social media

As user behaviors change, social platforms are adapting to keep pace, and we’re examining the latest features and what they mean for businesses and creators alike.

Leading this adaptation, Meta’s toying with AI clones for content creators, potentially revolutionizing community engagement. Instagram’s cranking up the creativity, letting you add up to 20 audio tracks to a single Reel. TikTok’s not far behind, introducing in-app ticket sales. They’ve also added a “Sound Search” feature. Meanwhile, Threads is making waves with cross-posting capabilities, and Pinterest is taking a bold leap from digital inspiration to real-world experiences.

These aren’t just cool new features — they’re signaling major shifts in how platforms are approaching user engagement, content creation and the blending of online and offline worlds.

Let’s break down these key developments, explore what they mean for users and businesses and consider how they might shape the future of social media.

Meta: AI Integration and Advertising Evolution

Meta is pushing the envelope with AI integration in content creation. Mark Zuckerberg has floated an intriguing idea: AI clones handling community engagement for content creators. Imagine your favorite influencer being in two places at once — creating content and responding to comments simultaneously. These AI bots would aim to capture creators’ personalities and business goals, potentially allowing them to scale their impact and focus on other tasks. It’s an exciting prospect, but not without its challenges. The big questions are: Can AI truly capture a creator’s unique voice? And will audiences embrace this new form of engagement?

On the advertising front, Meta’s “pay or consent” model for advertising in Europe has hit a snag. The European Commission found that this approach, which asks users to either pay for an ad-free experience or consent to personalized ads, doesn’t quite align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance platforms must strike between personalized experiences and user privacy. We’re curious to see how Meta navigates these waters going forward.

Instagram: Unleashing Creativity and Doubling Down on Short-Form

Instagram is turning up the volume on creativity — literally! The platform now allows users to add up to 20 different audio tracks to a single Reel. It’s like being the DJ of your own mini music festival, all within a single video. We can’t wait to see (and hear) what creative concoctions users come up with.

When it comes to AI, Instagram has given its content labeling a makeover. The “Made with AI” label has evolved into an “AI info” tag. It’s a small change, but one that aims to provide clearer context on AI involvement in content creation. It’s like Instagram is saying, “Hey, we know AI is here to stay, but we want you to know exactly how it’s being used.”

And for those who love their content bite-sized, there’s good news. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, has reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to short-form content. While others might be stretching their video lengths, Instagram is sticking to its guns. It seems the platform believes that when it comes to content, good things come in small packages.

Threads: Merging Images and Platforms

Threads, Meta’s text-based conversation app, is threading its way into users’ hearts with new features. The latest? A cool tool that lets you pinch and merge images in-stream. It’s like a mini photo editing suite right in your posts.

But the real game-changer might be the new cross-posting feature. Instagram users can now push their posts to Threads simultaneously.

It’s like hitting two birds with one stone, or in this case, reaching two audiences with one post. This integration could potentially boost user engagement on Threads and provide creators with a more efficient way to reach their audience across multiple platforms.

TikTok: New Features Galore

TikTok has just rolled out a series of new features that are sure to keep users engaged and creators excited.

First up, TikTok has partnered with Eventbrite, allowing users to promote and sell tickets directly within the app. It’s a win-win: creators can easily promote their events, and users can get tickets without ever leaving TikTok.

TikTok has also introduced custom thumbnails for video clips. It might seem like a small change, but for creators, it’s huge. Another exciting addition is the “Sound Search” feature, which lets users find songs by singing or humming them.

This tool allows users to find songs by singing or humming them, competing with existing music identification services and enhancing the app’s music discovery capabilities.

LinkedIn: Newsletters Get a Boost

LinkedIn is expanding its horizons with sponsored newsletters. This new feature allows brands to promote their content and generate leads through recurring, serialized publications. Building on the success of sponsored articles, this move capitalizes on the significant growth in LinkedIn newsletter readership, which has more than tripled over the past year.

Pinterest: Bringing Pins to Life

Pinterest is taking an innovative approach to user engagement, particularly targeting Gen Z audiences, by partnering with brands to create immersive, real-world experiences that bring digital trends to life.

Urban Outfitters has launched its “Shift Happens” back-to-school campaign in collaboration with Pinterest. This campaign combines digital elements, such as influencer-led Pinterest boards, with a two-day in-person event in New York City called “Space Shift.” The event is designed to bring these digital boards to life, creating a tangible connection between online inspiration and real-world experiences.

