and strengthen relationships with existing ones. At the same time, social entrepreneurs like Vava Angwenyi can use social media to promote their initiatives and gain the support they need to make a positive impact.

In conclusion, these ten new developments in social media will have a significant impact on digital marketing activities. As a digital marketing manager or entrepreneur, it's crucial to keep up with these emerging trends and adopt them in your marketing strategy to stay ahead of the competition and effectively engage with your target audience. Ignoring these changes could result in missed opportunities and a lack of competitiveness in the digital marketing space. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to these new trends to ensure the success of your digital marketing efforts.