7 Social Media Trends and Predictions for 2022

Have you noticed how quickly trends change in social media? One minute, you’re using the tried and true methods, and the next, your strategy is outdated. You can stay ahead of the curve by getting the scoop on the top trends and predictions for 2022. Then, you can adjust your marketing strategy and be a leader instead of a follower. That is a surefire way to stand out and be ahead of the pack when marketing on Instagram and other social media networks. 
 

1. Social Media Shopping Is on the Rise 

Social media networks have become increasingly popular e-commerce platforms. Networks enjoyed a shopping boom in 2020, which continued to increase in 2021. Now, many experts believe that 2022 will become the year of social shopping. Networks like Instagram have made it easier for consumers to find and purchase products. 

For instance, brands can create shops on Instagram and connect them with Instagram Checkout. Then, consumers enjoy a seamless shopping experience without leaving the app. 

You can get in on the trend by creating your own shop this year. Then, you can go into 2022 with the ability to make serious sales on Instagram and other networks. 
 

2. Attention Spans Are Dwindling

People spend more time than ever on social media, but that doesn’t mean they’re soaking up long-form content. In fact, researchers have discovered that the average attention span has dropped to eight seconds. The decline in attention span appears to be directly correlated to increased digital media consumption. Now, people are more easily distracted and constantly chasing the next image, video, or photo. 

The drop in attention span is going to change the way marketers handle social media in 2022. Before, marketers liked to use long-form content to educate potential consumers. Now, marketers are finding ways to say more with less. Disappearing content such as Instagram Stories will likely be on the rise in 2022. Also, expect more marketers to use TikTok. 

This doesn’t mean that long-form content is going to be gone for good in 2022. However, when it comes to getting attention, short-form content is going to be more important than ever. You need to put your best foot forward within eight seconds to grab people’s attention.
 

3. Interaction Is More Important

While short content will help you grab people’s attention, you’ll also want to take part in interactive marketing. Surveys, contests, reviews, and games are expected to be a big part of the marketing landscape in 2022. The idea is that if you can get people to interact with your content, you’ll get their attention and generate excitement. Plus, you can collect information to use for further marketing endeavors. 
 

4. Bots Continue to Get Phased Out

For the last several years, Instagram and other social networks have worked hard to get rid of bots. Social networks want to focus on authentic engagement, so if you use bots to get likes and follows, your account could take a hit. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t get some outside help when it comes to growing your presence, though. You can still buy real Instagram likes to boost your account. As long as the likes come from real people instead of bots, you can enjoy the benefits without worrying about your account getting flagged.  
 

5. Augmented Reality Takes Center Stage

One of the hottest trends in 2022 will have to do with augmented reality. Social media users are looking for new and fun ways to engage, and augmented reality (AR) delivers. Some social media networks have already adopted AR options, including Instagram filters. Expect to see other networks latch onto the trend in 2022. By the time the year is over, AR will no longer be the wave of the future. It will be a major part of the marketing world. 
 

6. Increasing Advertising Budgets

When social media was in its infancy, brands enjoyed the way it allowed them to reach their customer bases without spending money. However, the competition has grown, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for marketers to reach their bases without opening up their wallets. Expect that trend to continue in 2022. 

Brands are in the position to diversify their advertising dollars in 2022. While many will use the same methods, the most successful brands will get more out of their budgets. First, they will devote a large portion of the money to influencer marketing, which continues to be on the rise. Second, expect them to use some of their money to buy Instagram likes to boost engagement. Third, brands will put some money into traditional ad campaigns. By combining traditional ads, influencer marketing, and buying Instagram likes, marketers can reach their goals. 
 

7. The Human Side Is More Important Than Ever

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way consumers see brands. Now, they want to see the human side more than ever. They want to know the people behind the logos and feel assured that those humans are doing good work. 

Brands that showcase the people behind the products will excel in 2022. Fortunately, Instagram and other social media networks make it easy to show the people that make up your brand. You can create behind-the-scenes content and employee profiles. Plus, you can include captions in posts that show your brand’s human side. This will make it easier for people to connect with your brand and products. If you do this well, 2022 might be your most successful year yet.
 

Start Preparing for 2022 Today

Now that you know what to expect in 2022, you can start developing your strategy. Instead of waiting until the new year, begin now by purchasing real Instagram likes and creating shorter content. Then, you can add the other trends into your marketing plan. By adopting the trends early, you’ll manage to break free from the noise on social media and stand out. Then, you can turn that newfound attention into leads and sales.