Jessi Healey delves into the latest social media debates, from Instagram’s hashtag update and the removal of Meta fact-checking to TikTok’s ban and emerging platforms like Threads and Bluesky.
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Social media is constantly changing, and experienced real estate agents must monitor changes and adapt accordingly.
From the changing role of hashtags to the uncertainty over TikTok’s ban, the landscape has not changed. New players like Bluesky are making waves, while regulars like Facebook are making updates that affect marketers and users alike.
Here’s a quick jump into the trends shaping social media today and what they mean for your business.
Are hashtags dead?
In December, Instagram has changed hashtags a lotand some people are ready to sacrifice. Is it necessary? Probably not.
The change made by Instagram only affects the way users follow hashtags. Before the change, any Instagram user could follow a specific hashtag, and the content of that hashtag would appear in their feed, but now it won’t. Users can still search for a hashtag and see all content using that hashtag, so they aren’t helping anything yet.
However, if you spend too much time worrying about hashtag strategy, you can cross that off your to-do list. Instead, pick a few strong hashtags that people are likely searching for that are related to your keywords, and stick to those. There is no need to waste time doing extra things that will not produce results.
Where are we with the TikTok ban?
As of now, the ban on TikTok will remain in effect until January 19, 2025. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the argumentshas not lifted the ban, leaving the future of the platform uncertain.
If TikTok is an important part of your marketing strategy, now is the time to diversify. Encourage your TikTok audience to follow you on other platforms, especially your website, blog and email list. This is also a great opportunity to build a base of email subscribers by asking loyal followers to stay connected through direct channels.
Do not forget that the ban may affect other applications of TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, including Lemon8 and popular video editing app CapCut.
Facebook checks the facts
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Meta will no longer use fact-checkers Social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp. Citing concerns about bias, Meta plans to use a system called Public Notes similar to X, which was used by Twitter.
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed, and it’s unclear how the change will affect user trust or traffic on Meta’s platforms. Time will tell if this change creates a big change in user behavior or affects advertisers.
Bluesky is ahead
Bluesky, the upcoming social media platform, continues to grow, however at low speed. Many of its new users are former Twitter users (known as “Twitter quitters”), while others have also moved away from Meta forums due to recent controversies, such as the fact-checking decision.
Although Bluesky is still in its early stages, its growth suggests it is worth looking at for future opportunities.
The number of thread users is growing
Threads, a platform like X for Meta, accessed later 300 million users and he shows no signs of slowing down. Consistent growth indicates that Threads is here to stay. If your target audience is likely to use Wires – or already has – it may be time to include the platform in your social media strategy.
Takeaways from real estate agents:
- Don’t skip hashtags, but set them and forget them
- Always tell your followers where they can find you outside of social media
- Be aware of community notes that will replace fact-checkers in the Meta forums
- Consider checking out Bluesky to stay ahead of emerging platforms
- It may be time to consider adding Threads to your social media strategy
Social media shifts present opportunities. Focus on the platforms where your audience is active, adapt to changes in performance, and always maintain a direct line of your followers through email and other managed channels. A diverse strategy will ensure that your marketing remains effective, regardless of emerging trends.
Jessi Healey is a freelance writer and social media manager specializing in marketing. Find him open Instagram, LinkedIn, threads, or Bluesky.
