Social Media Trends That Were 2023
Let’s take a look back at 2023 and the trends that made it…
1. Rise of Short-Form Video Content
2023 saw the continued dominance of short-form video content across platforms. Apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts further entrenched themselves as leaders in this space. The appeal lies in their ability to deliver quick, engaging content, perfectly suited for the decreasing attention spans of the digital audience.
2. Platform Popularity Shifts
This year marked a shift in platform popularity. While Facebook and Twitter remain relevant, newer platforms have risen in prominence, particularly among younger demographics. TikTok's surge in popularity, for instance, reflects a broader trend towards more interactive and visually oriented social media experiences.
3. Enhanced Use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Social media platforms have increasingly integrated AR and VR technologies to enhance user experience. From Snapchat's AR filters to Facebook's investment in the metaverse, these technologies are reshaping how users interact online, offering more immersive and engaging experiences.
4. Social Commerce Expansion
Social commerce has taken a significant leap in 2023. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have evolved to not just inspire consumers but also to directly facilitate purchases through in-app shopping features, turning social media into a powerful sales channel.
5. Importance of Authenticity and Social Responsibility
There's been a noticeable shift towards authenticity and social responsibility in content creation. Brands and influencers are focusing more on real, relatable content and are increasingly held accountable for the social and environmental impacts of their promotions.
6. Evolving Influencer Marketing
The role of influencers continues to evolve. Micro-influencers have gained traction due to their niche audiences and perceived authenticity. Brands are partnering with these influencers for more targeted and effective marketing campaigns.
7. Privacy and Data Security Concerns
With growing awareness around data privacy, users are becoming more cautious about their online footprints. Consequently, social media platforms are under greater scrutiny to provide secure and transparent data practices.
8. Increased Use of AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning have become more sophisticated in curating personalized user experiences. From content recommendations to targeted advertisements, these technologies are shaping how users engage with social media.
9. Growing Significance of User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content has become a vital part of social media strategies. Brands are leveraging UGC for its authenticity and effectiveness in creating community engagement and trust.
10. Mental Health Awareness
The conversation around mental health on social media has intensified. Platforms have introduced features like content warning screens and mental health resources, reflecting a growing recognition of the impacts of social media on mental well-being.
So that was the overview, but what about the trending content… let’s turn to TikTok, which now days seems to be the birthplace of all good internet trends:
Exploring the Top TikTok Trends of 2023
TikTok has continued to be a hub of creativity and cultural conversation in 2023. This year, we've seen a wide array of trends, from quirky and humorous to thought-provoking and culturally significant. TikTok executives released their end-of-year data, providing insights into what captivated users the most. Here’s a look at the top 10 trends on TikTok in the U.S. for 2023:
1. Girl Dinner
Originating from a TikToker named Olivia Maher, the "Girl Dinner" trend quickly became a sensation. This trend involves users showing off simple meals, often consisting of basic items like cheese and bread, evoking a medieval peasant-like simplicity. The hashtag #GirlDinner exploded, amassing over 2.4 billion views in 2023. It sparked discussions on healthy eating, cultural norms around women’s diets, and even inspired musical parodies and the counterpart "Boy Dinner" trend.
2. Acting Like You're in a Wes Anderson Film
Ava Williams, a TikTok user, started this cinematic trend, encouraging people to film their daily activities in the whimsical, symmetrical style of filmmaker Wes Anderson. Utilizing "Obituary" from Anderson's "The French Dispatch," participants created artistic, pastel-hued videos. The trend became a global sensation and was even recognized by brands and musicians.
3. Learning Our Red, Green, and Beige Flags
2023 introduced a new way to talk about relationship dynamics through the concept of red, green, and beige flags. These videos, often using filters created by Laura Gouillon, discussed traits that could signal positive, negative, or neutral aspects in a partner. This trend was not only a hit in the U.S. but also topped the charts worldwide.
4. "Where's My Dad?"
A clip from a musical theater production of "Finding Nemo Jr." unexpectedly went viral. Featuring a young actor singing about searching for his father, this sound bite was repurposed by TikTokers to depict various humorous and relatable situations, from parents searching for their kids to adults dealing with life's mundane challenges.
5. Thank You To My Man
Triggered by a speech from Latto at the BET Awards, this trend involved users showcasing gifts from their partners or using the sound clip for comedic purposes. The remixed audio became a platform favorite, leading to over half a million videos.
