Another year has come and gone, signifying the emergence of new influencer marketing trends. Influencer marketing remains a formidable marketing strategy for brands in 2024, with a projected value of $22.2 billion by 2025. Whether you’re just exploring influencer marketing or your brand is already fully invested, keeping abreast of these trends is crucial. Let’s delve into the landscape of influencer marketing trends for the year ahead.
Trend 1: Brands Go All in on TikTok
Firstly, let’s talk about TikTok. By the end of 2023, TikTok boasted an impressive 33.3 million social buyers in the US alone. With the introduction of TikTok Shop, brands have witnessed a significant increase in sales and return on investment. TikTok is leading the pack in social media marketing and social commerce. In 2024, we predict that even more brands will take advantage of the opportunity on TikTok.
Trend 2: Linked Influencers Take Off
Shifting our focus to LinkedIn, 2023 was a significant year for the platform, but 2024 is expected to be even bigger. We anticipate an influx of creators, or as we like to call them, linked influencers. Expect more sponsored content and an increase in monetization opportunities. Creators who previously used other platforms may transition to LinkedIn, opening up new collaboration avenues. Keep an eye on LinkedIn, as it’s about to get interesting.
Trend 3: AI Influencers Enter the Chat
The era of virtual influencers continues in 2024 with AI-generated influencer personas brought to you by Meta. Big names like Kendall Jenner, Snoop Dogg, and Paris Hilton are among the pioneers selling their likeness to create interactive personas on platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. These AI personas engage users in direct messages, making AI feel more relatable and influencing daily decisions. The question remains: will brands adopt this technology for their marketing campaigns?
Trend 4: Brands Invest in Employee Influencers
In 2022, we witnessed brands bringing creators to lead their brand strategies. In 2024, we predict a shift towards employees stepping into the spotlight as brand ambassadors. These are not influencers hired as social media managers but employees who become ambassadors for their brands. This shift, exemplified by creators like Brandon Dy, showcases new products, answers queries, and shares purchasing details from their accounts. More brands are expected to follow suit in 2024.
Trend 5: Exclusive Content
Exclusive content is rising, with creators moving their content behind paywalls. Expect a surge in features like close friends, ticketed community gatherings, and the launch of exclusive podcasts or newsletters in 2024. Brands collaborate with monetized influencers, offering exclusive discounts and sneak peeks at new products. The content creation landscape is evolving; we’re here to keep you updated.
Trend 6: Affiliate Programs
Affiliate marketing programs are projected to skyrocket to $36.9 billion by 2030. If your brand has yet to tap into the power of affiliate marketing, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity. It’s the ultimate strategy for generating cost-effective, continuous leads. Platforms like Amazon and LTK lead the way with their storefronts and landing pages. More brands are expected to launch their affiliate programs in 2024 to boost brand awareness, enhance social proof, and get more value for their money.
In summary, the influencer marketing trends projected for 2024 present an exciting opportunity for brands to innovate and evolve their strategies. Convex Studio, a company at the forefront of digital marketing solutions, can play a pivotal role in helping you navigate these trends. By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure your influencer marketing efforts are up-to-date and highly effective in engaging your target audience this year.