Every once in awhile a new social media platform makes a splash in the news. In the past year we’ve heard a lot about the trends in social media with apps like Snapchat, Ello, Meerkat, Periscope and now Beme, making a big splash. These apps have recently become popular, gaining millions of users.
With all these new apps, which ones should we pay attention to and dedicate real time to building a following? Most importantly, making a real contribution to your audience in the appropriate platform is what will build a real following.
UPDATED on November 1, 2018.
Three years after this post and video it’s interesting to note that none of the apps mentioned have lasted. Most are still around (barely), but were just a flash in the pan as larger social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp (all owned by Facebook) have dominated the social landscape. Google Plus has closed and Twitter is having a tough time making any money. After a successful IPO, Snap Inc., owner of Snapchat is struggling.
Facebook / Instagram added live stories and anything else their newer competitors came up with. Since Facebook has the scale and reach by sheer number of users, they have the leverage to stay dominant.
This kind of behavior makes it very difficult for new entrants to survive. So does this mean no new social media apps will be able to break through to compete? I think so. What do you think?
My takeaway from this is if you’re truly connection with your audience and your customers, they will find you on whatever platform you use. The platforms come and go, but connecting and building an audience 1 person at a time is truly lasting.
What lessons did you learn? What do you think happened to these once rising stars? Please comment below.
Timestamps:
0:20 – Beme and the changing social landscape
0:30 – Casey Neistat fanboy
1:15 – Why grow an audience
2:20 – New raw trend in social
3:50 – Snapchat stories are popular
4:15 – Why people like Periscope
4:35 – Beme launches something new
6:30 – Build valuable, consistent content
6:40 – Make social real
Related: WATCH: 4 Elements of High Social Engagement Keynote
