The Bold and the Ridiculous: Social Predictions for 2012
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- Author: Cristian Gonzales
- Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Oh social tree…oh social tree… thy tweets are ever-changing.
As the new year begins, and everyone is buzzing about the next big trends in social media, I wanted to provide my own perspective. Part humorous, part serious, but always social – here are my 4 predictions for 2012.
• Fail Whale Will Make a Comeback
Not to fear, folks. As Twitter continues to have fewer blips, everyone’s favorite social whale will be coming back with a vengeance. Expect the same wonderful screams of exhaustion and exasperation from all the Twitter-holics in 2012: “I have not hit my hourly usage!! Why won’t you let me tweet?!”
I kid of course, but in all seriousness I have a feeling Twitter will continue to become more relevant in social. I see the platform becoming more closely integrated with television (ex: ‘X Factor’) – and providing one of the strongest bonds between traditional and social media. Marketers will find new integrated opportunities and brands will have a clearer understanding of their ROI with the social bird.
• Your Parents Will Be on Tumblr
Yes. The nightmare will soon become a reality. The social network that’s for “cool kids” (I was never one) will soon be a platform you’ll be seeing your parents on. Run for the social hills, young folks – they’re coming. Blame the easy-to-navigate mechanics that make blogging on Tumblr something even a first grader could probably do.
Simply put, Tumblr is becoming huge. It now ranks as the top third social platform when it comes to time spent, and holds one of the most important target audiences for brands: women 18-34 years old. I predict by the end of the year it’s going to become a big social player for marketers, and become a major platform for ad spend.
• Your Smartphone Will Control Your Life
I’ve lost my Droid twice now this year. TWICE! And each time, I’ve panicked as if my entire life had been erased off the face of the Earth. I’ve been lucky enough that someone has taken pity on my forgetfulness each time and returned my phone, but my luck will soon run out (note to self: download the ‘Lookout’ app soon). Wait…where’s my phone?
The smartphone has become another limb in many respects – attached to us at all times and becoming a vital way of how we communicate with one another. I predict that brands are going to start ensuring that whatever it is they build – an app, a site, or a promotion – they are going to ensure it can live on mobile. Vitrue is doing just that, and everyone else will be following suit soon.
• Social Currency Will Become a Standard
Want to buy that jacket? Just whip out your Facebook credit card and you’ll get a 15% discount – but only if you have over 250 friends. And if your Klout score is above 55, you’ll get an additional 10% off. Yes, your ‘social relevance’ will become an asset for you the next time you walk into Urban Outfitters. That $65 tank top will now be $45 – score!
I’m going to step out on a limb and make a bold prediction that different social platforms will launch their own form of real-life currency in 2012. Klout already offers users incentives who score over a certain mark, but I have a feeling social giants like Facebook will be taking even bigger steps such as launching their own credit card. Imagine a card where the rate isn’t based on your credit score, but on your social influence score.
It’s going to be another big year in social for 2012 and I’m looking forward to seeing what the social powerhouses and up-and-comers cook up for us. Let’s see if by this time next year I’ll be paying for lunch with my Facebook credit card.
