Let's take a look at 8 key trends for 2017 across Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter.
Before we look at each social media platform individually one thing we've noticed is that a lot of the platforms latest features are blurring into one another. For example, until the launch of memories, Snapchat was all about in the moment content. Instagram was the place for our best images and videos until they opened up stories and encouraged users to share more Snapchat like content. Facebook is also testing disappearing messages in messenger...remind you of somewhere else? (Snapchat)
In 2017 we think there will be more of this as platforms compete to be the go to place for short in the moment content. Most platforms will probably enable users to create and share video, live video and news based on your location.
Facebook highlights 2016:
Marketplace - a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items in your community.
Reactions - to express yourself with 5 new emojis.
Facebook Live - like having a ready to roll video camera in your pocket.
2017 Facebook trends:
More focus on video - 83% of marketers said they'd like to create more video content.
Augmented reality - think Snapchat selfie lenses and Pokemon Go. They've also recently acquired Masquerade which could facilitate users to have different masks when starting live video.
Instagram highlights 2016:
Instagram stories - users can post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours a bit like Snapchat stories.
2017 Instagram trends:
Live video - like Facebook we think there'll be more activity in this area.
Business tools - will it be long before we see business profiles to help drive traffic to their Instagram profiles?
Instagram stories - we think this will evolve further in 2017 in the business forum.
Snapchat highlights 2016;
Memories - this enables Snapchat users to share photos and videos.
Spectacles - sunglasses that Snap. Tapping a button on the glasses enables you to record from your perspective. Then relive the moment later in Snapchat.
2017 Snapchat trends:
Spectacles evolution - these are a fun product aimed at the teenage audience.
Sponsored geo filters - further development of this to enhance targeting for advertisers.
Twitter highlights 2016:
Moments - now enabling users to combine multiple tweets into a slideshow (like stories)
2017 Twitter trends:
Potential focus through Periscope to focus on live streams.