Get Social With Audiences With These Social Media Applications

Social media applications – it seems like we never have enough.

There’s no doubt that our need for connectivity has turned social media applications into necessities for us. Today, we fire up these apps not just for keeping updated with loved ones but for reading about the latest news, learning about brands, and even shopping.

People are attached to it like never before, and its impact on our lives is undeniable. In fact, recent statistics show that the average person spends around 2 hours and 25 minutes on social media per day. That's a staggering amount of time, and it's not hard to see why social media marketing services are highly sought after these days. Whether we're connecting with friends and family, getting our news, or simply looking for entertainment, social networking apps have become the go-to haven for many of us.

What started as a humble way to promote online entrepreneurship, has grown into a behemoth, with these social networking sites now forming an integral part of our everyday lives. The roles of social media have expanded to include raising awareness about social and political issues and mobilizing people to take action.

With platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, people have been able to amplify their voices, particularly marginalized communities, giving them a platform to share their experiences and drive social change. The importance of social media as a tool for social and political activism is exemplified by movements such as the Arab Spring and Black Lives Matter. In the modern digital age, social media has become a veritable playground for budding creatives.

Through Facebook groups and subreddits dedicated to specific interests, aspiring innovators can share their ideas with like-minded individuals and establish meaningful relationships. These spaces are more than just forums--they are trendy hubs of collaboration and learning, where lifelong friendships and alliances have been born.

Social media apps worth considering for your next marketing strategy

As more and more people become accustomed to the convenience and accessibility of virtual networks, it is reasonable to anticipate that online networking platforms will become even more ingrained in our daily routines. And as new technologies emerge and user demands evolve, we can expect to see new and exciting features added to our favorite apps. From voice-activated commands to personalized content recommendations, the possibilities are endless. Some of the most innovative digital platforms were even developed to solve real-world problems that people faced while using existing platforms. Check out these popular social media apps as they offer unique cost-effective opportunities to reach audiences in new and exciting ways.

1. TikTok

TikTok was created to provide users with a new and engaging way to shoot and share short-form videos. It aimed to address a common problem faced by social media users: information overload. With so many apps available, users often find it challenging to keep up with the constant stream of content. The app's focus on short, engaging videos makes it easy for users to quickly consume content without feeling overwhelmed.

Moreover, It has been typically used for a variety of purposes, from entertainment to education and from social activism to marketing. Others use the app to share their opinions on current events or to provide tips and advice on various topics. One of the reasons why TikTok has become so popular is that users can foster their creativity by adding trending music, filters, and special effects to their videos, making them more engrossing and entertaining. The app also uses a powerful algorithm that suggests videos that users are likely to enjoy, based on their viewing history and engagement. Here are some ways that you can use TikTok to your advantage:

• Use TikTok Ads. TikTok offers a range of advertising options, including in-feed ads, brand takeovers, and sponsored hashtags. This allows you to test different types of ads and see what works best for your audience.
• TikTok Live. When an influencer goes live on TikTok, their followers receive a notification to catch the live stream, and it is featured prominently in the app's "Live" section. In addition, the live stream on TikTok can sometimes be stumbled upon unintentionally by users and unexpectedly enjoy. If a user finds the content interesting, they may choose to follow the creator to consume more content from them thus, increasing the creator's reach and engagement.
• Participate in challenges. TikTok challenges are usually centered around a specific theme or trend, and often go viral, generating a lot of buzz and engagement on the platform. This is a great way to increase recognition and help viewers associate your brand with positive emotions and experiences.

TikTok has become a powerful marketing tool that enables brands to engage with their target audience through viral and shareable content, reaching a younger demographic that may not be as receptive to traditional forms of advertising.

2. BeReal

BeReal is a platform that was developed with the goal of creating a more authentic and genuine online community. It was designed to tackle the issue of people feeling pressured to present a perfect and curated version of themselves on the internet, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

With BeReal, users are encouraged to share their real, unfiltered selves with the community. It allows users to post photos and videos without filters or editing tools and also includes features like anonymous feedback and community challenges to promote authenticity and connection. Here are a few ways that the app can be leveraged for marketing purposes:

• Exclusive discount codes. Rather than bombarding potential customers with generic ads or spam emails, BeReal offers a more targeted and personalized approach to marketing. For instance, Chipotle's first tryst with BeReal was a success. They offered a one-of-a-kind promo where the first 100 people who used the code could munch on a free entrée. And in almost no time, the offer was maxed out.
• Sneak peeks and product reveals. BeReal can also be used to share sneak peeks and product reveals with users. Sharing exclusive content on BeReal can be a highly effective marketing strategy due to the app's feature of posts expiring after 24 hours. The time-limited nature of the app creates scarcity and exclusivity around the content, which can increase engagement and generate hype for your brand.

