As we enter the new year, we’re keeping an eye on some of the latest social media platforms as they grow. Here’s your guide to which ones you should keep on your radar this year, whether you’re a savvy consumer or a brand looking to shine, courtesy of The Carbon Crew 🚀.
Bluesky
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is an ad-free, decentralized social media platform designed to give users more control over their data and interactions. It resembles the "old Twitter," attracting users who preferred the pre-Elon Musk experience.
Benefits For Brands
- Innovative Engagement: Early adopters can create unique content and interactive experiences.
- Niche Targeting: Reach tech-savvy and privacy-conscious audiences.
- Reduced Algorithmic Bias: A decentralized approach offers a more level playing field.
Should Your Brand Jump On?
Bluesky offers the benefits of Old Twitter without all the drama, allowing brands to post quick (text-only if they prefer), amorphous content. Forward-thinking brands that are willing to take a chance on emerging platforms may be able to get in on the ground floor early, especially if they are willing to be experimental with their content.
Need Some Inspiration?
- Hulu: The streaming service is posting content trailers and responding to relevant entertainment posts by other users.
- Red Bull F1: The energy drink brand offers team F1 racing news.
- CNN: The news brand is attempting to use Bluesky as the "new Twitter," covering global, national, and local news.
Flip
What is Flip?
Flip is a social media platform combining short-form videos with e-commerce, allowing users to showcase and purchase products directly through the app. Users can create and share videos showcasing products, with built-in features for purchasing directly through the app. This seamless integration of content and commerce is designed to provide a more engaging shopping experience for users while offering brands a new avenue to reach consumers.
Benefits For Brands
- Enhanced Product Visibility: Creative and engaging product showcases.
- Integrated Shopping Experience: Direct purchases reduce friction and increase conversion rates.
- Reach a Younger Audience: Tap into Gen Z and Millennials with trendy, relatable content.
Should Your Brand Jump On?
Flip offers a unique blend of content creation and e-commerce, making it a promising platform for brands looking to enhance their social commerce strategy. This could be particularly beneficial for brands in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors or brands that already have a strong presence on Instagram Reels and TikTok.
Need Some Inspiration?
- Sephora: The beauty retailer is showcasing product tutorials and user-generated content.
- Nike: The sportswear brand features product launches and exclusive looks.
- Urban Outfitters: The lifestyle brand is creating engaging content with influencer partnerships.
Lemon8
What is Lemon8?
Lemon8 is a video and photo-sharing social media platform owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. It combines the best elements of Instagram and Pinterest, focusing on lifestyle content primarily related to fashion, beauty, food, wellness, and travel.
Benefits for Brands
- Enhanced Product Visibility: Creative and aesthetically pleasing content showcases products effectively.
- Engaged Community: Target audiences interested in fashion, beauty, food, wellness, and travel.
- Inspiration-Driven Content: Users seek inspiration, making it ideal for brands to share creative and aspirational posts.
Should Your Brand Jump On?
Lemon8 combines the visual appeal of Instagram and the inspirational content of Pinterest, making it an ideal platform for brands in the lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and wellness sectors. Brands that thrive on visually engaging content and seek to connect with an inspiration-driven audience may find early success.
Need Some Inspiration?
Despite a few exceptions (Essence Cosmetics was one of the first brands to launch an official account), Lemon8 is largely untapped from a branded perspective. However, users have created content across many verticals that could be used as inspiration for UGC.
Our Recommendation
Getting started on new social media platforms doesn’t have to be a huge lift. Here are some essential steps brands can take to establish a presence and engage with users across Bluesky, Flip, and Lemon8:
- Secure Your Username: Establish your brand identity early by securing your username on each platform to ensure consistency and prevent others from taking your name.
- Create Initial Content: Post a simple "Hello World" message to introduce your brand and evaluate the platform's potential.
- Repurpose Existing Content: Share your valuable and engaging content from other platforms to build rapport with your new audience.
- Engage Organically: Interact with users by responding to comments and participating in trending topics to foster community and build a loyal following.
- Monitor and Adapt: Regularly assess what content resonates with your audience and adapt your strategy. Stay updated on new features and trends.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers to expand your reach and generate buzz around your brand.
So, what do you think? Will any of these platforms become a part of your media mix? We’d love to chat if you have more questions or ideas for how you want to execute!