Did you know that the creator economy is now worth over $100 billion? Well, Later.com predict that it’s only just getting started. As they explain, “Many platforms have started to heavily invest in creator marketplaces and creator tools – such as TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and even LinkedIn.”

The move, however, will be away from sleek mega-influencers with hundreds and thousands of followers towards smaller and more authentic content creators who have found their niche and stuck to it. And as social media platforms like Facebook move further into the e-commerce space, it makes total sense to invest in creators who are driving engagement, nurturing trust and growing engaged communities to promote your products.

Advertising on Facebook will become more effective than ever before with recent backend changes to the Facebook Business suite making the product easier to use and more stable in general.

According to Hootsuite, more than half of the 18,100 marketers they surveyed said they’re planning to increase their paid social spend this year. Consumers are becoming more receptive to advertising, but they are increasingly engaging with content that fits in organically. As they explain: “Brands that want to stand out in 2022 will have to work harder to create ads that mirror and enrich the distinct experience offered by each social network.”

The rise of authenticity over recent years has seen a divergence in the kind of content posted on social media. As Later.com explain: “Creators and brands alike are shifting away from the perfectly curated feed aesthetic, and choosing to share less filtered and more in-the-moment content.”

This year, we expect brands to get more ‘real’ with their digital audiences.Think less crafted posts, not-so filtered images and more in-the-minute videos to build meaningful relationships with an online community who are more likely to engage with your brand.

It should come as no surprise that video content is one of the most engaging forms of content out there, and we’re seeing more and more brands telling their story through video every year. According to a Cisco study, in 2022, 82% of all online content will be video content. Spending just 5 minutes on Instagram will tell you that this figure is most likely spot on!

In particular, short-form vertical videos have boomed with the rise of Instagram Reels and TikTok. However, we may also see a move towards long-form content with TikTok recently expanding their maximum video length to 10 minutes. Whether you opt for 10-second snapshots of a room or 5-minute tours of your hotel, we suggest investing in more video content than ever before.

For more social media marketing trends and tips, keep an eye on our blog and our Facebook page. And if you want some expert assistance in navigating the digital space, feel free to get in touch with our team for a free quote via email at hello@focusonline.co.za.