Social media platforms are not just a way of staying connected with friends and family, but also a source of entertainment, information, and inspiration for many young people. According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 84% of 18- to 29-year-olds in the US use at least one social media site, and 71% use more than one. But what are the reasons behind this growing trend? And how can digital marketers leverage it to reach their target audience?
The Benefits of Social Media for Young People
One of the main reasons why young people use more social media platforms is that they offer different benefits and features that cater to their diverse interests and needs. For example, some of the most popular social media platforms among young people are:
- Instagram: This platform is ideal for sharing and discovering visual content, such as photos, videos, stories, and reels. It also allows users to express their creativity, personality, and style through filters, stickers, and effects. Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users, and 67% of them are between 18 and 29 years old.
- YouTube: This platform is the go-to destination for watching and creating video content, ranging from music, comedy, gaming, education, and more. It also enables users to learn new skills, find their passions, and connect with communities that share their interests. YouTube has over 2 billion monthly active users, and 81% of them are between 18 and 29 years old.
- TikTok: This platform is a phenomenon among young people, who use it to create and watch short, catchy, and viral videos that showcase their talents, humor, and opinions. It also provides users with a variety of tools, effects, and sounds to make their videos more engaging and fun. TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users, and 60% of them are between 16 and 24 years old.
- X (Formerly called Twitter): This platform is a powerful tool for staying updated with the latest news, trends, and conversations around the world. It also allows users to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences in real-time, and interact with other users, celebrities, and influencers. Twitter has over 330 million monthly active users, and 38% of them are between 18 and 29 years old.
- Snapchat: This platform is a unique way of communicating with friends and family through ephemeral photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. It also offers users a variety of filters, lenses, and games to make their snaps more fun and interactive. Snapchat has over 280 million daily active users, and 82% of them are between 18 and 24 years old.
These platforms, and many others, provide young people with multiple benefits, such as:
- Entertainment: Social media platforms are a great source of entertainment for young people, who can watch, create, and share content that makes them laugh, smile, and relax. They can also discover new content that matches their preferences and moods, and explore new genres and formats that they might not find elsewhere.
- Information: Social media platforms are also a valuable source of information for young people, who can learn new things, stay informed, and broaden their horizons. They can also access content that is relevant, timely, and credible, and filter out the noise and misinformation that might clutter other media channels.
- Inspiration: Social media platforms are also a powerful source of inspiration for young people, who can find and follow people who inspire them, motivate them, and challenge them. They can also see examples of success stories, best practices, and tips and tricks that they can apply to their own lives and goals.
- Connection: Social media platforms are also a meaningful source of connection for young people, who can communicate and bond with their friends and family, and meet new people who share their interests and values. They can also join and participate in communities that support them, encourage them, and celebrate them.
The Implications of Social Media for Digital Marketers
The increasing use of social media platforms by young people has significant implications for digital marketers, who need to adapt their strategies and tactics to reach and engage this audience. Some of the key implications are:
- Content: Digital marketers need to create and distribute content that is relevant, engaging, and authentic for young people, who have high expectations and low attention spans. They also need to use different types of content, such as images, videos, stories, and live streams, and optimize them for different platforms, devices, and formats.
- Keywords: Digital marketers need to research and use keywords that are popular, trending, and specific for young people, who use different terms and phrases than older generations. They also need to monitor and analyze the performance of their keywords, and adjust them according to the changing preferences and behaviors of their audience.
- Influencers: Digital marketers need to collaborate and partner with influencers who have a large, loyal, and engaged following among young people, who trust and value their opinions and recommendations. They also need to choose influencers who are relevant, credible, and aligned with their brand, and measure the impact and return of their campaigns.
- Analytics: Digital marketers need to track and measure the results and outcomes of their social media efforts, and use data and insights to optimize and improve their performance. They also need to use tools and platforms that can provide them with accurate, comprehensive, and actionable information, and help them make informed and strategic decisions.
Conclusion
Social media platforms are not only a part of the daily lives of young people, but also a key factor in shaping their identities, preferences, and behaviors. As digital marketers, we need to understand and leverage the potential of these platforms, and create and deliver content and experiences that resonate with this audience. If you wants to find useful tips, best practices, and case studies that will help you reach and engage your target market, Visit Newtopia today and discover how to make your social media marketing more effective and successful.