7 Most Important Social Media Trends to Follow in 2022

people typing on their phones bring about social media trends

Social media is a major part of our lives. It has become a part of everything we do. The internet is made up of many platforms. However, there are many changes happening in these platforms as well. New features have been added to make them even more convenient than before.

To help you connect better with your audience, here are some interesting Social media trends that you may not be aware of:

Photo by Sara Kurfeß

Social Media is still as Important

One of the most effective marketing tools available today is social media. It is unprecedented to be able to connect with people on a personal level and engage with them in a way that is more engaging than traditional marketing methods.

However, as social media platforms grow and evolve, so do the challenges that businesses face when attempting to leverage this technology. One of the most pressing issues confronting social media marketing professionals today is the abundance of content, particularly on Instagram. As a result, consumers now have greater access to information than ever before via social media channels.

What’s the good news? There are numerous trends to look forward to in 2022 that will assist us in weathering these growing pains while getting better results from our social media efforts.

What are the social media trends for 2022?

The following are some trends you should utilize for Creating great content in your social media strategy in 2022.

1. Video Content still Rules:

One of the most significant changes in digital marketing strategy is video marketing. In fact, more than 80% of marketers use video content to increase sales and engagement on social media channels.

Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, three former PayPal employees, founded YouTube in 2005. Since then, the site has been a game changer for online video distribution and advertising.

Photo by Alexander Shatov

YouTube remains the most popular online video content viewing platform, with 96 percent of users accessing it via desktop or laptop. People are increasingly turning to mobile devices to watch videos, which is where Facebook comes in.

Video is the most engaging type of content on social media platforms because it allows people to create their own story and have it shareable. It also helps you build your brand by drawing attention to yourself and your business.

If you’re not already using video for your business, then you should think about starting today!

2. Brands are Expected to Go Live More Often

Brands are expected to go live on their social media channels more frequently. They’ll want to be able to respond quickly and keep their customers engaged all day. The idea is that by doing so, they can continue to grow their audience and gain their loyalty.

As many as 84% of brands said they plan to go live at least once every week in 2022, up from just under 80% who said the same thing last year. This represents an increase of about 4 percentage points from Bloomberg’s 2019 Future of Business report.

Brands are expected to go live more often. They’re going to be sharing content across multiple platforms, including their owned and operated sites, social media channels and email newsletters.

3. Social Media and Artificial Intelligence

The two most important trends shaping the social media landscape are social media and artificial intelligence. It is also important to note that these two trends are intertwined, which means they will have a large impact on each other.

Photo by Christopher Gower

In 2022, Facebook and Instagram will continue to dominate social media, but new entrants will include Youku Tudou (China), LINE (Japan), and TikTok (Singapore). For years, Facebook has dominated the US market, but its dominance is beginning to wane as it faces competition from other platforms.

AI (artificial intelligence) will continue to be an important trend for marketers who want to reach out to potential customers on a more personal level. AI applications are now being used in marketing campaigns by companies such as Google to identify trends, predict future sales, and inform employees’ decision-making processes.

A.I will help automate tasks like content creation and curation, which will free up time for other tasks like security checks.

4. Social Media Influencers Will Not Lose Their Popularity

Social media influencers continue to dominate social media platforms. They can reach more people than ever before, and they continue to use social media to share their content with their followers. This means that the top 10% of influencers will remain the most popular for a long time to come.

However, with the rise of influencer marketing, smaller brands now have access to this type of content. This means that anyone who wants to attract their target audience can begin using influencer marketing right away, rather than waiting until they have enough money to spend on advertising.

In 2022, social media influencers will continue to be the most popular people on Instagram and Twitter since these platforms are still very relevant and useful for people who want to share their thoughts and experiences with other users.

5. Smaller Social Networks Will Grow

Facebook dominated the last decade, but as the social network has grown, it has lost some of its enchantment. Facebook’s user growth has slowed, and smaller social networks such as Snapchat and Instagram have taken its place.

people typing on their phones all determine social media trends
Photo by camilo jimenez

These networks are appealing not only because of their sheer size, but also because of their ability to foster more intimate connections between users. Snapchat allows you to send photos, videos, and text messages that vanish after 10 seconds. Instagram allows you to post photos and videos that are deleted after 24 hours.

Although these smaller networks have smaller audiences than Facebook, they can provide a more personalized experience for each user. Users can only see people they have chosen to follow, so there are fewer distractions than with larger social networks where everyone is connected.

