How do you think social media will develop in 2017?
That's a question I've been thinking about a lot lately, but one that I haven't really been able to answer by myself. But because social media is so fast-paced, I don't think it's ever too early to start planning your next strategy.
Buffer recently released their blueprint about the trends to look out for over the next year across all the different social platforms. And as we’re nearing the end of a year, I thought this would be a great time to reflect on the world of social media, from Facebook and Twitter to Instagram and Snapchat. Get ready to take note of where these different channels are heading and what's next for them in 2017.
Before we jump in, I just wanted to draw your attention to a key thing that's happened in 2016…
PLATFORMS BECOMING MORE OF THE SAME
It's been the case for many platforms this year, that instead of concentrating on their unique features, they've started using features from one another. It's almost as if they're becoming more alike instead of trying to differentiate themselves.
Here's why.
When Snapchat came on the scene, it was like nothing anyone had seen before. It was live, instant content that disappeared. Instagram, on the other hand was the place for us to publish one or two of our best images - polished and pretty.
That was until Instagram Stories appeared and what do you know? It became very similar to Snapchat.
But they aren't the only platforms that have shown signs of similarity.
- Facebook has introduced a Facebook Live feature where you can record video in the moment and broadcast to a live audience
- Facebook is also trying to become the new place for trending news and events (sound familiar, Twitter?)
- YouTube is testing community features, which essentially involves a community chat within the platform
Basically, every single platform out there is trying to become the best at everything and I think that's how it'll continue in 2017. They'll all be battling it out to become the best for offering in-the-moment, easy-to-digest content.
My other prediction is that video will be even bigger than it already is right now...
OTHER THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA WORLD IN 2017
Like the Buffer report, I'll walk you through a couple of highlights for each platform.
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