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As we kick off 2024, the question on every social media marketer's lips is ‘What can we expect for the year ahead?’ Well, we’ve got our predictions for how TikTok will look for the coming 12 months.
First of all, let’s talk about how to keep on top of trends on the platform:
Your TikTok journey starts by exploring the famed "For You Page" (FYP). This personalised hub is tailored to your interests, providing a scroll-worthy experience filled with trending content. The platform pays close attention to your behaviour and from content you’ve watched, searched and interacted with creates a personalised feed of content it thinks you will enjoy. From viral dances to the latest challenges, the FYP is where trends take centre stage. Our Junior Social Media Manager, Shania explains how it works over on our Instagram channel.
For those with a specific trend in mind, the Search Bar is your direct route to discovery. Type in keywords, hashtags, or creators to unveil a range of content related to your search. Whether it's dance challenges, comedic skits, or niche interests, the Search Bar is your tool for trend exploration.
These navigation tools are your key to staying ahead of trends, ensuring your brand is not just a spectator but an active participant in the vibrant TikTok community.
UGC is like a reigning champion, gaining even more popularity as we enter 2024. What makes it so powerful? It's all about realness and relatability. Brands are doubling down on UGC because it helps them connect better with people.
Imagine this: rather than just telling their story, brands are inviting customers to join in, creating a real community. This shift is not just about selling stuff; it's about building trust and strong connections. So, as we look forward, UGC is the key player, turning customers into not just buyers but valued storytellers in the brand's journey.
Brands are recognising the power of TikTok as more than just a platform for entertainment. Taking a cue from successful artists like Jack Harlow, who has cleverly used TikTok to 'soft-launch' his music, brands are now turning to short-form videos as a strategic teaser tool. This isn't just about showcasing a product; it's about building anticipation and excitement.
By leveraging TikTok's unique ability to make content go viral, brands are creating a buzz that goes beyond traditional advertising. Product launches, events, and exclusive releases are no longer just events; they're experiences that start with a TikTok teaser, setting the stage for an engaged and eager audience. Get ready to see more brands weaving this exciting trend into their marketing playbook, using TikTok as a dynamic teaser platform that captivates and sparks curiosity.
A notable evolution is on the horizon for TikTok as it embraces a new chapter. Longer-form videos with a duration extended to a substantial 15 minutes. This transformative update isn't just about stretching the time; it's about expanding creative horizons. For content creators and brands, this signals a shift, unlocking a world of possibilities for richer and more immersive storytelling. Allowing for more in-depth narratives, comprehensive tutorials, and engaging content that goes beyond the usual constraints of shorter clips.
This move towards longer-form videos is more than just a feature update; it's an invitation for creators to delve into more profound, informative, and captivating content, opening doors to a new era of creativity on TikTok.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic TikTok community by actively participating in trending challenges and content. Whether it's dancing to the latest tunes, using trending sounds and filters or contributing your unique spin to viral challenges, active participation enhances your visibility and connects you with the pulse of TikTok trends. However, try to keep in mind not every trend will align with your brand, pick the trends that fit your brand and don’t just create content because of the trend. You don’t want to start compromising your brand's tone of voice or values.
Unlock the potential of collaboration through TikTok Duets. By teaming up with creators or influencers, you can expand your brand's reach and introduce your business to fresh audiences.
The creative power of duets allows you to boost brand visibility and build meaningful connections with the online community. It’s a dynamic way to make your brand stand out and resonate with a wider audience.
Staying agile in the face of TikTok's ever-evolving trends by consistently monitoring the platform is key. Regularly check the FYP Page, Discover Page, and trending hashtags to identify emerging patterns. Adapting swiftly to relevant trends ensures your content remains relevant and resonates with the current TikTok audience. Mixed with your usual TikTok reporting and insights you will be able to see what content works best for your platform and your audience.
TikTok is taking the leap beyond the mobile screen with its latest update, Out of Phone advertising. This feature allows brands to extend their TikTok campaigns to billboards, advertising screens in various places like airports and shopping centres and also at the cinema in the pre-shows. TikTok is currently working with selected partners like VEVO, Redbox and Adomi to bring their ads into real-life situations and expand the experience beyond the mobile screen.
It’ll be exciting to see which other brands start using this feature in the new year and the possibilities it will unlock! You can find out more on TikTok’s blog.
As we sail into 2024, staying up to date with the latest TikTok trends and updates will be key to your brand's success on the platform. We recommend diving into your brand's FYP and using the search bar to explore the heart of TikTok and see relevant content for you. On top of this, we covered trends that will be important to know about including UGC to help drive authenticity and community, as well as using the platform to tease products and services.
We also talked about the latest updates that could impact the way the platform is used, such as longer-form videos and TikTok’s Out-of-Phone advertising. Here at Together, we offer a range of services to help with your social media marketing, why not talk to the team today to see how we can help boost your marketing efforts?
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Photo by Solen Feyissa on UnsplashWelcome to Together’s Guide to TikTok for Business! TikTok has rapidly emerged as a dynamic and influential social media platform. It offers brands a unique opportunity to engage with a vast and diverse audience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of TikTok marketing strategies and provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help boost your brand's visibility and success on this exciting platform.
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