6. Augmented Reality Is the Next Big Thing

Augmented reality (AR) is sweeping the globe. When you’re not looking at the world with your own eyes, but rather through technology like smartphones and AR-enabled glasses, it’s a new way to experience it. AR has been around for a while, but it has only recently become popular.

The main reason for its popularity is that it provides people with new perspectives — from virtual pets to augmented shopping experiences — while requiring no special hardware or technology.

The most common type of AR app detects the user’s location and then provides them with relevant information about what’s around them using computer vision technology. For example, you might see a restaurant appear on your phone’s GPS map as you walk past a certain point. The app uses this information to determine your location and then overlays the details of that restaurant.

Photo by My name is Yanick

Augmented reality has been around for decades, but it is only now that it is becoming more popular, thanks to the rise of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Smartphones have become our primary means of accessing information about the world around us, so it stands to reason that businesses would want to capitalize on this power for their own ends as well as help people improve their lives.

Conclusion

Social media is a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family, but it’s also important to remember that it can be used for marketing. Social media marketing entails more than just posting pictures and sharing links; it entails creating content that will pique people’s interest in what you have to say.

Businesses will have to be extremely creative if they want to stay ahead in this rapidly changing space, but with so many options out there, it’s not as hard as it seems.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Share This Post

Do you want more Sales & Qualified Leads?

Hey, I’m Sunday Samuel. At Dgazelle our core focus is to help individuals and business owners grow thier business predictably & profitably. My only question is, will it be yours?

About Dgazelle

We are a full service Digital marketing, Tech & Ai Solutions Company that is registered in Nigeria and the United States. Our story originates from our experience in advertising, marketing, technology and design. Our work is inspired by art, passion, and one simple principle – To consistently deliver excellence to every individual or business we serve

More To Explore

Automate
Online presence

How to Structure and Automate Your Business to Scale Fast and Avoid Entrepreneur Burnout

Running a business in Nigeria is not for the fainthearted. From inconsistent power supply to handling stubborn staff and clients, to managing cash flow issues, the pressure on entrepreneurs is real. Many business owners start out with energy and passion, only to find themselves overwhelmed by endless tasks. The result is burnout, and a business that feels like a heavy burden instead of a wealth-building machine.

But here’s the truth: if your business is not structured and automated, you can’t scale sustainably. At best, you’ll hit a ceiling. At worst, you’ll collapse under the stress. The good news is that with the right structure and smart automation, you can build a business that grows beyond you, while you enjoy peace of mind.

In this article, I’ll break down step by step how to structure and automate your business so you can scale fast and reduce burnout. This is not theory. These are practical strategies Nigerian entrepreneurs can apply immediately.

Step 1: Build a Solid Business Structure First

Before you even think of automation, your business must have a proper foundation. Many entrepreneurs in Nigeria operate like hustlers — no defined processes, no documentation, no clear job roles. That’s why they can’t leave their shop for one day without things falling apart.

To structure your business:

1. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Stop being the “chief everything officer.” List out all the key activities in your business — sales, marketing, operations, finance, customer service. Assign them to specific people or create job descriptions, even if you are still the one handling most of them for now. This makes it easy to delegate later.

2. Document Your Processes
Every successful scalable business runs on systems. Write down how you onboard customers, how you deliver products or services, how you handle complaints, how you pay vendors. Think of it like creating a playbook. This makes it easier to train staff and maintain consistency.

3. Separate Personal and Business Finances
A lot of entrepreneurs mix personal spending with business money. That’s the fastest way to kill growth. Open a dedicated business account. Pay yourself a salary. Track your expenses. When your finances are structured, scaling becomes possible.

Step 2: Identify Repetitive Tasks That Drain You

If you constantly feel drained, it’s because you’re spending energy on tasks that could be automated or delegated. Sit down with a pen and write out everything you do daily and weekly in your business. You’ll notice many repetitive tasks like:

Sending payment reminders

Following up with leads

Updating records

Responding to the same customer questions

Scheduling meetings

Inventory updates

These tasks are important but they don’t require your personal attention every time. Once you identify them, you’re ready for automation.

