Emerging Social Media Platforms Businesses Should Embrace
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become integral to the success of businesses worldwide. They offer incredible opportunities for brand visibility, customer engagement, and targeted marketing (57.1 million active users). While companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram continue to dominate the social media landscape, a new wave of emerging platforms is capturing the attention of businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve. In this blog post, we will explore some of the noteworthy emerging social media platforms that businesses should consider leveraging to expand their online presence and connect with their target audience.
TikTok
With its explosive growth and massive user base, TikTok has taken the world by storm. Primarily known for its short video format, TikTok has become a hub for creative content and viral trends with over 3 billion downloads. While it may seem like a platform primarily focused on entertainment, businesses have started to recognise its marketing potential, with 52% of TikTok users reporting they have made a purchase from an SMB after seeing the brand on TikTok. Brands that cater to a younger demographic or have visually appealing products can leverage TikTok's unique algorithm and engage with a broad audience through captivating and shareable video content.
Interested in finding out how TikTok is affecting E-commerce? Read our blog here
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is an audio-based social networking platform that has gained considerable traction in recent times. It offers a unique space for users to participate in live audio discussions, conferences, and panels. According to reports, Clubhouse has over 10 million users with 56% of them being between 18-34. Businesses can utilise Clubhouse to host virtual events, conduct industry-specific talks, and establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective domains to develop a community/ cult following for your brand. The platform's exclusivity and real-time interactions foster a sense of community, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to build meaningful connections with their audience.
Savvy businesses who are on the app have begun offering exclusive content to their Clubhouse following, offering real-time experiences to increase brand loyalty. This can include product launches, behind-the-scenes insights or industry updates.
While Pinterest is not entirely new, its growth and evolving features make it an emerging platform worth mentioning. The platform currently has over 400 million active users. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Pinterest acts as a visual discovery engine. Users primarily visit Pinterest to find inspiration, plan events, and explore new ideas. Businesses with visually appealing products, such as fashion, home decor, food, or travel, can leverage Pinterest's visual format to showcase their offerings, drive traffic to their websites, and increase sales. Pinterest's unique algorithm also helps businesses reach users actively seeking products and services, making it a valuable marketing tool.
Twitch
Originally a live-streaming platform primarily focused on gaming, Twitch has expanded its scope and attracted a diverse range of content creators and audiences. With its growing viewership, Twitch presents exciting opportunities for businesses seeking to tap into the live-streaming trend and connect with engaged communities. Brands can collaborate with influential Twitch streamers, sponsor live events, and create interactive experiences to reach a passionate and highly dedicated audience. Additionally, businesses can leverage Twitch's advertising and partnership options to expand their brand visibility and drive conversions.
BeReal
BeReal is a photo app that encourages users to post unedited, unfiltered images once a day to showcase a snippet into the user's life. The social app is primarily used by 18-24-year-olds and has been reportedly installed 85 million times. The app focuses on authentic and creative content which forces brands to find more innovative and less invasive approaches to get in front of their customers. An example of this can be seen in Chipotle posting a photo of a takeout bag with a reusable promo code on it which gave the first 100 people who saw it a free entrée. All 100 codes were used within 30 mins which shows how successful it can be.
As social media continues to evolve, businesses must adapt and explore emerging platforms to remain relevant in a competitive landscape. TikTok, Clubhouse, Pinterest, BeReal, and Twitch are just a few examples of the exciting new social media platforms that offer unique features and engagement opportunities for businesses. By understanding the target audience and aligning the platform's strengths with their marketing strategies, businesses can effectively leverage these emerging platforms to boost their online presence, connect with customers, and ultimately drive success in the digital world.
Are you looking to take your brand's social media marketing to the next level? Speak to our team of social media specialists.
