A Comprehensive Guide for Influencer Marketing in the Next Decade
The turn of the decade is around the corner. And right by it, another giant milestone: Instagram’s 10th birthday. The platform has dramatically changed the way we express our creativity, and how marketing is practiced at different levels. The transition to mobile has also radically democratized all our forms of expression, making it possible that creators of all levels get a slice of the pie.
Today we are connected to a world that combines art, technology, culture and talent in a way that’s never been seen before. So understanding where things are heading, where future trends are pointing to, is super important for anyone who wants to stand out in this ever-evolving digital space.
One thing you, I and everyone else knows is that the present and future are digital.
In 2019, advertising companies spent more money on digital marketing than traditional advertising for the first time. If you follow me, you’re not really surprised. And if you still don’t follow me, take this opportunity to follow me on IG because I know what I’m talking about!
Right now, it’s more important than ever to be culturally relevant in the social space (and when I say that I mean: in social networks) – both for brands, and media and content creators. And in order for brands to thrive on this ecosystem, they need to be aligned with creators who aren’t afraid to take risks in the name of creativity, activism, and their personality.
Whether protesting for a cause, creating digital or street art, or posting kickflip videos – the creators who have been most successful with their audiences and consumers are those who use their platforms to show their true passions, unfiltered. If this creator is you, just stick with me.
A recent study by Whalar listed 6 trends that can be read as… niches that are in high demand.They are digital movements and forms of behavior that are shaping the way online content is being consumed.
For those who want to align with the values and trends that come with the start of this new decade, here is the list. Think of it as a guide, a behavioral study, and map to begin your planning as a relevant online brand and/or personality:
Activism
Level Playing Field
Fantasy Faces
From artistic makeup to AI filters – the bold faces are in.
HBO’s Euphoria was a generational milestone. It was also heavily based on aesthetics and artistic production of makeup, and a tremendous success. An indication of a new generation that has found a form of expression through gender-neutral beauty products.
The hair care, skin care and beauty industry has grown dramatically – between men and women. In the UK, interestingly, men have spent even more than women – proving that the trend of creative beauty is here to stay.
In the apps field, we’re seeing more tools each day that allow users to create and share augmented reality filters to play with facial expressions and fantasy faces. It is the expression of the self through the AI.
Digital Romanticism
Craftwork / Arts & Crafts / Handmade Art
The Millennium Bug – #Y2K
The aesthetics of the aughts are inspiring a new generation.
Combining the Depop and Instagram platforms, the #Y2K hashtag has nearly 750,000 search results – increasing by the day. Who is leading this trend is Generation Z, precisely the people born in the 00’s.
There are Instagram accounts of people who share their looks, zines and decorations inspired by the turn of the millennium. Vintage commerce has also grown 21 times more than traditional commerce in the last 3 years, and most searches have been for products from the 2000s.
For those who lived those times it seems like it happened yesterday, but for many young people this is the first time they are getting in touch with this kind of futuristic aesthetic. Julio Torres’s comedy special produced by HBO earlier this year was both a hit and an ode to #Y2K in terms of aesthetics.
Conclusion
While each trend speaks to a particular theme and aesthetic, they all serve a purpose. They show that today’s creators are acting toward something they believe in. Activism, women in sports, forms of artistic expression – they all speak of passions.
It’s important to understand which of these trends fit your brand and how you can tailor your content to suit them. I’m not talking about completely changing your strategy and just talking about activism, but making your positions clear, being authentic, trying out models that fit what you already do. Find your communities, both locally and globally. Your niche exists and is waiting for you. Learn how to serve them well!
Oof! That was like a masterclass!
If you have any questions, leave it in the comments! And tell me which trend comes closest to your brand and if you are already aligned to any of them. I’ve already seen a lot of cool stuff out there!
Don’t forget to visit my YouTube channel where I’m constantly I give tips on how to BOMBAR NO INSTAGRAM.
See you next time! xo