Social media will be very different by 2024, having changed dramatically in the last ten years. Platforms will make it easier to create and share content by providing additional opportunities for interaction and connection with friends and followers. Modern technology will make it possible to create and maintain communities in innovative ways.
As platforms continue to push the boundaries of new services and methods for connecting consumers and companies, the rate of change will quicken. Social media’s future has both promise and uncertainty, but it’s most certainly going to become more integral to our daily activities, jobs, and social relationships.
The Rise of Social Commerce
Brands are projected to undertake a large number of sales–in addition to their websites–through social media platforms by 2024, as they grow into important e-commerce channels. User data is used by social networks to provide customized shopping experiences and relevant product suggestions.
Brands may tag items in posts and stories on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat, which encourages consumers to make purchases within the applications. Social networks will tap into their trusty AI assistant to gain deeper insights into users’ interests and behaviors.
67% of consumers have already bought through social media platforms. With real-time suggestions and live video streaming, social commerce also provides interactive purchasing experiences.
To capitalize on this trend, brands should:
- Optimize social media profiles for commerce by adding shoppable tags and product links. Trust is a big factor for social shopping among social media users, as 54% are concerned that the companies selling on social media aren’t legitimate.
- Run social media contests, giveaways, and exclusive offers to drive traffic and sales.
- Partner with influencers and micro-influencers to promote products in an authentic way.
- Focus on visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat which are particularly suited for social shopping.
Increased Use of AI and Automation
AI-Powered Curation and Personalization
26% of organizations are using AI for marketing and sales. Algorithms will then curate content and connections to personalize each individual’s experience. Platforms may suggest relevant groups to join, people to follow, or events to attend based on your profile and interactions.
Automated Content Creation
AI will be used to generate simple content like social media posts, product descriptions, blog articles, and even news stories. 23% of marketing professionals in organizations use AI. While AI cannot match human creativity, it can compose short pieces of text based on data patterns. Some content may be augmented or fully generated by bots. However, human involvement will still be needed to ensure accuracy and quality.
Enhanced Moderation and Security
AI will also enhance moderation and security on social media. Automated systems can detect spam, hate speech, harassment, and other policy violations faster than humans. Bots may issue warnings, delete inappropriate content, or ban malicious accounts. Of course, human moderators will still be required to review complex cases. AI cannot replicate human judgment and ethics.
The Metaverse Goes Mainstream
The shared virtual 3D environment known as the metaverse is expected to become a commonplace digital experience by 2024. Not only that but, 68% of tech experts think the metaverse will boom within the next 5 years. Large digital businesses are making significant investments in developing immersive platforms for socializing, learning, working, and buying. Through virtual reality, augmented reality headsets, mobile devices, and computers, the public will have a greater awareness of the metaverse by 2024, spurring innovation and cutting-edge experiences.
Within the metaverse, people will be able to:
- Attend live events like concerts, conferences, and meetups with friends from around the world.
- Explore virtual worlds, play games, and go on adventures.
- Shop at digital stores and purchase both virtual and physical goods.
- Work and collaborate with remote colleagues in a virtual office space.
- Learn new skills through immersive virtual training and education programs.
The metaverse is set to transform our daily interactions with technology, with major social networks transitioning into broader metaverse platforms in 2024. 54% of technology experts anticipate the metaverse will offer immersive experiences by 2040. This transition will blur the line between physical and digital lives, affecting our daily lives, learning, work, and social connections, with a promising future.
Final Words
In 2024, social media is predicted to undergo a substantial transformation, becoming increasingly customized, video-focused, and privacy-conscious. Platforms will offer more control over data and privacy, censor material, and customize experiences with the help of cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence. If these platforms keep building relationships and optimizing social media use for both personal and professional networking, the future looks bright.
