2024 Social Media Updates You Need to Know To Keep Your Strategy Fresh and On Beat
Social media is constantly evolving, just like the music scene—there’s always something new to learn, and staying up-to-date is key to keeping your business front and center. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a marketer, these updates from Instagram, Google, and LinkedIn will help keep your content in sync with the latest trends. Let’s dive into what’s rocking the digital world and how you can stay on top of your game.
Instagram’s Focus: Share Rates Take the Spotlight
Instagram gave its algorithm a fresh makeover, and this time, it’s all about share rates. While likes and comments still matter, Instagram is now putting more emphasis on how often your content gets shared. This means if people love what you’re posting and decide to share it with their friends, Instagram will reward you with more visibility on the feed. It’s a great way to extend your reach without having to pay for ads.
To make this work for you, focus on creating content that people want to share. Whether it's an insightful post, a funny meme, or a beautifully crafted image, if it resonates with your audience, they’ll pass it along to others. And the more they share, the more likely Instagram will boost your content.
Tip: Think of your content as a conversation starter. If it’s shareable, it’ll help spread the word about your brand.
Google’s "Helpful Content" Update: Quality is Key
Google's latest algorithm update is all about quality. With the "helpful content" update, Google is prioritizing authentic, valuable content that truly helps users. Gone are the days when keyword-stuffed content would land you at the top of search results. Now, it's all about providing real solutions and thoughtful insights that speak directly to your audience’s needs.
For your content to stand out, it needs to be useful and relevant. If you’re writing for your audience rather than trying to outsmart the algorithm, Google will notice—and reward you with better rankings.
Tip: When creating blog posts or web content, focus on delivering value. The more helpful and relevant your content, the more Google will love it. Also, did you know = that Google has introduced a new feature in its business listings, showcasing recent social media posts from your linked profiles directly in search results?
LinkedIn Tests New TikTok-Style Video Feed: What It Means for Your Strategy
LinkedIn is diving into the world of short-form video with a new feature currently in beta: a dedicated video feed in a TikTok-style, full-screen format. This test, uncovered by social media expert Austin Null and later confirmed by LinkedIn, is designed to make it easier for users to discover relevant and timely videos from professionals and influencers.
In a statement to Social Media Today, LinkedIn explained, "Videos are rapidly becoming one of our members’ favorite formats to learn from other professionals and experts, so we are testing new ways to help members more easily discover timely, relevant videos to watch on LinkedIn."
This vertical video feed allows users to scroll through short-form content, like, comment, share, and view full captions, similar to the experience on TikTok and Instagram Reels. LinkedIn’s focus on short-form video content is clear, and business influencers will likely be encouraged to post more videos to generate engagement, turning regular text updates into richer, more dynamic video content.
As video content continues to drive engagement across social platforms, LinkedIn's move to adopt a video-centric feature aligns with shifting communication preferences. Younger generations, who are now becoming more prominent in the workforce, prefer video as a key mode of expression. The addition of this video feed may encourage more businesses to integrate video into their content strategies, particularly those in the professional space looking to stand out.
This change also opens new doors for advertising opportunities on LinkedIn, providing more ways to engage users with rich media content. Whether it's showcasing thought leadership, company updates, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of corporate life, businesses now have a fresh way to capture attention and connect with their audience.
As LinkedIn continues testing the new video feed, it’s important to keep an eye on how this feature evolves. With video becoming such a dominant format, embracing this new feature may soon be essential to staying relevant and competitive on the platform.
Why Posting Times Matter: Sprout Social’s Insights for 2024
When it comes to social media, timing is everything. Posting at the right moment can be the difference between a post that gets noticed and one that gets lost in the feed. Sprout Social’s latest research has broken down the best times to post on major platforms in 2024, helping you reach your audience when they’re most likely to engage.
Here’s what they found:
Facebook: Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Instagram: Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LinkedIn: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
TikTok: Weekdays, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
But why do these times matter? It all comes down to user behavior. Social media platforms are crowded, and your content is competing for attention. By posting when your audience is most active, you increase the chances of your content appearing at the top of their feed, leading to higher engagement.
The more people engage with your posts—whether through likes, shares, or comments—the more likely it is that the platform will push your content to others. So, posting at the optimal times gives you a better shot at reaching a larger audience.
However, keep in mind that these timeframes are just guidelines. Your audience might have its own unique habits, so it's essential to test different times and track your engagement trends. Fine-tuning your posting schedule based on real-time data will help you connect with your followers at the right moments, driving better results and boosting your social media strategy.
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