Summary of 7 New Social Media Trends YOU Need to Know Right Now
Summary of "7 New Social Media Trends YOU Need to Know Right Now"
This video features a deep discussion between Sean Kel (host of Think Media podcast) and Neil Patel, a renowned online marketer and entrepreneur, about the evolving landscape of social media, AI, and digital marketing heading into 2025. They explore major trends, strategies, and practical advice for creators, entrepreneurs, and marketers aiming to thrive despite rapid changes in content creation and distribution.
Main Financial Strategies, Market Analyses, and Business Trends
- Content Saturation & Democratization of Social Media
- Over 4.6 billion pieces of content are created daily, surpassing the world’s population every two days.
- Algorithms no longer prioritize follower count; instead, they prioritize engagement and novelty.
- Social media is now "interest media," meaning content goes viral based on genuine engagement rather than brand size.
- Finding New Content Opportunities Using "Answer the Public"
- Neil Patel recommends using the tool Answer the Public (free with limited daily searches) to discover trending, up-and-coming topics across multiple platforms (Google, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon, ChatGPT, etc.).
- This approach helps creators identify gaps or new angles rather than recycling old content.
- Algorithm Changes: Focus on Engagement & Watch Time
- Platforms test content with small audiences; if engagement (likes, comments, shares) and watch time exceed averages, content is promoted to larger audiences.
- Watch time is the most critical metric, more than follower count or even likes/shares.
- Video Length and Retention
- Quality and engagement trump length. Videos around 7-15 minutes generally perform well, but filler content should be avoided.
- Use "sub hooks" or mini hooks throughout longer videos to maintain viewer interest.
- AI-Powered Recommendations
- AI improves understanding of video context, enabling better content recommendations.
- Creators should strategically structure content with clear topics and subtopics to leverage AI’s contextual understanding.
- Brand Recognition Over Traffic Volume
- In combating misinformation, platforms favor content from recognized, authoritative brands.
- Building a niche-specific brand with expertise, authority, and trust is critical.
- Consistency, repurposing content across platforms, and active promotion are key to building brand recognition.
- Consumers require roughly 11 touch points before making purchasing decisions, emphasizing the importance of repeated exposure.
- Podcasting as an Underrated Traffic Channel
- Podcasting is less saturated than blogging or video content, with about 4.5 million active podcasts globally.
- Podcasts attract affluent, loyal audiences with higher monetization potential (higher RPM than shorts or short-form videos).
- Success in podcasting depends more on consistency and authenticity than on unique angles or guests.
- Podcast interviews should focus on novel questions and insights rather than repeating common topics.
- Low Barrier to Entry for Content Creation
- High production value is not necessary to succeed; authentic, raw content can outperform polished videos.
- Starting with minimal equipment (smartphone, basic mics) is sufficient.
- Scaling content production depends on business size and goals, with global brands requiring more investment.
- Social Commerce as the New Front Door
- Social commerce is projected to reach $7-8 trillion annually by 2030.
- Platforms like TikTok Shop, Instagram Shop, and YouTube Shopping enable direct product discovery and purchase without leaving the app.
- Creators can monetize via affiliate marketing, white labeling, or brand partnerships.
- Live selling (similar to QVC) is expected to grow significantly in the US, following trends seen in Asia.
- Search and SEO Evolution
- SEO is no longer just about Google but "Search Everywhere Optimization," including YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and AI platforms.
- Channels perform better when focused on a niche or vertical rather than broad topics.
- Authentic, specialized content ranks better and builds loyal audiences.
- AI: Current Limitations and Future Potential
- AI is overestimated in the short term but underestimated in the long term.
- AI should be used to augment human work (H+AI) by automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency.
- Businesses should adopt AI thoughtfully, focusing on KPIs rather than jumping on every new tool.
- Regular team check-ins to share AI learnings can help integrate AI use effectively.
Methodology / Step-by-Step Guides
Neil Patel’s Four-Step System for Viral Content:
- Create new, unique content that fills a gap or void in your niche.
- Publish content that encourages engagement (likes, comments, shares).
- Focus on maximizing watch time with engaging hooks and sub hooks.
- Promote content actively by engaging your network and repurposing across platforms.
Using Answer the Public to Find Trending Content:
- Use the tool to identify trending keywords and long-tail
Category
Business and Finance