In the ever-evolving landscape of social media trends, staying updated with the latest trends is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to keep their businesses relevant and engaging. Social media platforms are no longer just places for casual interactions; they have transformed into powerful tools for brand building, customer engagement, and driving sales. This blog will explore the latest social media trends, provide examples of how entrepreneurs can use these trends for their businesses, and delve into the concept of User-Generated Content (UGC) and its benefits for brands.
1. Demure Trend: Minimalism in Social Media
The “Demure” trend, characterized by minimalist and modest aesthetics, is gaining traction across social media, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The influencer Jolie Annie @joolieannie, created it and made it a trend. Currently, brands and influencers are capitalizing on this trend by promoting clothing lines that emphasize timeless designs and classic styles, appealing to consumers seeking elegance without extravagance.
How entrepreneurs can use the “demure” trend
Entrepreneurs in the fashion, lifestyle, or even interior design industries can adopt this trend by curating social media content that reflects simplicity and sophistication. For example, by sharing posts featuring minimalist product photography or creating content around the theme of “less is more,” brands can attract audiences who value quality over quantity. Additionally, this trend can be integrated into the brand’s overall visual identity, ensuring consistency across all marketing channels.
Examples of the use of “demure” trend
Uniqlo’s Minimalist Fashion Campaigns:
- Where to Find: Instagram, YouTube
- Example: Uniqlo often emphasizes simplicity and elegance in its clothing lines, reflecting the demure trend. Their campaigns focus on high-quality basics with clean lines and neutral colors, promoting the idea of understated style.
- Search: @Uniqlo on Instagram
Mejuri’s “Everyday Fine Jewelry”:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Pinterest
- Example: Mejuri’s jewelry pieces are known for their minimalistic design, catering to those who prefer a more demure and elegant style. Their social media showcases subtle, timeless pieces worn in everyday settings.
- Search: @Mejuri on Instagram
The Row’s Fashion Collections:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Fashion Editorials
- Example: The Row, a luxury fashion brand founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, is synonymous with the demure aesthetic. Their collections focus on minimalist designs, neutral palettes, and high-quality fabrics.
- Search: @TheRow on Instagram
2. Flirting in Mercadona: Playful and Relatable Marketing
The “Flirting in Mercadona” trend, popularized by the presenter and social media commentator, Vivi Lyn @soyvivilyn, taps into everyday, playful experiences that resonate with a broad audience. This trend has seen brands creating playful marketing campaigns that reflect the light-hearted and fun nature of this interaction. Some brands have even launched limited-time products or promotions within Mercadona stores to encourage consumer interaction and drive engagement.
How entrepreneurs can use the “flirting” trend
Entrepreneurs can leverage this trend by creating content that feels relatable and taps into the everyday experiences of their target audience. For instance, launching a playful, interactive campaign or hosting a fun contest that encourages customers to share their own “flirting” stories can create a buzz and increase brand engagement. By aligning their marketing strategies with this trend, brands can build stronger connections with their audience, making their marketing efforts more memorable and effective.
Examples of the use of “flirting” trend
TikTok Trend: #FlirtearEnMercadona:
- Where to Find: TikTok
- Example: On TikTok, the hashtag #FlirtearEnMercadona showcases users participating in the playful trend of flirting while shopping in Mercadona. These videos often feature humorous or light-hearted interactions with strangers or partners while browsing the aisles.
- Search: #FlirtearEnMercadona on TikTok
User-Generated Content on Instagram:
- Where to Find: Instagram
- Example: Some Instagram users share stories or posts tagging Mercadona, where they capture moments of playful interactions or humorous encounters during their shopping trips. This trend is more about creating a light and fun experience in an everyday setting.
- Search: #Mercadona or #FlirtearEnMercadona on Instagram
Mercadona’s Own Social Media Engagement:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Twitter
- Example: While Mercadona itself doesn’t explicitly promote the flirting trend, they occasionally engage with humorous or playful content shared by customers, acknowledging the trend and connecting with their audience in a relatable way.
- Search: @Mercadona on Instagram and Twitter
3. Digital Detox Challenges
As the world becomes more digitally connected, the concept of “Digital Detox” has emerged as a counter-trend, encouraging people to unplug and engage in offline activities. Wellness and tech brands have embraced this trend by promoting products and services that support unplugging, such as mindfulness apps, offline hobbies, or even simple challenges encouraging reduced screen time.
How entrepreneurs can use the “Digital Detox Challenge”
Entrepreneurs in the wellness, fitness, or mental health sectors can tap into this trend by offering products or services that facilitate a digital detox. Hosting a “Digital Detox Challenge” where participants commit to reducing their screen time and engaging in more offline activities can create a sense of community and promote a healthier lifestyle. Brands can also offer incentives, such as discounts or free trials for participants, to encourage participation and build brand loyalty.
