Overdrive Releases The 2021 Social Media Map

Below, is a brief overview of the different categories included in the map, and some notable new or popular tools, apps, and sites that you should get to know.

Video-Sharing

Video remains the primary algorithm driver generating high engagement with users year after year. TikTok is a video-sharing platform that continues to gain popularity and revolutionize the social sphere. Users can create 15- to 60-second videos, remix trending content, and share to other social networks. They also launched TikTok for business in 2020 which gives marketers the opportunity to reach new audiences and grow their brand within the platform.

Payment apps

Payment apps have become a popular and convenient way to send and receive money, whether it’s between friends or a consumer and company. Programs like Paypal allow users to sign in and process payment on several e-commerce sites without having to manually enter credit card information. It also allows users to send or request money to other Paypal via username, so you don’t have to give out any private information.

Blogging

Blogging is a popular way individuals and influencers share their lives, interests, and knowledge. It’s also become a way for brands to advertise by partnering with bloggers to generate a post about their product; it’s a great way for both parties to make a profit. Additionally, bloggers can generate income by allowing third-party display ads to be placed on their site. Medium is a platform that allows writers to share their work and engage with their readers. Writers can even make money on Medium’s partner program.

Photo Sharing

Photo sharing became very popular with Instagram and Pinterest, additionally, photo sharing is one of the primary methods for influencers to advertise new products in an engaging way. VSCO is an app that allows users to edit photos using a wide variety of filters and tools and has the option to post directly to the platform or to other apps like Instagram.

Management and Tracking

Management and tracking platforms are important to social media campaigns. They provide an easy way to plan posts and view the data. Buffer is an easy-to-use social CRM tool that allows users to schedule posts in advance and track their campaign’s analytics. Additionally, there’s an app for on-the-go scheduling.

Reference

These days, all you have to do is enter your query into a search engine, and a variety of websites that will provide a response. However, if you’re unable to find what you’re looking for you can turn to a forum. For example, Yahoo! Answers is a forum-based reference site that allows users to ask questions to an online group who can respond or have an online discussion.

Reviews

Consumers are savvier than ever when it comes to purchasing decisions for everything from dining to travel, and review sites are one of the top methods for evaluation. Yotpo is a great platform for e-commerce marketers to collect reviews and ratings from their customers. It also helps brands start referral programs and collect UGC.

Podcasting

Podcasts are perfect for a long drive or a nice walk outside whether you’re interested in fitness or politics. According to Edison Research, “53% of Americans are active monthly podcast listeners,” presenting an opportunity for advertisers to reach potential customers. Anchor is a platform that allows creators to easily record, edit, and post episodes. Users and brands can also activate Anchor Sponsorships, which pairs podcasters with relevant advertisers to seamlessly tie advertisements into episodes.

Listening

Listening is a vital component to a marketer’s overarching strategy, as it allows companies to monitor and measure consumer sentiment in the online sphere. This gives companies an opportunity to right a wrong or amplify positive publicity. Sites such as Awario track your keywords across the web and a variety of data points and mentions your brand is receiving.

Crowdfunding

Have a great idea or need funding assistance? That’s where crowdfunding comes in. These websites allow users to create fundraising campaigns for personal reasons or for finding investors to back a new invention. GoFundMe provides you the ability to receive charitable donations for celebrations or challenging life circumstances.

Music

Did you know 45% of internet users stream music through licensed apps like Spotify? Spotify is not only an app to stream music, but it also shows people what their friends are listening to and allows users to share their favorite tunes directly to social media. Advertisers can take advantage of this platform by using the data gathered on users and their habits to build campaigns for specific listeners.

Professional

Professional social platforms connect coworkers, employers, and employees for things like job hunting, sharing company news, and staying connected with your network. Most people know about LinkedIn, but have you tried Shapr? Professionals using the app can grow their network by creating bios and telling others what they’re looking for on the app (i.e. mentor, new job, inspiration) and can swipe right on profiles of people they wish to connect with. It’s like Tinder for professionals.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming content has been integral on primary social channels like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. It’s become a popular way to consume content, especially during the pandemic. Houseparty is a livestreaming app that lets users participate in video events as a group or just video chat with one another; they even held a live concert headlined by Katy Perry.

News

There are a variety of ways you can consume news in 2021, but the internet is one of the most popular. There are websites and apps for users to catch up on what’s trending or cater to consumers’ specific interests such as pop culture. For example, Flipboard lets you select topics like travel or business and creates a curated newsfeed with articles selected based on your interests.

Networks

Social media allows us to connect with our friends and family and stay up to date on their lives without even having to call. The most popular networking sites are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, however, new platforms are launched all the time, so it’s important to stay informed. For example, Vero is a subscription-based app whose aim is to focus on deeper connections with an ad-free space.

Health & Fitness

2020 created a surge in the popularity of health and fitness apps as users looked for solutions to get fit from home. Lose It! is an app and community for people trying to lose weight. Users set their own goals, and the app determines how many calories the user should eat in a day, then they log food, water, and exercise. Lose It! can also sync with devices like Fitbit or the health information on your phone.

Messaging

Messaging platforms allow brands to inform consumers about company news, promotions, and product launches and even send messages about cart abandonments. Messaging is an important communication tool for businesses, and platforms such as Facebook Messenger can automatically send direct messages to users who view their company’s page.

Dating

Dating websites like Match help users find potential partners based on interests and location. Not only can Match connect those looking for love, but it can be a tool for marketers providing the opportunity to target specific groups in certain geographic locations.

Local and Location

Location-based apps and websites are tools for targeting a specific geographic location. Eventbrite is a website that calendars local happenings based on interests. It advertises a wide range of events from festivals to art exhibits and is currently focusing its efforts on pushing virtual events.

Influencer Platforms

Influencers can be a great way to connect to your target audience and generate buzz around your product. Finding the right influencer for your company can be a challenge, which is where influencer platforms come in. Speakr is a site that doesn’t just help you find the right influencer, but allows you to track your campaigns as well.

Travel

You no longer need to go to a travel agency to plan your dream vacation. There are countless sites and apps created to take the hassle out of travel; like booking your flight, finding a hotel, and planning your itinerary. Lonely Planet helps you plan your trip by providing you with guides and inspiration related to your trip and helps you find flights and hotels.

Recruiting

Websites like JazzHr make it easy to find the right employees to fill job openings, allow companies to post a job, and find qualified candidates. JazzHR also syncs interview calendars, compares candidates, and allows you to automate emails to applicants.

International

Some countries have national social networking sites that may exist due to limited access to certain international sites. Renren is a social media site based in China. It is popular among college students and is similar to Facebook.

AR/VR

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are great opportunities for companies to create branded experiences for consumers, even with the pandemic. Using sites like AltspaceVR, people can attend shows and classes or meetup with each other using VR technology.

Gaming

The gaming industry is continuously expanding, and marketers can use this as an opportunity to speak to their targeting audience. Marketers should consider running in-app ads or even collaborate with a game to get your product featured. Gamespot is a website that posts news and reviews around games and entertainment. If your target audience is gamers, it could be a great site to place your ads.

Conclusion

2020 altered consumer behavior and the digital marketing space became even more important as online use increased due to remote school and work. Knowing how to navigate the social media marketing space is vital to your digital marketing strategy. Overdrive continues to incorporate existing and new social media platforms into the services offered to clients.

Interested in learning more? Download the Social Media Map with live links here. Please feel free to post any images related to the Social Media Map on your blog or site. All we ask is that you link back to this page.