BREAKING DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS: WHAT'S COOL AND WHAT'S NOT IN 2024

In 2024, social media continues to dominate the digital landscape, influencing how we communicate, entertain ourselves, and express our identities. However, the trends that define what's "cool" in social media are always evolving, often shaped by teenage users who set the tone for online culture. Let's dive into the latest trends shaping the social media world in 2024, exploring what's in and what's falling out of favor.

The Rise of Authenticity

What’s Cool:

In 2024, authenticity reigns supreme. Gen Z and Millennials alike are turning away from overly curated, picture-perfect posts in favor of raw, unfiltered content. Apps like BeReal, which encourage users to share real-time snapshots of their lives, remain popular because they prioritize genuine connections over polished aesthetics. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, short, unedited videos—complete with bloopers, messy rooms, or candid moments—are receiving more engagement than professional-looking clips.

Why It’s Cool:

Teenagers are tired of the pressure to look perfect online. They crave authenticity, finding comfort in creators who share both their highs and lows. This shift has fostered a culture of vulnerability and openness, making social media feel more relatable and less intimidating.

What’s Not:

Highly edited, airbrushed photos are losing their appeal. Even influencers are toning down their content, avoiding the "plastic" vibe often associated with older social media aesthetics. The era of "Instagram vs. Reality" comparisons, mocking overly staged posts, is in full swing.

The Comeback of Long-Form Content

What’s Cool:

While short-form content still dominates, there’s a resurgence in long-form formats. Platforms like YouTube, which allow creators to upload extended videos, are thriving again as viewers seek deeper, more meaningful content. Podcasts, too, are gaining traction among teens and young adults, offering a break from endless scrolling. Popular creators are blending entertainment with education, covering topics like mental health, personal finance, or storytelling in engaging ways.

Why It’s Cool:

Long-form content offers a sense of depth and connection that short clips often lack. In a world of fleeting trends, teens are appreciating creators who take the time to explore ideas thoroughly. It’s also perfect for multitasking—many teens listen to podcasts or YouTube videos while studying or commuting.

What’s Not:

Content that's too gimmicky or overly focused on trends feels shallow. Creators who fail to offer substance are struggling to retain loyal audiences in 2024.

AI-Generated Content: A Love-Hate Relationship

What’s Cool:

Artificial intelligence is shaping the way we consume and create content. AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and MidJourney are enabling teenagers to produce memes, art, and even short stories effortlessly. Social media platforms are also integrating AI to personalize feeds, suggest hashtags, and optimize content.

Why It’s Cool:

AI simplifies content creation, helping teens express themselves without needing advanced skills in design or writing. It’s also fun—who wouldn’t enjoy creating a custom meme or generating a fantasy world using AI?

What’s Not:

Overuse of AI can lead to generic, impersonal content. While AI is powerful, many teens value human creativity and originality. The backlash against AI-generated posts that lack personality or emotion is growing.

The Dominance of Video Content

What’s Cool:

Video remains the king of social media in 2024, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels leading the charge. TikTok continues to inspire trends, from dance challenges to mini-documentaries, while Instagram Reels have become a go-to for remixing popular content. Even LinkedIn is embracing video for professional storytelling.

Why It’s Cool:

Videos are dynamic and engaging, capturing attention in ways that static images or text posts cannot. Teens love the creativity and immediacy of video formats, which allow them to express themselves through music, visuals, and storytelling.

What’s Not:

Traditional text-only posts are fading into obscurity, especially on platforms dominated by visual content. Creators who fail to adapt to video formats risk losing relevance.

The Rise of "Quiet Platforms"

What’s Cool:

As social media burnout becomes a widespread issue, “quiet platforms” like Letterboxd (for reviewing movies) or Goodreads (for tracking books) are gaining popularity. These platforms offer focused, niche communities without the noise and chaos of larger networks.

Why It’s Cool:

Teens are drawn to platforms where they can share their passions in a calmer, more structured environment. It’s less about chasing likes and more about connecting over shared interests, whether that’s films, books, or fitness.

What’s Not:

Massive, impersonal platforms that prioritize advertisements and algorithms over user experience are losing favor. Teens are seeking alternatives to the overstimulating nature of apps like Facebook or Twitter.

Social Media as a Shopping Destination

What’s Cool:

Shopping on social media is a growing trend in 2024. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have seamlessly integrated e-commerce features, making it easier than ever to discover and buy products without leaving the app. Influencer partnerships and live-streamed shopping events are driving this trend.

Why It’s Cool:

Social shopping feels personal and engaging. Teens trust recommendations from their favorite influencers more than traditional ads, and the convenience of buying directly from a post is hard to beat.

What’s Not:

Over-commercialization is a turn-off. Teens are quick to spot inauthentic endorsements or overly aggressive sales tactics, which can hurt a brand's reputation.

Meme Culture: Bigger and Better

What’s Cool:

Memes continue to dominate social media, evolving into ever-more elaborate and creative formats. Trends like "deep-fried memes" or absurdist humor are thriving, offering a way for teens to laugh at the absurdities of life. Meme accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit are driving this culture, often acting as trendsetters.

Why It’s Cool:

Memes are a universal language that connects people across cultures and age groups. For teens, they provide a fun way to engage with their friends and the wider online community.

What’s Not:

Recycling old memes without adding a new twist feels lazy. The social media audience in 2024 demands originality and creativity.

The Evolution of Influencer Culture

What’s Cool:

In 2024, micro-influencers and niche creators are taking center stage. Rather than following mega-celebrities, teens are drawn to relatable influencers who focus on specific interests like gaming, skincare, or DIY crafts. This shift has made influencer culture feel more accessible and grounded.

Why It’s Cool:

Micro-influencers often build stronger, more genuine connections with their audiences. Teens appreciate their authenticity and specialized knowledge, which make them more trustworthy.

What’s Not:

Overexposed, "generic" influencers with fake personas or overly broad appeal are struggling to maintain relevance. Teens can spot insincerity from a mile away.

FOMO vs. JOMO

What’s Cool:

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is being replaced by the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Teens are learning to set boundaries with social media, taking digital detoxes or using apps like Freedom to limit screen time. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health.

Why It’s Cool:

JOMO empowers teens to take control of their social media usage, focusing on real-life experiences and relationships. It’s a refreshing counterbalance to the constant pressure to stay online.

What’s Not:

Always being online and trying to keep up with every trend can lead to exhaustion. The glamorization of hustle culture on social media is losing its appeal, as teens prioritize self-care over constant productivity.

The Bottom Line

Social media trends in 2024 reflect a growing desire for authenticity, creativity, and meaningful connections. As teens shape the future of these platforms, they’re rejecting outdated norms and embracing a more genuine, balanced approach to online life.

Staying ahead in the social media game isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and inspired.