Example of the use of “Digital Detox Challenge”
- IKEA’s “Disconnect to Reconnect” Campaign:
- Where to Find: Instagram, YouTube
- Example: IKEA has run campaigns encouraging people to take time off from their devices and enjoy their home environments. They promote this by showcasing their products in serene, device-free settings and encouraging followers to participate in digital detox challenges.
- Search: #DisconnectToReconnect or @IKEA on Instagram
- Lush’s “Digital Detox Day”:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Twitter
- Example: Lush, the cosmetics brand, partnered with influencers like Zoe Sugg (Zoella) to promote a “Digital Detox Day,” encouraging people to take a break from social media to focus on mental health.
- Search: #DigitalDetoxDay or @Lush on Instagram and Twitter
- Unplug Collaborative:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Facebook
- Example: The Unplug Collaborative promotes National Day of Unplugging, encouraging individuals and communities to disconnect from digital devices. Brands and influencers collaborate to promote this challenge, focusing on mindfulness and real-world connections.
- Search: #NationalDayOfUnplugging or @UnplugCollaborative on Instagram
4. AI Avatars: The Future of Personalization
AI Avatars, an innovative trend in the tech space, allow users to create personalized digital characters. This trend, utilized by tech-savvy brands, offers tools for users to design their avatars or integrate AI-generated characters into their branding. These avatars are being used to enhance customer engagement through interactive content and personalized experiences.
How entrepreneurs can use AI Avatars
Entrepreneurs, especially those in the tech, gaming, or digital media industries, can leverage AI avatars to enhance user engagement. Offering customers the ability to create their own avatars can increase interactivity and personalization, leading to higher engagement rates. Additionally, integrating AI avatars into customer service, marketing campaigns, or even product customization can provide a unique, futuristic experience that sets the brand apart from competitors.
Example of the use of “AI Avatars”
L’Oréal’s Virtual Influencer, Lil Miquela:
- Where to Find: Instagram, TikTok
- Example: Lil Miquela is an AI-generated influencer created by Brud, who collaborates with major brands like L’Oréal, Prada, and Calvin Klein. She’s used to promote products, music, and social causes, blurring the line between reality and virtual identity.
- Search: @LilMiquela on Instagram and TikTok
Replika’s AI Companions:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
- Example: Replika, an AI chatbot company, encourages users to create their own AI avatars to interact with. They share user stories and AI-generated content, showcasing how people use their AI companions for mental well-being.
- Search: @ReplikaAI on Instagram and Twitter
Gucci’s Collaboration with Virtual Influencer, Noonoouri:
- Where to Find: Instagram, Twitter
- Example: Noonoouri is another AI influencer who has collaborated with high-end fashion brands like Gucci. She’s known for her distinct, doll-like appearance and is used in fashion campaigns to engage younger, tech-savvy audiences.
- Search: @Noonoouri on Instagram
Understanding User-Generated Content (UGC) and Its Benefits
User-Generated Content (UGC) refers to any content—images, videos, text, or reviews—created and shared by customers or fans of a brand. UGC has become a powerful tool for brands, particularly on social media, as it fosters authenticity and trust among consumers. Unlike traditional advertising, UGC is perceived as more genuine because it comes from real users rather than the brand itself.
Benefits of UGC for Brands:
- Authenticity and Trust: UGC is often seen as more credible than branded content. When customers share their experiences with a product, it resonates with others, building trust and authenticity for the brand.
- Engagement and Community Building: Encouraging UGC creates a sense of community around a brand. Customers feel more connected when they see their content featured, leading to higher engagement and loyalty.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: UGC serves as free advertising for brands. Instead of creating all content in-house, brands can leverage the creativity of their customers, saving time and resources.
- SEO and Visibility: UGC can improve a brand’s visibility online. When users share content and tag the brand, it increases the brand’s reach and can lead to more traffic to the brand’s website or social media pages.
How Entrepreneurs Can Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)
- Hashtag Campaigns: Create a unique hashtag and encourage customers to use it when sharing content related to your brand. This not only promotes UGC but also makes it easier for the brand to track and engage with the content.
- Contests and Giveaways: Hosting contests where participants submit UGC for a chance to win a prize can drive significant engagement and generate a wealth of content.
- Featuring UGC: Regularly feature customer-generated content on your brand’s social media pages or website. This recognition can motivate others to create and share their content.
Learn More with BLC Spain
At BLC Spain, we understand the power of social media and digital marketing in today’s business world. Our Degree in Spanish and Digital Entrepreneurship offers students the skills and knowledge needed to navigate these trends and leverage them for business success. Through our programs, students learn how to incorporate AI, UGC, and the latest digital marketing strategies to build and grow their businesses in the global market.