Step 3: Leverage Automation Tools to Save Time

Automation is not about replacing people with robots. It’s about using tools to handle repetitive processes so you can focus on high-value activities like strategy and growth. Here are areas every Nigerian business owner can automate today:

1. Marketing Automation
Instead of manually posting on social media, use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts ahead of time. For email marketing, platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit allow you to set up automated follow-up sequences. Imagine a system where once someone downloads your free guide or fills a form, they automatically receive nurturing emails without you lifting a finger.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
A good CRM helps you track leads, follow up automatically, and manage customers in one place. HubSpot and Zoho are popular options. Instead of carrying customer details in your head or WhatsApp chats, you’ll have a proper system.

3. Accounting and Payments
Use tools like QuickBooks or Wave for bookkeeping. In Nigeria, you can also set up automated payment systems using Paystack or Flutterwave so customers can pay online without stress. That reduces the headache of chasing payments manually.

4. Task Management
To avoid confusion with your team, use platforms like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp to assign and track tasks. This ensures everyone knows what to do without you micromanaging daily.

Step 4: Hire Smart and Delegate Properly

Automation is powerful, but people are still essential. If you want to scale, you must build a team. Many entrepreneurs delay hiring because they think it’s expensive, but the real expense is trying to do everything yourself.

Here’s the formula:

Start with virtual assistants for basic admin tasks.

Hire part-time or contract staff for specialized roles like social media or accounting.

Train employees using your documented processes so they can run the business even when you’re away.

Delegating doesn’t mean losing control. It means freeing up your time for high-level decisions like partnerships, expansion, and strategy.

Step 5: Use Data to Make Better Decisions

One reason entrepreneurs burn out is because they make decisions based on guesswork. If you don’t track your numbers, you’re running blind.

Some key metrics you should monitor:

Monthly revenue and expenses

Customer acquisition cost

Conversion rates from leads to customers

Average order value

Repeat purchase rate

When you automate data collection using your accounting software, CRM, or analytics tools, you can see trends clearly. This helps you know where to cut costs, where to invest more, and when to scale.

Step 6: Build a Scalable Mindset

Even with the right tools and team, scaling won’t happen unless you shift your mindset. Many Nigerian entrepreneurs are stuck in survival mode — always thinking short term, chasing quick profit, or afraid to let go of control. To truly scale:

Stop working in your business and start working on your business.

Focus on building systems, not just hustling for sales.

Invest in leadership skills so you can inspire and guide your team.

Take breaks. Rest is part of productivity. A burnt-out entrepreneur cannot build a thriving company.

Practical Example: A Boutique Owner in Lagos

Let’s make it real. Imagine a boutique owner in Lagos handling everything — buying stock, marketing on Instagram, taking orders on WhatsApp, delivering clothes, and managing cash. No wonder she’s stressed.

Here’s how she can scale with structure and automation:

Document her supply process and create a calendar for stock replenishment.

Use Paystack for payments instead of manual transfers.

Set up Instagram automation tools to schedule posts weekly.

Hire a delivery partner instead of doing it herself.

Use a CRM to track customer sizes, preferences, and purchase history.

Employ a shop assistant to handle walk-in customers.

With these changes, she reduces burnout, increases sales, and positions her business to expand into multiple branches or even an online store.

Final Thoughts

Scaling your business in Nigeria is not just about working harder. It’s about working smarter by putting the right structure in place and automating repetitive tasks. When you do this, you free up energy, reduce stress, and create room for exponential growth.

Remember this: structure is the foundation, automation is the fuel, and mindset is the driver. Get these three right and your business can grow beyond limits.

If you want professional help in structuring and automating your business for faster growth, Dgazelle Agency specializes in building high-converting systems that help entrepreneurs scale without burning out. Contact us today and let’s help you build a business that works for you, not the other way around.

Quality leads
Ads

9 Proven Ways to Attract Quality Leads with Paid Ads

Paid ads allow you to target based on age, location, interests, income level, and even behaviour. If you skip this step and target broadly, you will attract people who will never buy. Imagine running a Facebook ad for luxury wristwatches and targeting all Nigerians aged 18 to 60. Most of them cannot afford it. Instead, you can target professionals in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt with interests in fashion, luxury, or business.

web design
Web design

10 Web Design Strategies That Can Double Your Sales in Nigeria

A well-designed website isn’t just about looking fine. It is the foundation of your entire online presence. It decides if your customers will trust you, if they will buy from you, and if they will come back again. In short, good web design can 10x your business growth.

Do You Want To Boost Your Business?

drop us a line and keep in touch