Similarly, Primal Kitchen and Pinterest have launched a colorful kitchen pop-up event in New York City. The “Pin It” event showcases the latest food trends through interactive stations and cooking demonstrations, allowing visitors to explore trending recipes and food products while engaging with both Primal Kitchen’s brand and Pinterest’s platform.

These initiatives demonstrate Pinterest’s strategy to prove its relevance beyond the digital world and its ability to drive real-world actions and experiences.

Mastering Social Media: Strategic Adaptation

Remember, success isn’t about chasing every new feature. It’s about understanding these changes and thoughtfully integrating them into your strategy to meet your audience’s needs.

Consider which new tools align best with your brand’s voice and goals. Meta’s AI-powered engagement features, Instagram’s multi-track Reels, and TikTok’s event promotion capabilities all offer potential avenues for growth. The key is to select and implement these tools in ways that authentically connect with your audience while driving your business forward.

Effective social media strategies balance innovation with consistency. Remain open to experimentation, but always measure your results to ensure your efforts are yielding tangible benefits.

Want to stay informed about new developments in social media? Subscribe to our newsletter at Ultraviolet for more expert insights and the latest trends in digital marketing.

In today’s digital age, an interior designer’s online presence is just as crucial as their portfolio. But creating fresh content for every social media platform can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s where the power of content repurposing comes in. To guide us through this process, we’ll be drawing insights from Joanna Hawley-McBride, a Pacific Northwest digital influencer with a wealth of experience in content creation and social media strategy.

Joanna Hawley-McBride: A Social Media Success Story

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s take a moment to understand why Joanna’s advice is so valuable. With a background in textile design and an eye for beautiful things, Joanna created Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on interior styling. 

Based in the North Cascades, Joanna has made a name for herself renovating her cabin and sharing inspiration on various platforms. As an early adopter of Pinterest, she has amassed an impressive 3.8 million followers and 15 million monthly viewers. On Instagram, her #SmallSpaceSquad hashtag has been used over 319,000 times, demonstrating her influence in the interior design community.

Joanna’s success extends beyond social media. She has collaborated with major brands including Amazon, KitchenAid, and Spotify, and has been featured in HGTV and Domino magazine. Her experience and success make her insights on content repurposing particularly valuable for interior designers looking to boost their online presence.

The Importance of Diversifying Your Content

As Joanna points out, “You’ve spent the time, the energy, and maybe even the money on creating this piece of content. You should be able to get the most out of it that you can so that you can maximize that investment.” By repurposing your content, you’re not only working smarter, but you’re also reaching a wider audience across various platforms.

Moreover, diversifying your content across platforms can significantly impact your SEO efforts. Search engines like Google recognize the unique contribution of each social channel in driving visitors to your site. This means that a robust social media presence can actually boost your website’s visibility in search results.

Understanding Your Audience on Each Platform

Before you start repurposing content, it’s crucial to understand that different platforms attract different demographics. As an interior designer, your target audience might vary slightly across platforms:

• Instagram: Perfect for showcasing your visual work, attracting potential clients, and connecting with other designers and brands.
• Pinterest: Ideal for sharing design inspiration, DIY ideas, and driving traffic to your blog or website.
• LinkedIn: Great for networking with industry professionals, sharing thought leadership content, and attracting commercial clients.
• TikTok: Excellent for reaching younger audiences, sharing quick design tips, and showcasing your personality.

Tailor your content strategy for each platform’s unique user base. For example, content geared towards Gen Z on TikTok might focus on budget-friendly DIY projects, while content for LinkedIn could highlight your expertise in commercial design projects.

Adapting Content Format for Each Platform

Once you understand your audience, the next step is to adapt your content format to align with each platform’s strengths. Here are some ideas:

1. Blog Post to Instagram Carousel: Transform a detailed blog post about a room makeover into a visually appealing Instagram carousel. Each slide can showcase a different aspect of the transformation.
2. Project Reveal to TikTok Video: Turn your latest project reveal into a quick before-and-after TikTok video set to trending audio.
3. Design Tips to Pinterest Infographic: Compile your top design tips into an eye-catching infographic for Pinterest.
4. Client Testimonial to LinkedIn Post: Share a client’s success story as a text post on LinkedIn, highlighting your problem-solving skills and professionalism.