The BeReal app provides an opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in a more transparent and genuine way.

3. Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform that was originally created for gamers to share their gameplay with an online community. The app has since expanded to include a variety of content, from music and art to talk shows and cooking channels. It aims to solve the issue of traditional media platforms lacking live and interactive content. With Twitch, users can interact with the streamer in real-time through chat and other features, creating a sense of community and connection that is often missing from pre-recorded content.  The app is unique in a way that it offers a space for niche communities to connect and interact with one another. From speedrunners to ASMR artists, Twitch has channels and communities for just about every interest and hobby.

In addition, the platform has a monetization model where streamers can also earn money through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships, creating a new source of income for content creators. Here are a few examples of how you can market your brand on the app:

• Host Q&A sessions. Brands like yours can use Twitch to host live Q&A sessions with your audience. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to ask questions and get advice directly from the source, showing that you care about their opinions and you value their input. This interaction can even be used to create content. You can repurpose the questions and answers into blog posts, social media posts, and other types of content.
• Offer product demos. If you have a physical product, you can use Twitch to offer live product demos. You can even combine this with a live Q&A, as you demonstrate your products in action. This allows you to address common questions or concerns that your audience may have about your products, alleviate any hesitations or doubts they may have, and build credibility.
• Host online events. Twitch can also be used to host virtual events, such as webinars or conferences. This allows you to reach a wider audience than traditional in-person events. With online occasions, attendees can join from anywhere in the world, making it easier for you to reach a global audience.

Furthermore, Twitch provides an opportunity for brands to connect with a highly engaged and passionate audience. By sponsoring a streamer or creating branded content, you can tap into the platform's special sense of community for streaming.

4. Patreon

Patreon is another platform that allows content creators to earn money directly from their supporters. It was developed to address the problem of content creators struggling to make a living from their work, especially in the age of ad blockers and declining ad revenues. This then provides a way for fans to support their favorite creators directly by pledging a monthly amount to get access to exclusive content, merchandise, and other perks. This also allows creators to earn a sustainable income and focus on creating content that their fans love. As a marketer, Patreon can be a helpful platform in a few different ways:

• Offer exclusive content with a brand ambassador. When selecting a brand ambassador for your business, it is important to find someone who shares similar values and interests as your brand. Set up a tier system that offers exclusive content to your supporters and consider creating a tier specifically for the content created by your brand ambassador.
• Sponsor content creators. Since Patreon allows creators to monetize their content by receiving recurring payments from supporters, this signals your recognition of their contribution to your industry which may strengthen your relationship with them and potentially lead to exciting collaborations or partnerships in the future.

You may share behind-the-scenes looks at your work, early access to new projects, or other exclusive content that can provide valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in your field.

5. Twitter Spaces

Twitter Spaces is a social audio app developed by Twitter that allows users to create and join live audio conversations with other users. The app was launched in December 2020 as a response to the growing popularity of audio-based virtual nextworks, such as Clubhouse. One of the main problems that Twitter Spaces tried to deal with was the need for users to have live, interactive conversations on a social media platform.

While Twitter had previously allowed users to engage in conversations through text-based tweets and direct messages, there was no real-time audio feature available. But with the app, users can quickly join and participate in Spaces conversations from their Twitter feed, and share Spaces links with their Twitter followers.

Additionally, users can see who is currently in a Space which can encourage some to join the conversation if they choose to do so. The app also has built-in features to help users with hearing and visual impairments participate in conversations. For example, Spaces can be captioned, and users can indicate that they need captions in order to participate. Here are some ways you can integrate this app into your marketing needs:

• Host interviews. You can host interviews with influencers or experts in the industry to provide your audience with insights and information that they may not have access to otherwise.
• Host live events. Broadcasting live events such as podcasts, panels, or seminars is an effective way of creating interactive content that your followers can engage with. This will help them stay interested in what you have to offer.
• Conduct focus groups. You can use Twitter Spaces to conduct focus groups and gather feedback from your target audience. This can be a great way to get insights into the preferences, needs, and problems of your customers, and use that information to improve your product or service.

