Photo: Color Joy Stock — **Photo:** Color Joy Stock

For years the social media industry has been constantly evolving, but when you throw a global pandemic and stay-at-home orders in the mix, well… buckle up! Social platforms really hit the gas in 2020 on coming out with new updates that would accommodate and entertain the sudden spike in online traffic and high demands of consumers.

As Tyra Banks once said, “You want to be on top?” Then you HAVE to prove yourself as a powerful force in the digital space by keeping up with the latest industry trends and features. Your foresight on exactly where the field is heading and implementation of that insight in the present will position you as an expert in the industry, boosting your credibility and the value you provide to your audience. With that being said, read on for five social media trends to watch out for in 2021!

Video Content

If you’ve ever doubted the value of video content on social media, wait until you hear this: our agency saw a 91.7% growth rate in our Instagram following during 2020’s Q4 alone as a result of using Instagram Reels. If you aren’t aware, consider Reels as Instagram’s version of TikTok. You essentially share short videos paired with existing audio. Thanks to their appearance on Instagram’s Explore page (and for some, an exclusive Reels feed), this new feature is a great way to organically expand your reach to thousands of new accounts.

Plus, let’s talk about the Instagram algorithm for a second. We have to understand that Instagram is a business and wants users to stay in the app for as long as possible. Because of this, your goal as a creator is to post content that users will spend an extended amount of time-consuming. When you do this, the algorithm will “reward” you by showing your content to more users because it has been deemed as valuable.

The easiest (and sneakiest) way to accomplish this? Video! While a static photo may capture your audience’s attention for a few seconds to a minute, video can keep them engaged and entertained for minutes on end. Because of this, be sure to use video to your advantage in 2021, whether it be through Reels, IGTV, IG Live, or regular videos shared to your feed.

Nostalgic Content

This second trend proves that you and I aren’t the only ones longing for the good ole days, and we’re not just talking pre-COVID.... we’re also talking ‘90s and beyond! Now more than ever, audiences, especially those that include millennials, are loving nostalgic content because of the comfort and familiarity it carries.

In 2021, expect to see brands putting a fun, retro spin on their graphics, imagery, and storytelling. After all, you want the positive emotions connected to this content to be tied to your brand, right? Then put your creative caps on and start embracing the old as new! Whether it be a Britney Spears GIF, a graphic depicting a ‘90s computer aesthetic, or bringing back some of your brand’s past campaigns, your audience is going to love mixing in the old with the new!

Gradient Imagery

One specific ‘90s trend that has been revitalized is gradient imagery. Gradients are essentially color transitions that depict one color blending into another. This design trend is often used to enhance various graphics by adding dimension and texture to an otherwise flat image. Here are a few ideas on how you can incorporate them into your next graphic:

Use it as your background image. You can find an example here!
Make it a color filter to put over an image.
Use it to accentuate headings or specific details like this post!
Make it the focal point of your graphic. (Psst… the Instagram app logo is the perfect example!)

Humanization of Brands and Influencers

After an unprecedented year like 2020, brands have had to embrace authenticity and vulnerability on social media in order to avoid coming across as tone-deaf. What we believe a majority of brands and influencers have realized through this, however, is that the best way to ultimately grow and convert an audience is by fostering a relationship with them.

Consider the know, like, trust factor. First, an audience has to know about you. Once they know about you, they can come to like you. Once they like you, they can grow to trust you. Once they trust you, they’re sold! Consumers purchase from brands they trust.

In 2021, we can expect brands, both personal and corporate alike, to connect with their audience by sharing their faces, mission, values, and behind-the-scenes on social media. Don’t expect it to stop there! We can also see brands placing an emphasis on engaging with their audience via comments and DM. Through this trend, brands can speak to the hearts of consumers by allowing them to fully know and trust the faces behind the brand.

Inclusivity and Social Consciousness

We saved the best trend for last and may have fibbed a bit because our fifth one is hardly a trend at all. It is not something that will come and go like the seasons—it is a movement that is here to stay.

In 2021, we believe both business and personal brands will continue to advocate for and promote inclusion and social consciousness on social media. 2020 ignited an eye-opening fire for many, and 2021 is the opportunity to continue making that change. In addition, we can expect to see an overall increase in real conversations and standing up for various beliefs and causes across social platforms.

I hope this blog post was insightful for you in understanding what social media trends you can expect for the year ahead! Position yourself as a leader in the digital space and give these a try for yourself.

pink pic (1).JPG — “After an unprecedented year like 2020, brands have had to embrace authenticity and vulnerability on social media in order to avoid coming across as tone-deaf.”

—Becca Booker, Founder of Homemade Social

About the Author: Northern-California made, Becca Booker received a double-major in marketing and journalism from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, and now lives under the sun in Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly after graduating, Becca created her business, Homemade Social, and quickly became a respected entrepreneur in the valley. Dubbed the “modern social media queen” by AZ Foothills, Becca is revolutionizing the social media game and inspiring brands to use innovative tactics to grow their social media.

As an advocate for healthy relationships with social media, she recognizes society’s obsession with vanity metrics and believes it is important to utilize her platform as an opportunity to provide others with the resources they need to take a better approach towards social media with their business. Becca is also a loving dog mom of Jojo the Cattle Collie mix (why yes, her dog has an Instagram), and can be found with a Venti Iced Soy Matcha Latte in hand at almost all times.

About Homemade Social: Homemade Social is a boutique social media marketing agency based in Scottsdale, Arizona that specializes in social, digital, and influential campaigns for lifestyle brands. The company's mission is to advocate for a healthy relationship with social media while providing small to medium-sized brands with exceptional social media management, advertising, and email marketing services to help them grow their businesses and digital presence.