Read Time: 4 Minutes.

Social media remains a driving force in the way that businesses engage with their audience and community.

Video content, in particular, has established itself as a powerhouse for brands seeking to captivate users and make a lasting impact.

With 2024 fast approaching, it's crucial for marketers and business owners to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends in social media video and how to leverage them effectively.

That’s what I’ll be breaking down in this week’s newsletter.

Before you scroll 👋🏻

Until the end of 2023, I’m offering 50% off my 1-1 sessions where I teach you how to create engaging content that converts into customers, and you can book an entire hour with me by using this link: https://calendly.com/jackgaisford/content-consultation-power-hour 

Shout out to Simon, Richard, and Johanna for our 1-1 sessions this week. I am pleased to see you’re already planning your next video!🎉

Running a video agency that has a social-first approach means that I’ve got to keep my eye on what’s hot, and what’s not.

Over 2023 I’ve seen emerging trends grow to become a core part of the majority of SMBs’ marketing strategies with huge success. So, here’s what I predict to be the five ‘What’s Hot’ and 5 ‘What’s Not’ trends for 2024:

Ins (What's Hot):

1. Short-Form Videos: Short-form video content is here to stay. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to gain momentum. Businesses should focus on creating concise, engaging videos that quickly grab attention and deliver value within a few seconds.

   Advice: Experiment with storytelling techniques to convey your message succinctly. Use eye-catching visuals, music, or text overlays to make an immediate impact and keep viewers hooked.

2. Vertical Videos: With the predominance of mobile usage, vertical videos have become a preferred format. They occupy more screen space, providing an immersive viewing experience. Embrace vertical video creation to cater to mobile users across various platforms.

   Advice: Tailor your content specifically for vertical viewing. Ensure all important elements are within the vertical frame and optimise visuals for mobile screens.

3. Interactive and Shoppable Videos: Interactive features like polls, quizzes, and clickable elements within videos drive engagement and offer a seamless shopping experience. Incorporate interactive elements to encourage user participation and direct viewers to make purchases directly from the video.

   Advice: Strategically place interactive elements to coincide with your product/service highlights. Encourage viewers to engage by offering incentives or exclusive offers tied to the interactive elements.

4. Authentic and User-Generated Content: Audiences crave authenticity. User-Generated Content fosters trust and connection with your brand. Encourage your customers to share their experiences and stories related to your products or services.

   Advice: Develop UGC campaigns that incentivise customers to create and share content. Showcase this content across your social media channels to humanise your brand and build a community around it.

5. Live Video Streaming: Live videos generate excitement and urgency, fostering real-time interaction with your audience. They offer an authentic way to engage, answer questions, and provide exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses.

   Advice: Plan live events such as product launches, Q&A sessions, or tutorials. Interact with viewers in real time, respond to comments, and involve your audience in the conversation.

Outs (What's Not):

1. Overly Polished and Staged Content: Audiences are moving away from overly produced, polished content that feels inauthentic. Avoid content that seems too staged or lacks genuine connections with your audience.

   Advice: Embrace authenticity by showcasing the human side of your brand. Focus on real experiences and connections rather than perfect visuals.

2. Unengaging Videos: Passive viewing experiences are becoming outdated. Avoid creating videos without any interactive elements or storytelling components that fail to engage the audience

   Advice: Incorporate storytelling techniques, interactive elements, or hooks within the first few seconds to capture viewers' attention and keep them engaged.

3. Ignoring Accessibility: Inclusive content is crucial. Neglecting to make your videos accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is a missed opportunity.

   Advice: Add closed captions, and audio descriptions, and ensure your visuals are clear and easily comprehensible for everyone.

4. Ignoring Emerging Platforms: Focusing solely on established platforms might limit your reach. Neglecting emerging platforms where your audience is shifting could result in missed opportunities.

   Advice: Keep an eye on emerging platforms and trends. Experiment with new platforms to connect with early adopters and expand your reach.

5. Ignoring Data and Analytics: Relying solely on intuition without analysing data can hinder your growth. Ignoring data-driven insights and trends might lead to ineffective video strategies.

   Advice: Regularly analyse video metrics, audience behaviour, and engagement patterns. Use data to refine your video content strategy and make informed decisions.

Staying updated with the evolving landscape of social media video trends is vital for businesses to remain relevant and competitive.

Embracing emerging trends while being mindful of outdated practices will ensure that your video content resonates with your audience and drives meaningful results in 2024.

Trust me, it’s going to be a crazy year for video on social media, and if you’re not already putting it into your marketing plans for the new year, you’re going to fall behind the curve.

TLDR 💁🏼‍♀️

• Short-form, portrait, and interactive video is rising in popularity.

• Make sure to keep your videos accessible and inclusive to everybody.

• Begin live streaming to engage your community in brand Q&As.

• Overly-produced videos don’t feel authentic, so shoot on your phone.

• Don’t ignore the data behind the performance of your hard work.

 Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Book a {60 MINUTE} Content Power Hour with me, and unlock the secrets to making your social media videos stand out online as I tweak your approach, and analyse how to improve your current videos.

2. Don’t have time to create great videos yourself? Focus on your business, whilst we focus on creating the videos that you’ve always dreamed of. Get in touch to find out more.

Until then, I’ll see you in next week’s newsletter!