In a time of social distancing, people are turning to social media to stay connected. As a result, COVID-19 is inspiring the social media trends that will set the pace for the remainder of 2020.
Our kitchens have become offices while we work from home. Our living rooms have become schools while distance learning has become the norm. In the process, the internet and social media have become our hangouts while we’re unable to host social gatherings or attend events. Companies, brands, families and friends alike are coming together online to stay connected. In turn, our “new normal” is setting the pace for 2020’s biggest social media trends.
Livestreams & Video Conferences
It might not be a social media platform, but Zoom is keeping teams, classes, families and friends social during the COVID-19 quarantine! Video conferences hosted on Zoom have, by now, become second nature for some. Entertainment personalities, like actress and singer, Miley Cyrus, have turned to platforms like Instagram to host regular theme-conscious livestreams. More than just a typical livestream, these pre-planned and scheduled events are temporarily replacing regular talk shows and other television programs. Similarly, news programs and other traditionally live programming are following suit. News anchors and even the actors of shows, like Saturday Night Live, are independently streaming from their homes to yours!
It will be interesting to see how livestreams and video conferences will continue to connect us all — both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consumer-Generated Content
Brands are shining the spotlight on consumer-generated content. Although this isn’t necessarily a new tactic, it’s certainly cropping up more and more. Here is an example of Lowe’s highlighting a customer’s photo:
Take note of the #BuildThanks hashtag in Lowe’s Twitter caption. While highlighting the courageous efforts of first-responders, Lowe’s is also encouraging their customers to embrace this new sense of community. Simultaneously, Lowe’s is subtly advertising their brand and products.
Emphasis on Community
Last but certainly not least: community is taking center stage. In this time of social distancing, the concept of community feels more important than ever. If you haven’t already started to focus on your brand’s community — what are you waiting for? Now, more than ever, community is key. So get out there and get connected!
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