Social Media Trends to Watch for 2015
When it comes to social media trends, it is very difficult to predict the future. Throughout 2014, Facebook, for example, had many ups and downs. At one point, Facebook lost nearly one-third of US teen users, pronouncing Facebook “dead and buried”. By the end of the year, Facebook earned $2.96 billion in ad revenue and gained over 100 million active users.
Although it is impossible to know exactly what will happen during this upcoming year, here are a few different trends, thanks to Ryan Holmes, that will most likely occur in 2015.
#1. Social Networks Hidden Payment Feature. In Facebook’s extremely popular Messenger app, a hidden payment feature has been found. If this feature were to be activated by Facebook, it will allow people to send money to each other using debit card information, for free. In addition to this feature, Facebook has created an “Autofill feature” which will allow users to save their credit card information on their Facebook to be able to check out with many different merchants on the web.
#2. New Social Networking Tools. In 2014, many social networks came about, including Ello, Yik Yak and more. These social networks are brand new and are currently growing. Many social networks are attempting to replicate the Facebook experience with fewer advertisements or other unique twists. These new networks have a great chance in thriving, although competing against Facebook’s 1.3-billion-user community will be a tough go.
#3. Shopping Meets Social Media. One thing is for sure, and that is that within this next year, we can definitely expect e-commerce and social media integrations to deepen. Once payment details are on file on different social networks, you are just one click away from purchases. By entering in payment information, shopping will become quicker and easier, which will be positive for both customers as well as advertisers. By connecting tweets and Facebook posts with actual purchases, more concrete revenue figures can be attached to social media messages in a brand new, unique way.
#4. Smart Devices will get Smarter. The world is becoming more technological every minute. Now, home appliances, bathroom scales, wearable fitness bracelets, smart watches and more are collecting data and attaching it wirelessly to the Internet. A lot of these devices are hooked up to Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. While it is uncertain whether or not this is a positive change for today’s society, it is certain that things will be changing. For example, imagine a smart fridge that will track your Facebook Events and allow you to see how much food you should expect to make based on your RVSP list.
#5. Increasing Demand for Anonymous Social Media. People love the idea of anonymously posting photos and text to different social networks. The problem is that, in reality, nothing is anonymous and everything is saved. Although it is nearly impossible to deliver anonymity and privacy on the Internet, social networks are still striving to give people what they want. Facebook has recently created its new chat app Rooms which allow their users to chat with others without revealing their name or location.
While none of these trends are promised for the next 364 days, it is very likely that these ideas will be followed through with. We can most definitely expect many technological and social media changes for 2015!
