In an engaging discussion with Sean Cannell, host of the Think Media Podcast, Michael Stelzner shares three pivotal social media trends for marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs heading into 2025. They highlight the significance of authenticity over curated content, emphasizing the need for genuine storytelling to foster emotional connections. The chat also explores how embracing AI technologies can revolutionize content creation, ensuring engagement in an evolving landscape. The conversation underscores that vulnerability and community are key to thriving on social platforms.
Social media algorithms now prioritize user behavior over subscriber lists, making audience quality more valuable than follower quantity.
Authenticity in content is essential, as audiences prefer raw stories over polished material, fostering trust and deeper connections.
Deep dives
Changing Algorithms and Declining Reach
Social media algorithms have significantly shifted, resulting in decreased reach and engagement for many content creators. Platforms are prioritizing content based on user behavior rather than subscriber lists, leading to an increase in exposure for unfamiliar creators over established ones. This change can be frustrating for those who have built substantial followings, as their loyal audiences may not see their posts while content from strangers is more readily available. To navigate this landscape, creators should focus on the quality of their audience rather than just the quantity of their followers; reaching the right people is now more valuable than merely garnering large numbers.
The Demand for Authenticity
There is a growing demand for authenticity in social media content, as audiences become fatigued with overly polished and sensational material. People are gravitating toward raw, unfiltered stories that resonate emotionally and reflect real experiences. This trend emphasizes the importance of sharing behind-the-scenes challenges and vulnerabilities, which fosters a deeper connection between creators and their audiences. By showcasing genuine narratives, creators can cultivate strong community bonds and drive engagement, creating a fertile ground for building trust and loyalty.
The Shift from Views to Right Audience Engagement
The focus on obtaining large numbers of views has become less relevant as the effectiveness of content is now defined by its ability to connect with the right audience. Creators are advised to evaluate the quality of their engagements rather than seeking virality, as not every popular piece of content leads to meaningful interactions or conversions. Establishing a niche and attracting a select group of interested viewers can be much more beneficial than chasing broad, uninterested audiences. Thus, the mantra has shifted to 'right is better than more', urging creators to create targeted content that drives engagement and potential sales.
The Disruption of AI in Content Creation
AI is poised to disrupt the content creation landscape by empowering new classes of creators who can leverage AI tools for production. The rapid advancements in AI technology are enabling marketers and content creators to streamline their processes and boost their productivity significantly. As more creators embrace automation and AI-driven applications, competition is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. Staying ahead in this evolving environment requires proactive learning and adaptation, allowing creators to harness AI's capabilities for innovation and efficiency.
Michael Stelzner reveals three trends essential for marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs in an exclusive interview with Sean Cannell, host of the Think Media Podcast.