Overall, Twitter Spaces is a unique and innovative app that handles the need for live, interactive conversations on a social networking app. Its integration with the Twitter platform and its focus on accessibility make it a compelling option for marketers who want to engage with their target audience in real-time, build brand awareness, and provide value to their customers.

6. Reddit

Reddit is a social news aggregation, discussion, and community platform. It was founded in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian and has since become one of the most popular websites on the internet, with over 430 million active users.

The main purpose of Reddit is to allow users to create and join communities, known as subreddits, where they can share content, engage in discussions, and connect with others who share their interests. Users can submit posts, comments, and links, and can vote on content submitted by others, which determines its visibility on the site.

Moreover, Reddit's system of subreddits and upvoting/downvoting helped to create a more personalized experience for users, allowing them to find content that was more relevant and interesting to them. The app’s approach to moderation, which is largely community-driven, allowed for a more open and democratic method of content moderation and helped to foster a culture of free speech and open discussion. Here are some ways that you can make use of Reddit:

• Host an AMA (Ask Me Anything). AMA sessions, where a person answers questions from the Reddit community, can be a great way to generate buzz for your brand and engage with your target audience.
• Getting feedback through discussions. Directly communicating with your customers can create group solidarity around the brand and provide a space for customers to share their experiences and opinions. This can lead to increased brand loyalty, engagement, and valuable feedback for improving products and services.

Overall, Reddit can be a valuable platform for you to reach your target audience as long as you approach it with care and provide value to the community.

7. Spotify in Greenroom

Spotify Greenroom is an audio-based social networking app that allows users to host and join live audio discussions, similar to Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces. It was launched in June 2021 as a rebranding and expansion of Locker Room, a live audio app that Spotify acquired earlier in the year.

While Spotify is a fantastic tool for discovering and listening to music, it doesn't provide many opportunities for users to interact with each other or engage in conversations around the music they love. As a user, you can easily connect your Spotify account to Greenroom, allowing you to seamlessly switch between listening to music and participating in live audio discussions.

Additionally, Greenroom's discovery features are powered by Spotify's machine learning algorithms, which help to surface relevant discussions and topics based on your music preferences and listening history. Here are some ways you can integrate this app into your marketing needs:

• Sponsorship and partnership opportunities. As with other social audio platforms, there may be opportunities for brands to sponsor or partner with specific discussions or events within Greenroom. For example, a music festival could partner with Greenroom to host live discussions with artists, or a brand could sponsor a discussion around a specific topic related to their industry.
• Branded content. Brands could create their own discussions or "rooms" within Greenroom that are focused on topics that are relevant to the brand and resonate with their audience. For example, a fashion brand could create a discussion around the latest fashion trends or a focus group discussion with top fans.

Overall, Spotify Greenroom represents an exciting new direction for Spotify, as the company continues to explore ways to deepen its engagement with users and create more opportunities for community-building and social interaction.

The latest wave of social networking apps provide an exhilarating opportunity to connect with a myriad of people. Some of these apps are so niche you can almost find your soulmate - or at least someone who shares your obsession for collecting classic vinyls!

What are the benefits of being an early adopter of these emerging social media platforms?

Many of these emerging platforms have lower advertising costs compared to established platforms like Facebook or Instagram, which can make them a cost-effective marketing option. And as a marketer, being a pioneer and an early adopter of new digital platforms can give you a competitive advantage. By getting in on the ground floor, you can establish your brand's presence on an online community, build a loyal following, and gain credibility as an industry leader. Being a pioneer also means you have the opportunity to experiment with new marketing strategies and techniques. This enables you to test what works and what doesn't, learn from your successes and failures, and refine your approach as the platform evolves.

Key takeaways

The article offers an overview of emerging digital platforms that are expected to become popular in the future, detailing their characteristics and possible advantages. Here are key takeaways that will assist you in staying up to date with the constantly changing social media environment:

• Stay informed about them. Keep an eye on emerging social media platforms to identify new opportunities to reach and engage with your target audience. Research and monitor new platforms to understand their potential value for your business.
• Embrace audio interactions. With the growing interest in audio interactions, consider incorporating audio content into your marketing strategy. Experiment with new formats, such as podcasts or live audio chats, to create engaging and interactive content that resonates with your audience.
• Be adaptable and flexible. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so it's important to be adaptable and flexible. Stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations on the internet, and be willing to pivot your strategy as needed to stay relevant and effective. Don't be afraid to experiment with new formats and platforms to find what works best for your business.

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