With the ever-changing landscape of social media, it can be difficult to keep up and navigate the constantly changing trends. It seems that we go to bed one night and wake up with entirely new trends happening.
This is an especially prevalent topic right now as we are about to start a new year!
To help you keep an eye out for the top trends of 2022, we have compiled a short list of potential trends that you and your church can use to get ahead of the game.
Short Form Video Content
As of January 2021, TikTok has been downloaded over 2.6 billion times with over 1.1 billion active users each month. With the rise of TikTok, short form video content has become extremely popular. But, why?
Well first and foremost, TikTok is simple to use. It is easy to view, create, and edit content. Another reason why it has grown in popularity is because it appeals to a younger audience. They are often on their smartphone devices and have time to watch content. Lastly, TikTok uses an advanced AI system that tailors content specifically to the user. This provides each user with a customized video feed.
To compete, many social media platforms have created their own version of TikTok. Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. Both Instagram reels and YouTube shorts are short, entertaining videos where creators can interact and connect with new audiences.
Because of the growing popularity of TikTok, and other related platforms, short form video content is sure to be an important trend in 2022. Take this time to familiarize yourself with these platforms and start coming up with a plan to use this as a ministry opportunity. You will be able to reach a whole new, younger audience.
Bite-Size Content
We live in a fast paced world. We constantly are bombarded with information from all sources. It feels as if we just can’t get away from it. Because of this and the constant use of social media, on average, people have developed a shorter attention span.
In 2000, the average attention span of a normal person was about twelve seconds long. However, studies have recently shown that people now have an attention span of eight seconds. This is one second shorter than that of a pet goldfish! Crazy right?!
Simply put, people just don’t have the time, or attention for that matter, to read long posts or articles. It is best to keep things short and sweet. By keeping your content bite-sized, people can scan it and easily share it with others.
Authentic Content
Lastly, authenticity will go a long way in 2022. These past few years have been filled with fake news and disingenuous social media influencers, along with many other things.
People want to be able to know what they are seeing is truthful and authentic. This is key to forming and creating relationships with them. By keeping it real, the relationship between your church and community becomes stronger, increasing engagement, and respect.
When you are posting content, be sure to be transparent and down-to-earth. As Christians, we want to be authentic and form relationships with others so we can share the Good News. We must show ourselves “in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity” Titus 2:7.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these potential 2022 trends will help you and your church reach others for the Lord. By keeping your content short, engaging, and authentic you are sure to be able to navigate social media with ease.
