Greetings, content creators, and curious minds! 🚀 Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the future of content creation. We’re here to unravel the secrets of the 2024 trends that are reshaping how companies communicate, connect, and captivate audiences in this overwhelming, fast-paced digital age.
For a quick taste of what awaits, we will be covering the following: discovering the transformative role of AI as a creative sidekick, emphasising the importance of authenticity in a world of perfection, and exploring the rise of micro-influencers with their genuine connections. We’ll acknowledge the need for longer, immersive content and delve into strategies involving personalisation and user-generated content. Let’s cross over to the global content creation landscape and explore the dominance of video, podcasts, and immersive storytelling. The journey concludes with a sustainable shift in content creation practices, signalling a greener future for all marketers. Join us for a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of content creation!
Content creation is a multifaceted process encompassing the conception, development, and distribution of information across diverse mediums. It involves the creation of engaging and valuable materials, including text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. Content can be tailored to specific platforms, such as websites, social media channels, blogs, or video-sharing platforms. The purpose extends beyond mere information delivery; content creation seeks to resonate with a target audience, fostering connections, building brand identity, and driving meaningful engagement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the creators’ creative sidekick, helping businesses conjure ideas, refine content quality, and cut costs. Picture it as having a digital writing assistant that increases your overall productivity and content creation possibilities. According to Statista, more than 80% of marketers integrate AI technology into their online activities, so if they are using it, why wouldn’t you use AI to assist you in writing your content as well?
It should be noted that even with all these AI benefits for creating content, it does come with a cost. The Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) uses AI to provide users with quick and clear overviews of search topics. Additionally, ChatGPT is a powerhouse that provides instant answers and has seen unprecedented growth, boasting over 100 million users—the fastest ascent in history (Cloudwards). The outcome? A significant reduction in website search engine optimization (SEO) ranking. Thus, companies need to work on their content to be able to stand out and not be replaced entirely by AI.
That is why it’s essential to note that AI isn’t the solo star; it’s the supporting actor. While it masters the basics, injecting that personal touch is your secret weapon to stand out among similar content creations and AI websites.
In a world filled with polished façades, it’s time for companies to strip away the filters and embrace authenticity. Imagine content that’s not just eye-catching but raw, emotional, and real.
Consumers crave the genuine; they want to see your flaws, your backstage chaos, and your unfiltered face. Brands like Dove have already embraced the need for authenticity by showcasing real people and real stories in their campaigns, which builds a stronger connection with their audiences as a result. A more specific example of this was their 2023 campaign, ‘Cost of Beauty, which went viral on social media as it addressed the rise in youth mental health difficulties caused by social media (Digital Marketing Institute).
Seizing this opportunity, BeReal has crafted a cutting-edge social media platform that champions authenticity. With a surge of 313% in usage, it’s creating waves among Gen Z by empowering users to share unfiltered content and embrace their true selves (Hubspot).
People are even ditching phones for cameras to amp up the quality of their videos and showcase their flaws in high resolution—it’s like upgrading your toolkit. So ditch perfection and keep it real.
Size doesn’t matter—at least in the influencer game. Micro-influencers, with their 1,000 to 100,000 followers, are becoming the darlings of the marketing world. Think of them as the indie bands of the influencer scene, creating a personalised connection with their audience and everlasting loyalty. Fun fact micro-influencers generate up to 60% more engagement than macro-influencers (Hubspot). With engagement rates soaring, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about building real connections, and micro-influencers have mastered the art. Companies that partner with these influencers tend to have a higher return on investment (ROI) as a result.
The era of generic, one-size-fits-all content gives way to a more nuanced approach. Blaise Grimes-Viort, Chief Executive of Gild, believes that users will increasingly seek smaller communities, desiring direct peer validation and engagement. This belief finds support in the growing popularity of private social media and Discord groups.
Content creators are now directing their efforts toward cultivating micro-communities centred around niche interests. By tailoring content to specific and passionate audiences, they foster a heightened sense of loyalty to the brand.
The emphasis is shifting towards hyper-focused podcasts, dedicated social media groups, and specialised content platforms, prioritising quality over quantity. This strategic shift from scattering content across all social media platforms to concentrating efforts where engagement is profound allows for the creation of more meaningful connections within these devoted communities.
While TikTok may have pioneered the trend of short-form content, the landscape is evolving in 2024, as consumers yearn for more substantive experiences. A notable 22% now express a preference for videos lasting between 10 to 19 minutes, the most favoured duration (Training Magazine). TikTok has responded to this demand by introducing the option for 10-minute videos, aligning with the evolving preferences of its user base. (CNN Business). TED Talks are a prime example of longer-form content that captivates audiences with insightful and in-depth discussions. Imagine content beyond quick scrolls—stories that linger, insights that captivate, and a feast for the senses with text, visuals, and music.