Remember, while the format may change, the core message should remain consistent across platforms.

Leveraging Platform-Specific Features

Each social media platform offers unique features that can boost engagement. As an interior designer, here’s how you can leverage these:

• Instagram: Use hashtags relevant to interior design trends, create Stories showcasing your design process, and use Reels to share quick design tips.
• Pinterest: Create boards for different design styles or room types, use rich pins to drive traffic to your website.
• LinkedIn: Share long-form articles about industry trends, use polls to engage with other professionals.
• TikTok: Participate in design-related challenges, use duets to collaborate with other designers or react to design trends.

Encourage engagement through platform-specific calls-to-action. For example, on Instagram, you might ask followers to save a post of a room design they love, while on TikTok, you could encourage users to duet your video with their own design interpretations.

Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity

While repurposing content allows you to post more frequently, it’s crucial to maintain quality. As Joanna emphasizes, “Quality is king. By sharing high-quality content, you’ll boost your engagement, including likes, shares, and comments, which then equals increased visibility and reach.”

For interior designers, this means:

• Ensuring your visuals are high-quality and well-edited across all platforms.
• Providing valuable, actionable advice in your content, not just pretty pictures.
• Maintaining consistency in your brand voice and aesthetic across platforms.

Quality content not only leads to increased engagement and visibility but also builds brand trust and legitimacy. As Joanna notes, “Maintaining that appearance on social is important.” Potential clients often check a designer’s social media presence before their website, so consistent, high-quality content is crucial.

Tracking Performance and Adjusting Strategy

To ensure your repurposing efforts are effective, it’s essential to track performance across platforms. Use analytics tools provided by each platform to monitor engagement and traffic. Pay attention to:

• Which types of content perform best on each platform
• What times of day your audience is most engaged
• Which platforms drive the most traffic to your website

Use these insights to refine your repurposing strategy. For example, if your Instagram Stories featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process perform well, consider adapting this content for TikTok or YouTube Shorts.

Seasonal Content Recycling

Interior design trends often align with seasons, making seasonal content recycling a powerful strategy. As Joanna shares, “During the holidays I reshare all of my old holiday content from recipes, entertaining ideas, DIY posts, decorating ideas, the whole gamut.”

As an interior designer, you can:

• Reshare summer home styling tips each year, updated with current trends.
• Recycle holiday decorating ideas, adapting them to current color trends.
• Repost timeless design advice, framed in the context of current design movements.

Remember the 7-11-4 Rule

Joanna mentions the 7-11-4 rule: “Before somebody buys anything, a consumer typically needs seven hours of engagement across 11 different touch points and in four separate locations.” For interior designers, this underscores the importance of repurposing content across multiple platforms. Your potential client might first see your work on Instagram, then check out your Pinterest boards, read a LinkedIn article, and finally visit your website before deciding to contact you.

Maximizing Your Impact

Effectively repurposing content across multiple platforms is a powerful strategy for interior designers to maximize their online presence. By understanding your audience on each platform, adapting your content format, leveraging platform-specific features, prioritizing quality, and continuously refining your strategy based on performance data, you can create a robust and engaging online presence that attracts clients and establishes you as an authority in the interior design world.

Remember, the goal isn’t to be everywhere but to be where your potential clients are, with content that resonates and showcases your unique design perspective. Start looking at your existing content with fresh eyes – that stunning room reveal could be the starting point for a whole series of repurposed content across your platforms, reaching new audiences and reinforcing your brand message.

By following these strategies and drawing inspiration from successful influencers like Joanna, you can elevate your social media game and make your content work harder for you. So, get creative, start repurposing, and watch your online presence flourish!

A robust social media presence is no longer optional but essential. Whether you’re a business aiming to expand your customer base or an individual seeking to amplify your brand, leveraging social media platforms is key. However, relying solely on one platform may limit your reach and hinder your ability to connect with diverse audiences. That’s where diversifying your social media presence comes into play.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Before embarking on your social media journey, it’s crucial to understand your target audience inside and out. Who are they? What are their interests? Where do they spend their time online? By diving deep into these questions, you can tailor your content and messaging to resonate with different audience segments across various platforms.

