2015 was marked by the introduction of some great new practices in the social media and digital world including:
- Live content provided by brands via mobile like Periscope and soon on Facebook
- The Snapchat eruption, the social platform has became a social giant with more than 6 billion views per day.
- The introduction of Virtual Reality in brand consumers experience… and more.
However, what will social and digital look like in 2016? The Snack Media team gives us their social media predictions.
Social Media, videos, messaging, real-time… the outlook of 2016
Capitalise to offer moments in real-time
“There will be a surge of niche social media plays amongst sports right-holders as they realise their pull and power in the social media space. Will we see a football or rugby specific social media launch, probably! The likes of Facebook, Google and YouTube are already mobilising to capitalise on their market position by offering “moments” and real-time scores for sport. Small publishers will need to think quickly and deeply about how they cope with these macro changes in the market. Key influencer marketing will become more regulated and we may see a positive change in how effective these channels become integrated into the marketing mix.” Niall Coen, Managing Director
Snapchat always more bigger
“The platform has seen a meteoric rise in 2015 and it’s only going to get bigger in 2016. Don’t be surprised if Snapchat-like platforms emerge in a similar way the Twitter-owned Periscope will now find competition in Facebook’s live video streaming feature. With huge organisations like Real Madrid, NFL and the NBA jumping on Snapchat and now a third of agencies planning to set aside budget for it in 2016, it’s going to explode. The brands that do well in 2016 will be the brands that optimise their Snapchat usage and the ability to geo-target fans.” Matt Tewhatu, Content Account Manager
Messaging apps will keep invading social media’s space
“Messaging Apps will continue to give social media platforms food for thought in 2016, reducing the amount of content people post to sites such as Facebook. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp will start to catch up with the likes of Asia’s WeChat, where you can shop, book a taxi and make restaurant reservations all within the app. Expect to see brands trying to find a way to combine social media efforts with capturing the attention on messaging apps.” Freddie Wassell, Account Executive
Video to take over the dominant
“Video will cement its place as the dominant medium and brands will begin to produce more and more video content in portrait to appeal to the mammoth mobile audience on social media.” Greg Newcombe, Editor in Chief
Snapchat will take the lead
“Definitely Snapchat is the 2015 social media. In 2016, brands should integrate the platform in their social strategy to target people (above all young users). A couple of characteristics owned by Snapchat will charm communications business. Snapchat offers a real immersion in real and short time, a great way for brands to demonstrate their creativity and offer a “good time” to fans. To launch a product or show an event exclusiveness (like The North Face or Nike Basketball), Snapchat can become the major communications tool.” Adrien Danjou, Social Media Intern
Twitter will give the people what they want (hopefully)
“Twitter gave the people a heart instead of a star, then they teased people with the idea of unlimited characters in tweets but instead used this in DMs only, but hopefully 2016 will be the year where Twitter will give its audience what they need: the ability to edit a tweet after it’s been sent!” Mary Varney, Senior Account Manager
Check out our full Digital, Fan Engagement and Social Media 2016 Predictions here.
