As of my last update in September 2021, several trends were shaping video production and commercial ads across social media. Please note that the landscape is constantly evolving, and new trends might have emerged since then. However, some of the significant trends at that time were:
Short-Form Video: Short-form videos, typically under one minute in length, gained immense popularity across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Brands embraced this trend to deliver concise and engaging messages that resonate with younger audiences.
User-Generated Content (UGC): Brands leveraged user-generated content to build authenticity and trust with their audience. UGC often performs better than professionally produced content, as it reflects genuine customer experiences and testimonials.
Live Streaming: Social media platforms offered live streaming features, enabling brands to connect with their followers in real-time. Live video creates a sense of immediacy and interactivity, fostering a deeper connection between brands and consumers.
Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with social media influencers became a popular strategy for brands to reach their target audience in a more personalized and authentic manner. Influencers promoted products and services through sponsored posts or videos.
Interactive Ads: Brands experimented with interactive ad formats that encouraged users to engage with the content actively. Interactive elements, such as polls, quizzes, and shoppable tags, enhanced the user experience and boosted ad performance.
Vertical Video: With the rise of mobile usage, vertical video formats became prevalent on platforms like Instagram Stories and Snapchat. Brands adapted their video content to fit these platforms and capture the attention of mobile users.
Storytelling and Emotional Appeal: Emotional storytelling remained a powerful tool in capturing viewers’ attention and creating a lasting impact. Brands aimed to evoke emotions and forge deeper connections with their audience through compelling narratives.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Brands experimented with AR and VR technologies to create interactive and immersive experiences for their audiences. AR filters and lenses, for instance, allowed users to engage with brands in playful and creative ways.
Personalization: Social media algorithms enabled brands to deliver personalized video content based on user preferences, behavior, and demographics. Personalized ads had higher engagement rates and contributed to building stronger brand-consumer relationships.
Sustainability and Social Causes: Consumers showed increasing interest in brands that demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability and social causes. Videos highlighting eco-friendly practices and charitable initiatives gained traction.
It’s essential to stay updated with the latest trends and preferences of your target audience to create effective video content for social media platforms. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, marketers and video producers must remain adaptable and innovative in their approach to connect with their audience effectively.
