Five Social Media Trends To Look Out For In 2012

1 year ago

Facebook and Twitter still dominate the landscape but there are new apps available

Social media has dominated the headlines in 2011 by either breaking or making news. It is changing communication and content as we know it, so we all need to be "streets ahead". Let's take a look at five emerging social media trends for 2012.

FACEBOOK

Facebook's new Timeline feature is quickly changing how people are recording major life events. The new timeline brings chronology to the forefront, becoming more of a literal timeline than a stream of status updates. As social networking evolves, Facebook is distinguishing itself from micro-blogging services like Twitter by becoming the network where users record life events ranging from weddings to funerals.

TWITTER

"Black Twitter" is more than trending hashtags. In addition to using Twitter to spread the word about social and political issues, Twitter is being employed to give live commentary about television shows. Many people are using twitter to talk about reality TV shows they are watching, especially shows like Real Housewives franchise and TI's new show on VH1, "Family Hustle." Twitter and TV fit so well together that there is a new app, Into Now, which will scan the sound of the show you are watching and you can check in and connect with others. Television is becoming more social, so viewers will tune in.

(MORE: 2011: The Year of Black Digital Domination)

VIDEO

Online video is where the next stars will be found in 2012. The success of Issa Rae's Awkward Black Girl has made both Hollywood and mainstream media take note of the emerging development of African American web series. The web series Anacostia is a soap opera about suburban DC. New mobile app Tout is like twitter for video, where you easily record 15 seconds of video on your phone and easily share to both Twitter and Facebook.

LIFESTYLE BLOGGING

Lifestyle blogging is growing in 2012. Influential bloggers are curating content in the areas of culture, fashion, food and design. Fashion and lifestyle bloggers are using Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest as social media channels that are great for influencers to share photos and more

GOOGLE+

It's the new watercooler where conversations can be targeted to a community and can be much longer than the character constraints of Twitter and Facebook. Launched this summer, the adoption rate was slow with some of the social media savvy taking their time to see the full advantages. in 2012, "Hangouts" will be synonymous with video chatting. There are few other options that allow you to connect via video with your community like customers, fans or students. People who share common interest can directly talk to each other and share ideas and content.

This may all seem daunting, but the important thing is to use the social media channel that best fits the kind of content you like to create. If you are more into writing then Twitter or Google+ may be best. The goal is to define yourself or your brand online and use the most effective social media channels to do it.

Advertisment