Freddy Swan

We’ve got the 411 on 2024.

As we bid adieu to 2023, it’s time to gaze into the crystal ball and prep for the wild ride that is to come in 2024. If you thought last year was a rollercoaster, get ready for some thrilling loop-de-loops and tummy-flipping corkscrews as we spill the tea on what’s coming your way.

Gen Z Social-ism

Our crystal ball says: that Gen Z will continue to rock the boat using social media as their secret weapon. They’re not just hashtagging; they’re making real change happen. And they’ll continue to tackle issues close to their hearts with a three-pronged approach: Educating themselves and others, Voting and Taking to social media to spread awareness. But it’s not all about activism; Gen Z is rewriting the social playbook by prioritizing meaningful connections. For them, social media isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifeline to keep up with friends and family and stay on the cutting edge of fashion, music and tech. The secret to their Instagram game? It’s an art—liking stories, sending memes and sharing reels are the keys to expanding their social circles.

AI-nstant Gratification

Conversational marketing is poised to redefine customer interactions. And AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionizing real-time engagement, flipping the script on consumer interactions in 2024. Brands are now able to engage each and every customer in real-time, personalizing experiences, answering queries and guiding purchasing decisions. The result? Increased customer satisfaction and a symphony of conversions that resonate in the hearts of consumers.

Shorts Are King

Video marketing isn’t just about the long haul anymore; it’s all about short-form content. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are the kings of the realm, where 10 and 15-second videos aren’t just for ads; they’re the storytellers, product launchers and testimonial spinners. As attention spans dwindle, brands are embracing the nature of short-form videos to create their own immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression. No matter how short.

And Audio Is Queen

More and more customers are immersing themselves in audio. Why? 74% of listeners 18-34 stay hooked because audio is the ultimate companion everywhere they go. And 58% of listeners 18-34 say audio helps them escape from too much visual stimulation. More than half of Gen Z and millennial podcast listeners find podcast hosts to be more authentic than other media figures (AKA influencers).1 Translation? Dive into the audio world in 2024, because your customers are already tuned in.

Creative First, Always

The winning brands of 2024 will be the ones that put creative first and the ones bold enough to push boundaries. New tools aren’t just for kicks; they’re the key to unlocking success. Forget minimalism; surreal visuals are stealing the show, thanks to generative AI tools. Brands mastering the art of leveraging unconventional content will stand head and shoulders above the rest. As Sharon Refael, Footage Original Manager at Artlist, wisely puts it, “Artistic innovation has practical applications and creative teams who are sensitive to this can leverage it to stand out from the crowd.”2

Wondering how FredSwan can turn these trends into triumphs for your brand? Let’s chat and make 2024 your most successful year yet!

1 SXM Media. Audio Report 2023. “Digital Audio vs…”
2 Artlist Trend Report 2024. “Crafting the content of tomorrow.”