Identifying your target demographics allows you to craft content that speaks directly to their needs and preferences. For instance, if your audience consists primarily of visually-oriented young adults, platforms like Instagram and TikTok may be more effective for engaging with them. On the other hand, if you’re targeting professionals and B2B clients, LinkedIn might be the ideal platform to showcase your expertise and build professional connections.

The Benefits of a Diversified Social Media Presence

Diversifying your social media presence offers many benefits that can significantly enhance your online visibility and engagement. Here are some key advantages:

Increased Visibility and Discoverability

By expanding across multiple platforms, you increase the chances of being discovered by potential followers or customers who may only frequent a single platform sparingly.

Reaching New and Untapped Audiences

Each social media platform attracts a unique demographic, allowing you to reach audiences you might not have accessed otherwise. By diversifying, you can tap into new markets and expand your reach exponentially.

Building a Stronger Online Presence and Brand Recognition

Consistency is key to building a strong online presence. Maintaining an active presence across various platforms reinforces your brand identity and increases brand recognition among a wider audience.

Beyond the tangible benefits, diversifying your social media presence also fosters resilience in the face of evolving digital landscapes. Social media trends come and go, and platform algorithms are constantly in flux. By diversifying across multiple platforms, you future-proof your online presence, ensuring that you’re not overly reliant on any single platform for your success.

Additionally, a diversified presence enables you to experiment with different types of content and engagement strategies. What works well on Instagram may not necessarily resonate on Twitter or LinkedIn. By diversifying, you have the opportunity to test and refine your approach, gaining valuable insights into what resonates best with your audience on each platform.

Ready to maximize your social media presence and unlock new opportunities? Start diversifying your strategy today with ultraviolet agency.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms

With a plethora of social media platforms available, choosing the right ones can seem daunting. Here are some considerations to help you make informed decisions:

Evaluate Popular Platforms

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok—the list goes on. Evaluate each platform’s features, audience demographics, and engagement levels to determine which aligns best with your goals and target audience.

Consider Niche or Industry-Specific Platforms

Depending on your niche or industry, there may be specialized platforms that cater specifically to your target audience. Research these platforms and assess whether they offer unique opportunities to connect with your audience more meaningfully.

Align Platforms with Your Goals and Target Audience

The platforms you choose should ultimately align with your overarching goals and target audience. Whether you aim to drive sales, increase brand awareness, or establish thought leadership, select platforms that enable you to achieve those objectives.

Source: WordStream

When building your social media strategy, it’s vital to consider established platforms and keep an eye on emerging trends and platforms within your industry. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, with new features and platforms constantly entering the scene. Staying informed about these developments empowers you to adapt swiftly and seize emerging opportunities, ensuring your social media strategy remains relevant and effective.

Moreover, maintaining cross-platform synergy is essential for reinforcing your brand identity and messaging. Your presence across each platform should seamlessly complement and strengthen your overall brand narrative. Consistency in branding, voice, and messaging fosters coherence and enhances brand recall among your audience, ensuring a unified and impactful presence across all platforms.

In essence, diversifying your social media presence isn’t just about spreading yourself thin across multiple platforms—it’s about strategic resource allocation, deep understanding of your audience, and adaptability in the ever-changing digital landscape. By embracing diversity in your social media strategy, you can unlock new opportunities, forge stronger connections with your audience, and propel your brand to greater success in the digital realm.

Heads up, social media strategists: the playbook is being rewritten as we speak, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.

From Facebook’s ad-free experiment in Europe to Instagram’s advancements in AI, social media platforms are reshaping how we connect. It’s not just about new features—it’s about understanding shifting user behaviors, changing content consumption patterns, and strategically positioning your brand in this dynamic digital environment.

Threads is navigating its path, while TikTok is focusing on creator economics. LinkedIn is utilizing AI to redefine professional networking, and there’s a new player called Noplace that’s capturing Gen Z’s attention in ways we haven’t seen since the early days of Snapchat.

Ready to dive in? Let’s break down what’s happening in social media right now, and why it should matter to you and your bottom line.

Facebook: Adapting to European Regulations and Adding New Metrics

Facebook is shaking things up in Europe with a new ad-free paid subscription service. For €9.99 per month on the web or €12.99 on mobile, users in the EU, EEA and Switzerland can enjoy a Facebook experience without ads. This move is Meta’s response to stringent privacy regulations, offering users more control over their data. For marketers, this could mean a shift in strategies for reaching European audiences.

