Upcoming Social Media Platforms to Watch for in 2021

There are so many social networks available, and although your brand does not need to be on every single one, it’s very important to figure out which ones your customers actively use. These upcoming social media platforms are gaining popularity in 2021, so one of these could be the right tool for reaching your target audience.

New Social Media Platforms in 2021

The most effective digital marketers are the ones who stay on top of trends, especially within social media. After all, the right post at the right time can put your brand in the limelight – for better or for worse. An important element of this algorithm is getting your message seen by the right audience, and that means being where your customers are in the digital space.

1. TikTok

With more than 6 billion lifetime downloads through iOS and Google Play, it’s safe to say that TikTok is here to stay. Formerly known as Musical.ly, this mobile app is centered around short-form videos that typically feature an assortment of effects, filters, music overlays, etc. Its highly loyal user base comprises mainly users under 30 years old, so it could work well if your demographic is a bit younger. Keep in mind that millennials and Gen-Z are far less likely to be swayed by traditional advertising. Your video content doesn’t have to be the most polished – in fact, most users prefer a more authentic look and feel here, much like they do on Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and other video-based platforms.

One of the nice pieces to TikTok is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel constantly. Instead, there are tons of “challenges” and trends that circulate the platform, so you can put a spin on one and make your own short video.

Influencer marketing is huge on TikTok, but you can expect to pay a premium for this type of service. If you don’t have the budget for this, you could always try a combination of paid advertisements and boosting organic reach through regular posting, using the right hashtags, and even live streaming if you have a following of at least 1,000. Plus, its messaging feature makes it easy to interact with customers who respond to your post or ad.

2. Clubhouse

Not too long ago, many of us would have shuddered at the idea of a social networking site based solely on audio chat. But, amidst the pandemic, where more and more are missing that human connection, Clubhouse rose quickly, drawing in millions of monthly active users, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Essentially, Clubhouse serves as an audio chat room to discuss various topics; however, the social media site separates these conversations by talkers and listeners. In a sense, its functionality is similar to that of a podcast but with a level of exclusivity, as it is invite-only. Currently, you have to be invited to join by an existing social media user. It is only available for download through iOS right now, but its Android launch will soon come.

How this works for marketers and brands is yet to be determined, but there are very real possibilities there. The app brings together a user base interested in the same topics, so it lends itself to thought-leader discussions, informal focus groups, and more.

3. Twitter Spaces

This audio-based social media network is similar to Clubhouse in many ways; it’s an invite-only discussion room held through live video. (It’s also only available within the iOS app store at this time.)

It is still in beta mode, but it could offer a lot of possibilities for businesses. The microblogging platform is conversational by nature, so it could be a great space to live stream discussions, customer Q&As, or training sessions. Organizations could also use the app to gain audience feedback on new ideas, existing products, and overall brand sentiment.

It could be a while before this platform is of much use to you, but it is definitely one to keep on your radar. While in testing, Twitter is trying out an assortment of exciting new features, including sharing real-time tweets, live transcriptions, and hand-style gestures.

Could any of the above be the best social media platform for your business? It really comes down to your industry, your target audience, and your brand identity.

The digital marketing experts at Front Porch Solutions always stay on top of the latest social media trends, including which platforms are emerging. In addition to providing total social media management across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other sites, we are continually investing in discovering and optimizing new platforms for our clients.

Are you ready to create a highly engaging social media marketing strategy that drives awareness to your brand? Contact us today to learn more about our services!