5 Emerging Social Media Platforms: Are They Worth It?

The social media landscape is constantly growing.

The bastions of old social media culture such as Twitter and Instagram are now under threat from new emerging social media platforms. They are popular with the younger generations and growing fast.

So, which platforms does your business need to watch in 2021? Let's take a look at some of the more popular apps.

1. TikTok

After merging with Musical.ly in 2018, TikTok rapidly became the new favourite short-form video social media app on the market. It filled the void left by the disappearance of Vine, which allowed you to create 9-second sketches.

Users create short looping videos to add effects, text and most importantly, their own audio overlay. You can also use hashtags to help your videos get discovered in search.

TikTok is extremely popular with Gen Z users but is now big with creators of all generations. It currently has over 1 billion active monthly users, so it is one of the social media platforms that you should be on.

2. HouseParty

HoueParty became popular during the Coronavirus lockdowns of 2020 but was released in 2016. It is a group messaging app that supports up to eight video calls at the same time.

During a call, you can use video effects and stickers to liven up the atmosphere. Influencers use the tool to host small chat shows with fans to interact directly and show off products. HouseParty now has over 50 million users, and some marketers are coming up with creative ways to use the app to reach their audiences.

3. Caffeine

Caffeine.tv is a streaming service where you can create your own live broadcast for followers and friends. It was created by ex-Apple developers and released publically in 2018.

Musicians, gamers and athletes use it to create real-time broadcasts. Caffeine prides itself on not having a 7-second delay on its streams like other services.

Users can react in the chat with emojis and show their support for their favourite creators in live broadcasts. The service is popular with users who want to stream live sports events and garner real-time fans' reactions.

4. Reels

Reels is part of the Instagram service, but the feature was only released in 2020 as a competitor to TikTok.

At the moment, a good percentage of the content on Reels is reuploaded TikTok videos from users wanting to extend their reach.

Reels is now a direct competitor and offers much of the same short-form video content features, including overlaying audio, text and animation effects.

If you want to grow on Instagram in 2021, then you need to include Reels in your strategy. Try using it for recipes, how-tos, mini music videos and product reviews.

5. Clubhouse

Clubhouse is currently invite-only, so it is a very exclusive social media platform. The only way you can gain access is through a friend who is already a member.

If you are lucky enough to get in, then you will find an app where you can listen to conversations between hosts. It acts very much like a conference call or radio show. The hosts can talk, and the audience listen in live.

However, once the call ends, the conversation is deleted forever, just like a phone call.

Look Out For These Emerging Social Media Platforms

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year in social media, especially in the short-form video market.

The best thing is that you do not need high-tech equipment to create content on these emerging social media platforms. You can start now with a great idea and a smartphone.

If you would like to build your digital brand, please look at our services page and see how we can help you grow online.