At the beginning of social media usage and the modern digital era, the developments in visual interaction with digital systems changed. Social media began shaping the way we visually interact with digital systems. There was a strong shift from primarily text-based interfaces to more visually engaging experiences. And users started to expect more graphical content and interactivity on the internet.
The early 2000s
Platforms like Twitter (launched in 2006) enabled users to share thoughts and content in a combination of text and images. While social media platforms like YouTube (launched in 2005) and Flickr (launched in 2004) allowed users to share images and videos online. With an increasing variety of devices and screen sizes, some websites began to experiment with responsive designs that adapted to different screen sizes. The proliferation of smartphones led to the development of mobile apps for social media platforms, changing interaction patterns and introducing touchscreen interaction.
Apple’s launch of the iPhone in 2007 is often considered a milestone in popularizing touchscreen technology for the mass market. The iPhone’s capacitive touchscreen interface revolutionized the way people interacted with mobile devices and set the stage for the touchscreen-centric era that followed.
The proliferation of smartphones led to the development of mobile apps for social media platforms. Changing interaction patterns and introducing touchscreen interaction. Social media transitioned from individual websites to larger networks of users who could connect across platforms and share content.
Social Media as Advertising Platforms
Visual interaction on social media plays a crucial role throughout the customer journey. And influencing how users discover, engage with, and relate to a company’s products or services.
Visual content such as images, videos, and infographics is effective in capturing attention and arousing interest. Social media acts as a storefront where businesses can visually showcase their products, services, and messages. Users can discover the company through visually appealing posts and advertisements.
Early social media ads were often static images or text-based posts. Today, ads are more dynamic and interactive with the use of videos, carousels, animations, and other media forms. In addition, social media platforms have introduced a wide range of ad formats and placements. This includes feed ads, story ads, video ads, carousel ads, ads in search results, and more. This allows advertisers to choose the format that best suits their goals.
To prevent an overload of information, companies are getting more and more creative on social media to reach their customers. Businesses are using social media marketing to boost their business interaction with the users.
Edutainment content
Edutainment content is a form of media or content combining educational elements with entertainment value. The term “edutainment” is a portmanteau of “education” and “entertainment.” The primary goal of edutainment is to educate and inform the audience while keeping them engaged, entertained, and interested.
Edutainment content is designed to bridge the gap between education and entertainment. Recognizing that engaging content is more likely to capture and retain the audience with thoughtful, save-worthy content.
Combined with the rise in popularity of short-form videos, it boots the perfect combo for tutorials, fun facts, and informative content for edutainment content on social media.
Video
Videos on social media offer numerous benefits that have made them a highly effective and sought-after content format. While long-form videos are losing popularity. User preferences dictate the popularity of short-form videos, such as those on Instagram’s Reels and Stories.
Brand Authenticity
Brand authenticity refers to whether the customers believe a brand is genuine about its values, services/products, and promises to customers. It involves creating an honest and relatable online presence that builds trust, fosters engagement and resonates with followers/customers. To create a real connection that makes customers feel connected to brands on social media, brands need to focus on three key elements; shared values, transparency, and authenticity. The customers want to illustrate these values’ importance to brands on their social media.
Social Commerce
It blurs the lines between social interaction and online shopping. Allowing users to seamlessly transition from discovering products to making purchases without leaving the platform. Which enables users to discover, browse, and purchase products or services directly within the social media environment. Social media becomes platforms with storefronts and shoppable posts. To create an optimal shopping experience, businesses should prioritize minimizing the number of clicks required before a buy.
Interactions
Digital visual interactions have evolved significantly, and swiping is one of the prominent features that has become synonymous with mobile touchscreens. Swiping refers to the gesture of sliding a finger across a touchscreen, typically in a horizontal or vertical direction. This action is used to navigate, scroll, and interact with various types of digital content. It allows users to explore content in a fluid and intuitive manner.
Swiping has become an integral part of the mobile user experience, offering a natural and intuitive way to engage with digital content. It has played a significant role in shaping how users interact with touch-enabled devices and has become a fundamental gesture in the world of digital visual interactions. Learn more about How Swiping Engage The Users.
Visual Content
In the fast-scrolling environment of social media feeds, visual content, like compelling images or videos, has become an increasingly powerful tool in digital marketing. Visuals are inherently attention-grabbing and can convey messages quickly.
The human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text, making it easier to grab the audience’s attention and hold it for longer. This is why social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which rely heavily on visual content, are so popular.
Spontom & Co. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-visual-content-digital-marketing-spontomit/
Incorporating visual content into digital marketing strategies is essential for building a strong online presence, connecting with audiences, and achieving marketing goals. By leveraging the power of visuals, brands can create more memorable and impactful interactions with their target audience.
