COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has created a new normal and has transformed the social media landscape in the process.
While we are practicing physical distance, in many ways, social media users are more tied together than ever.
We’re looking at the top three social networks – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – to examine recent changes and offer tips on how brands can shift social strategies to accommodate these uncertain times.
Increased Consumption of Social Networks
Recent evidence shows that consumption of social media is on the rise:
- Q1 Instagram impressions have increased by 22% over Q4 2019
- Between Feb to March, TikTok engagement jumped 27%
- Messaging activity is up 50% across Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp
Changes in Social Media Usage Patterns
In addition to increased consumption, social media networks are also seeing changes in usage patterns. Check out some of the recent trends below, and how brands can shift social strategy to accommodate them.
Facebook
- The number of people in the US watching live-streams via Facebook Live has risen by 50% since January.
- Pro Tip: Go LIVE! Create a strategic and professional-looking Facebook live video. To ensure you are keeping with best practices, use a tripod and great lighting. Have a script outlined with bullet points but keep things light and fluid. If you make a mistake, keep it rolling. That’s the beauty of going live!
Twitter
With a COVID-19 related tweet every 45 milliseconds and #coronavirus as the second most popular hashtag of 2020, Twitter is a top source for coronavirus information.
- Verified users on Twitter are 2.4x more likely to participate in COVID-19 conversations than non-verified users.
- Retweets are proving to be the chosen method of sharing coronavirus-related information: 75% of COVID-19 related tweets are retweets.
- Pro Tip: Consider creating a Twitter Q&A for your brand. Take advantage of the trend in live videos by going live. Give a face to your brand and personal interaction – something users are craving now on social more than ever. Uncomfortable with the live aspect? Have users submit questions in advance and answer via replies.
Instagram
- To promote social distancing, Instagram stories that feature the new “Stay At Home” sticker get aggregated under a dedicated highlight on the platform.
- Users are turning to the comfortable and familiar content of their favorite content creators.
- Pro Tip: Create Instagram Stories using this sticker as it relates to your brand. Tap into an influencer or brand advocate to work with your brand to authentically increase reach and build new audiences.
Want to tap into these strategies and more pro tips during this time? Let our social media team create a cohesive and complete social media strategy for your brand, taking you through COVID-19 and beyond. Contact us today to get started!