By Shayne Galvin
In 2024, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been proven to be an influential tool for businesses. Being able to connect with customers during any time of day, build brand awareness and boost sales within a target audience has never been so easy. Instagram and TikTok’s platforms are essential to marketers because of their massive user base, engaging content format and complex advertising abilities. Additionally, both apps allow businesses to access more data than ever on consumers, which can make it much easier for marketers to effectively target their ideal demographic on social media.
Instagram Reels: Capitalizing on Short-Form Video
Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users and the app has established itself as a key player in social media marketing. Initially, Instagram marketing focused on static photos and short videos, but has evolved to include a new segment called Reels. Reels are short videos between 15 to 60 seconds that leverage trending audios or eye catching filters. Reels have become very enticing and fun to users on Instagram.
Even though Instagram still uses static photo feeds and stories, Reels have taken over on the platform and are now the primary driver of engagement. Reels are highly favorited by Instagram’s content algorithm. The segment also allows businesses to promote and sell their products by allowing viewers to click a link that brings them directly to the product listing. Reels can also be used to collaborate with influencers and incorporate social media trends.
Additionally, Instagram helps users and businesses access paid advertising using Reels through targeted advertising. Marketers are able to use Instagram’s highly advanced targeting options down to the specific demographic, interest, and behavior of the desired group to ensure the content is being viewed by the correct audience. For instance, a business offering a new shoe collection could tailor the advertisements to shoe and fashion enthusiasts by maximizing the popularity of the advertisement and the chance of turning viewers into customers.
TikTok: The Rise of Viral Marketing
TikTok has become one of the biggest influential platforms in comparison to other social media platforms. This platform consists of younger individuals and creators with mid-sized platforms. The app has reached over 1 billion users, thanks to its powerful algorithm that creates well-known content, engagement, and relevance. In 2024, business are now able to incorporate TikTok videos into their marketing plan while being given the potential for content to go viral.
Brands are now using TikTok’s shorter forms of videos to create a more emotional connection with their targeted audiences. An example could include a fashion brand that would use TikTok to display a new clothing line by making interesting, interactive videos that encourage users to participate in challenges or trends for their design of clothes. The platform’s “For You” page algorithm amplifies the reach of content, allowing small businesses to gain massive exposure with the right content strategy.
TikTok also offers dynamic advertising tools that allow brands to reach specific target audiences. Through their advertising tools, businesses can create In-Feed Ads, Hashtag Challenges, and TopView Ads to promote products or services. The advertisements that are posted are relevant to a target audience and are usually based on user data. This ensures that videos appear in front of the most relevant audiences. For example, a business that may focus on detailing cars could use TikTok videos to target other car enthusiasts on the app. By doing so, they have the potential to grow their brand awareness while also being part of a niche market and community.
Targeting Advertising: Precision and Personalization
Through the use of TikTok and Instagram, businesses and marketers are able to deliver through the use of targeted advertisements. Both Instagram and TikTok have complex algorithms that allow businesses to reach specific demographics. The algorithm aligns users with certain advertisements and reels that align with their interests. Instagram and TikTok Ad campaigns offer the ability to target specific demographics such as gender, age, location and even specific interests and behaviors.
Brand Image and company personalization are important to successful social media advertisement. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram that allow the creation of custom audiences have revolutionized the business marketing strategy. With these specific audiences, businesses are able to save a considerable amount of time, money, and resources.
Embracing the Future of Social Media Marketing
In 2024, the use of social media marketing has been proven to be successful for many businesses trying to cater to their targeted audience. TikTok and Instagram both offer unique ways of promoting and marketing their products or services. Reels and TikTok videos can also provide feedback to advertisers and inform them of who is watching their videos, how long they are being watched, and if any business activities came out of the content. If you want to open up new opportunities of potential customers and a whole new level of business, start utilizing social media targeted advertising. By embracing these platforms and developing strategies that prioritize short-form video content and targeted advertising, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, increase brand visibility, and drive meaningful growth. Whether it’s through Instagram’s highly shareable Reels or TikTok’s viral potential, the future of marketing in 2024 lies in the power of social media.
References
Instagram: Active Users Worldwide 2023
How Instagram Reels Can Help You Grow Your Business in 2024
How Instagram’s Algorithm Works in 2024
TikTok Global Monthly Active Users 2023
Tik Tok For Business, How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2024
How to Use TikTok to Drive Brand Awareness in 2024
TikTok Algorithm Explained: What you Need to Know
Advertise on TikTok: In-Feed Ads, Branded Hashtage Challenges, and TopView Ads
Instagram Targeting and Audience Insights
How to Reach your Audience with TikTok Ads
A Complete Guide to TikTok Advertising in 2024
Using Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences on Social Media in 2024

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