Social Media News / January 2024

Helloooo Mosh whānau!, Did you miss us? ‘Cause we sure missed ya!

As we bid farewell to the old and welcome in the new, what better way to kickstart the year than with a shiny, brand-new newsletter? Since it’s resolution season, ours is, of course, to keep you in the loop with the latest social media trends. From nifty tips to level up your digital marketing strategy to Instagram introducing new protections for teen users and so much more! Well, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to catch the latest of the latest this year!

Nifty Tips to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Imagine this: it’s the first month of the new year, and you’re already contemplating ways to revamp your approach and explore alternative directions to maximise your marketing efforts. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to spill the beans on key trends to note for your 2024 marketing plans. Here at Mosh, we’re all about sharing, not gatekeeping!

Short-form videos continue to be the real MVPs, and trust us, you’ll want to ride this wave in 2024! Just in case you need the lowdown, short-form videos are blowing up on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and are, of course, the main vehicle for TikTok. Why are they the cool kids on the block? Businesses diving into short-form video content are cashing in big on boosted brand awareness.

But we’re not done being your marketing spirit guides. Here’s another nugget: Messaging is where it’s at. This trend has been flexing for the past three years, favouring private vibes in DM groups. If you play your cards right, brands that respect your DMs turn this into a legit connection hub. Let’s be giving exclusive deals, sweet offers, and sign-up deals – because, well, they’re your VIPs!

Are Hashtags Worth Using on LinkedIn?

So there’s been some buzz on LinkedIn about whether hashtags are relevant. Once upon a time, they weren’t even on the guest list, then in 2018, they made a grand entrance. Now, it’s a different story.

LinkedIn once pushed hashtags for better post categorisation, but times have changed. With advanced algorithms, the need for hashtags has cooled off. LinkedIn suggests using relevant hashtags for easy post identification, but it’s now suggested you might not need them as much when your post already contains the relevant keywords that you’d be using in your hashtags anyway.

LinkedIn’s play is less about hashtag chaos and more about striking the right keywords. Here’s your move: Follow the big players in your business, scope out the top hashtags, or dive into hashtag search in the app. However, giving you the reality check here, hashtags aren’t the LinkedIn stars they once were. According to expert Richard van der Blom, they’re not giving your posts the reach boost they used to. LinkedIn’s shift is clear – they’re into relevant convos, not virality.

So, here’s the scoop: You can relax a bit on the hashtag front. No need to go crazy and focus on nailing those keywords instead!

Instagram Introduces New Protections for Teen Users

Although we’re almost on the homestretch of ending the year, Instagram doesn’t stop with surprise releases, do they?! 

Instagram continues to beef up protections for teens with new measures aimed to combat potential negative outcomes of using their platform. They’re cracking down on self-harm content to shield young users, limiting exposure on Feed and Stories, not just Reels and Explore.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is also redirecting searches on sensitive topics to official help services and opting all teens into stricter content settings. The aim? More safety without sacrificing support for those who need it. Plus, they’re nudging teens to update their settings for a more private experience. In the metaverse future, extra safety measures will be crucial for immersive experiences! Overall this is to mostly keep teenagers safe, especially when they’re just starting out in their digital adventures.

TikTok Will Expand Its In-Stream Commerce Spend 10x in 2024

Could 2024 be the year TikTok conquers Western hearts with its in-stream commerce? We’re leaning towards a big yes! TikTok has some serious e-commerce plans in the pipeline for the Western market, aiming for a whopping $17.5 billion in the United States – now that’s ambition! But, let’s face it, in-app shopping on TikTok hasn’t quite hit the mark in the West, unlike its Chinese counterpart Douyin, where it’s a total sensation.

TikTok is brainstorming to crack the code. Could adding food delivery or local services be the game-changer? Taking a cue from the budget shopping sensation Temu, TikTok is considering jumping on that bandwagon too. However, the challenge lies in getting users to hit that ‘buy’ button in the app. TikTok is exploring ways to make it happen, from enhancing shopping features to tempting in-stream deals. It’s gearing up to be a wild ride, and if TikTok can make shopping as cool as the latest dance trend, it might just revolutionise the game. Heads up, though – Amazon’s keeping a close eye on TikTok’s every move. If they nail it, brace yourself for potential ban talks heating up again. So, stay tuned for the e-commerce showdown!

The Mosh Social Media Report – NZ Beauty Edition

Have you read the Mosh Social Media Report – NZ Beauty Edition yet? If not, why not? We’ve created an extensive study of the most influential beauty brands in New Zealand and have shed light on the industry’s digital landscape.

What are you waiting for? Stay ahead of the curve, stay informed, get your copy of the report here, and embrace NZ’s biggest players in the beauty industry.

After years in the social game, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way, and we’re keen to share our digital wisdom! We’ve created a series of customisable modules. Whether you’re new to the gig and need to learn it all, or have been around these parts a while and have discovered a gap in your knowledge, come along and have a lesson on all things social! Check out all of our options here or get in touch for details. 

And that’s a wrap, folks – our last newsletter of the year! But no need to fret, we’ll be back next year with more updates from the social media cinematic universe. For now, go ahead and scurry off to tackle your Christmas shopping and enjoy that well-deserved break! 

We wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season. Meri Kirihimete, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to you and yours! 

Sincerely,

The Mosh Crew.