Long-form content can offer readers genuine value and a rewarding experience. It can also increase user engagement and result in a longer average visit duration on a website and social media posts, as well as more attractive ad revenue opportunities.
In the age of generic messages, personalisation emerges as the winning bet for companies. Even a small touch, such as a personalised call-to-action button, can yield remarkable results, boasting a staggering 202% improvement in conversion rates (Hubspot). Companies can use AI algorithms to craft content tailored to individual preferences, predict user needs, and deliver a hyper-personalised experience. From AI-generated articles to dynamically adapting visuals, content creators will harness the power of AI to cater to the unique tastes of their audience. Companies that leverages this personalised content quite successfully are Spotify, which curates personalised playlists based on users’ interactive music experiences.
But personalised content is not enough, as consumers want to be part of the conversation. The line between creators and audiences will blur as user-generated content (UGC) takes on a collaborative twist. Brands and creators will actively involve their audience in content creation, encouraging them to contribute ideas, stories, and even co-create content. This trend fosters a sense of community and engagement, transforming passive viewers into active contributors.
Globalisation is not just a buzzword; it’s a content revolution that expands companies’ reach across borders. Companies and creators are crossing language barriers, embracing diversity, and creating content with a global twist. A significant 76% of online shoppers express a strong preference for making purchases in their native language and companies have started to reinforce this preference with non-English-speaking influencers as part of their marketing campaigns (Vera Content).
Get ready for your close-up because video content is stealing the show when consumers are consuming content!
Anticipate a significant uptick in South African internet user penetration, poised to hit 85% by 2025, as per Statista. This enhanced internet accessibility paves the way for consumers to immerse themselves in video content without constraints. This is beneficial to all as both companies and consumers favour video content, recognising its ability to convey powerful messages and information more effectively than written communication in a concise timeframe.
Audio content is here! Podcasts will continue to soar in popularity, but the trend extends beyond spoken words. Sonic branding, ambient soundscapes, and audio-guided experiences will become integral parts of content creation.
The surge in popularity of podcast content, spanning education, mental health, and live events, is undeniable. Over 51% of savvy marketers are now seamlessly integrating podcasts into their strategies, capitalizing on the medium’s perceived trustworthiness and authenticity—an extension of the overarching theme of authenticity we explored earlier in Demand Sage.
Moreover, podcast snippets are finding their place in social media content, strategically enticing users to explore more within a company’s podcast. This not only enhances user engagement but also holds the potential to boost the SEO performance of your website.
Step into the era of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), where content transforms into a one-of-a-kind digital asset. Creators will harness blockchain technology to mint and offer exclusive content, providing ownership rights to buyers. Whether through digital art or limited edition content drops, NFTs are set to revolutionise how creators monetize their work and how audiences assess the value of digital creations.
Step aside, static content—it’s time for a dynamic visual revolution! Get ready to break free from the confines of screens as Extended Reality (XR) takes storytelling to a whole new level. Anticipated to exhibit a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 34.94% from 2019 to 2029, XR is set to redefine the way we experience and engage with content (Mordor Intelligence). XR, encompassing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), will transport users into narrative worlds where they can actively participate in enhancing the way they experience content. Companies like IKEA have already adopted this trend to improve their shoppers’ experiences with their AR apps, which enable users to visualise furniture in their homes before making a purchase.
In the wake of global environmental consciousness, content creation is poised to take a sustainable turn, given that 80% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Creators and brands will actively promote eco-friendly practices both in content creation processes and the themes explored. From showcasing sustainable lifestyles to adopting eco-conscious production methods, content creators will contribute to a greener digital landscape.
Heads up, content creators! Not all trends fit every scenario. Before diving into the trend pool, consider your audience and their social media habits. Each trend has charm, but not all may resonate with your unique audience. Analyze their preferences—are they into quick bites or long-form content? Visual or textual? Remember, trends are tools, not mandates. Adapt them to fit snugly into your audience’s preferences for a rewarding content creation journey.
And there you have it, fellow content creators and enthusiasts—a front-row seat to the spectacular show that is content creation in 2024. As we bid adieu, remember this: your content journey is an ever-evolving adventure, and the key is to adapt, innovate, and sprinkle a dash of your unique magic while considering your audience.
Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just dipping your toes into content creation, the future is yours to explore. Embrace the trends, experiment with new tools, and, most importantly, stay true to your authentic voice. Your content journey awaits. So, what are you waiting for? Go and write a story worth telling!
Until next time, happy creating! 🌟