Facebook is also giving content creators a new tool to gauge their impact. The “Replays” metric for Reels now includes both initial plays and replays, providing a more comprehensive view of engagement. This data-driven approach could help creators fine-tune their content strategies and better understand what resonates with their audience.

Instagram: Embracing AI and Enhancing User Experience

Instagram is going all-in on AI with new features that promise to transform user interactions. AI chats for requesting Reels, recommendations and even custom images are now at users’ fingertips. Plus, AI-generated stickers are adding a creative boost to stories and messages.

The platform is also upping its game in direct messaging. Users can now edit messages within 15 minutes, pin favorite chats and control read receipts. For businesses and creators, a new scheduling feature allows posts to be planned up to 75 days in advance.

Here’s the kicker: Reels are giving TikTok a run for its money. With 37% of Instagram users engaging with Reels daily and 26% of Reels users not even opening TikTok, it’s clear that Instagram is becoming a short-form video powerhouse.

Threads: Striving for Content Creator Appeal

Threads has hit a milestone with 175 million monthly active users, but it’s facing an uphill battle in attracting content creators outside of India. Despite improvements in search and trending features, the platform is still finding its footing.

Some creators are using Threads as a casual platform for unfiltered thoughts, contrasting with the polished content on other platforms. Meta’s offering cash incentives for popular posts, hoping to boost creator engagement. As Threads evolves, it could become an interesting space for brands to show a more authentic side.

TikTok: Prioritizing Safety and Creator Support

TikTok is making moves to create a safer, more rewarding environment for its users. A new global Youth Council is incorporating teen feedback into policy decisions, while empowering creators through its expanded Creator Rewards Program. This program offers financial incentives based on metrics such as originality, play duration, audience engagement and search value. Creators are rewarded for high-quality, longer-form content that resonates with their audience, fostering creativity and community engagement.

The app is also been optimized for larger screens, potentially opening up new creative possibilities. These updates show TikTok’s commitment to both user safety and creator success.

LinkedIn: Leveraging AI for Career Development

LinkedIn is putting AI to work for job seekers and professionals. Premium subscribers now get personalized job recommendations, instant resume feedback and AI-generated cover letter suggestions. LinkedIn Learning is also offering AI-driven coaching for career development.

These updates could streamline the job search process and help users upskill more effectively. For recruiters and businesses, it means potentially tapping into a more engaged and qualified talent pool.

Pinterest: Expanding Cross-Platform Sharing

Pinterest is breaking down walls between platforms with a new feature that lets users share Pin Boards on other social media sites. Users can now turn their boards into animated stories marked as “Curated on Pinterest,” potentially increasing the platform’s visibility.

This update could be a game-changer for cross-platform marketing strategies, helping brands reach wider audiences and drive traffic back to Pinterest.

Noplace: The Rising Star of Gen Z Social Media

Meet Noplace, the new app that’s climbing the charts and capturing Gen Z’s attention. It’s like Twitter met MySpace and had a baby for the digital age. With customizable profiles, real-time updates and interest-based connections, Noplace is all about bringing the “social” back to social media.

The platform focuses on text-based updates and authentic interactions, potentially offering brands a fresh way to connect with younger audiences. As Noplace grows, it’ll be interesting to see how it carves out its niche in the social media ecosystem.

For brands and marketers, these developments offer exciting opportunities to connect with audiences in more authentic and engaging ways. Whether it’s leveraging AI on LinkedIn, tapping into the creative potential of Instagram’s new tools or exploring the uncharted territory of Noplace, there’s no shortage of avenues to explore.

Crafting Effective Social Media Strategies

The key to success with social media isn’t just about jumping on every new trend. It’s about understanding your audience, experimenting thoughtfully, and staying true to your brand’s voice amidst all the digital noise.

So, what’s your next move? Will you dive into Threads’ casual conversations? Or perhaps you’ll ramp up your Reels game on Instagram? Whatever you choose, remember that the most powerful social media strategies are those that resonate with your unique audience and align with your brand’s goals.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at Ultraviolet for more expert insights and the latest trends in digital marketing. We’re here to help you navigate these exciting changes and lead with confidence in your social media efforts.