October 2023 – Moneysource1

8 surprising social video trends

Halloween is traditionally the perfect season to anticipate unexpected shocks.

But eight surprising social video trends should astound even the most unflappable digital marketers.

Firefly Seven surprising social video trends with a Halloween theme

1. The number of creators on YouTube is exploding

YouTube.com is the second most visited website in the U.S. and worldwide, behind only Google.com, per Similarweb and Semrush’s data.

So, if you were a content creator planning to go trick-or-treating, you’d tell all your friends, “They give out more candy on YouTube than any other social video platform.”

This favorable word-of-mouth tells a surprisingly scary story, too.

Last year, 15.4 million accounts uploaded 696 million videos to YouTube from Oct. 16, 2021, to Oct. 15, 2022. These videos got a total of 23.2 trillion views and 742 billion engagements.
This year, 25.4 million accounts uploaded 774 million videos to YouTube from Oct. 16, 2022, to Oct. 15, 2023. These videos got a total of 23.9 trillion views and 747 billion engagements.

So, the number of creators on YouTube has exploded and the number of videos is up, too! But the total number of views and engagements has remained relatively flat year over year.

This means 64.9% more creators are now competing for roughly the same number of views and engagements. Or as savvy trick-or-treaters going door-to-door on Halloween might yell at their friends, “We gotta move faster before they run out of candy.”

Hey, this is a real problem. That’s why YouTube provides tips for dealing with creator burnout.

But this has an impact on digital marketers, too. It means we must work harder – or smarter – to capture our audience’s attention.

For example, you might want to check out YouTube’s new Spotlight Moments, an AI-driven packaging technology that automatically identifies the most popular, relevant videos, making it even easier for us to own the moment around key events when viewers are most engaged.

Dig deeper: 5 new YouTube features coming soon to help creators

“Short-form content empowers creators to win views and reach new audiences, but new data shows that many audiences prefer a slightly longer format,” according to Tubular’s report, H2 2023 Social Video Trends.

In 2022, TikTok increased its video length capabilities to compete with longer-form video platforms. Tubular data found that 61-180-second videos earn the highest growth rates per the number of uploads on TikTok, making it the optimal video length to drive growth.

Although videos 1-60 seconds long still win the most views, the report said, “growth rates for this time frame are in decline.” Meanwhile, videos 61-180 seconds long and 181-600 seconds long “show a positive growth in views.”

Dig deeper: Video content guide: Why you should start creating videos now (plus examples)

3. Facebook no longer needs to whistle past the graveyard

Facebook use among teens had dropped from 71% in 2014-15 to 32% in 2022, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

Meanwhile:

95% of American teenagers ages 13 to 17 used YouTube.
67% used TikTok.
62% used Instagram.
59% used Snapchat.

And in July 2022, Facebook’s parent, Meta, reported its first-ever year-over-year decline in ad revenue.

But Facebook restructured its main feed into a “discovery engine” for video content, and today, it appears that the social video platform no longer needs to whistle past the graveyard.

Facebook.com is currently the third most visited website in the U.S. and worldwide, per Similarweb and Semrush.

Tubular Labs data also found that 5.3 million accounts uploaded 400 million videos to Facebook from Oct. 16, 2022, to Oct. 15, 2023. These videos got a total of 11.8 trillion views and 551 billion engagements.

By comparison, 4.5 million accounts uploaded 311 million videos to Facebook from Oct. 16, 2021, to Oct. 15, 2022. These videos got a total of 12.4 trillion views and 473 billion engagements.

So, 17.8% more accounts are now publishing 28.6% videos on Facebook. Although views are down 4.8%, engagements are up 16.5% year over year.

Digital marketers can expect more developments from Facebook:

“This is just the beginning. We’ll continue developing more tools for creators so they can express themselves, build an audience and earn money, along with the discovery and personalization features that give you more control over your experience.”

– “Video on Facebook Keeps Getting Better,” July 17, 2023

Many moons ago, music on social videos was limited to “music videos.”

Then, in 2014, “trackvertising” became a trend. That’s when a brand and musical artist co-release a video, both a musical track and an ad.

For example, Activia, a brand of yogurt owned by Groupe Danone, collaborated with Shakira, a Colombian singer and songwriter, to create “Shakira – La La La (Brazil 2014) ft. Carlinhos Brown.”

Today, music is as closely associated with social videos as spooky sounds are with Halloween.

Tubular makes the eerie claim, “That’s right – music and social video are synonymous.”

So, creators and brands should begin with music when brainstorming their content strategy. To help with that process, Tubular examined the top 50 TikTok sound trends in the first half of 2023.

At the top of their list were Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B, the most popular music genres both by number of sounds 13 of 50) and total views (7.8 billion).

And part of this trend was older songs, which were resurfacing. As Tubular noted, “The sweet spot of songs making a resurgence are songs released in 2010-2014.”

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As you know, bobbing for apples involves catching an apple in a tub filled with water – with your teeth. Why? Because using your hands would be cheating.

Well, Instagram stopped providing Tubular with access to its data for views in November 2020. However, it continued to provide access to the number of accounts using the social video platform, videos they published, and engagements they got.

Why? I don’t know, it’s a mystery.

Nevertheless, that’s what makes catching social video trends on Instagram like bobbing for apples.

Still, 4.3 million accounts uploaded 278 million videos to Instagram from Oct. 16, 2021, to Oct. 15, 2022. These videos got a total of 907 billion engagements.

And 4.1 million accounts uploaded 297 million videos to Instagram from Oct. 16, 2022, to Oct. 15, 2023. These videos got 1.2 trillion engagements (with a “t”).

So, the social video platform has lost 4.7% of its creators in the past year, but the remaining ones have created 6.8% more videos, which have received 32.3% more engagements.

Now, that’s a trend you can sink your teeth into.

6. On TikTok, ChatGPT isn’t considered a scary Halloween costume

ChatGPT was launched on Nov. 30, 2022 by OpenAI. So, this is the first year that the chatbot could be considered by anyone interested in wearing a scary Halloween costume.

But Tubular data for the first half of 2023 indicates that TikTok viewers are more interested in finding hacks and tips about using ChatGPT and integrating generative AI technology into their daily lives.

If you look at the percentage of views on this topic on TikTok, then you’ll be stunned to see:

30% come from the Business category.
24% come from School.
19% come from Memes & Comedy.
17% come from Software Engineering.
7% come from Marketing.
4% come from Art.

This lack of fear about chatbots is reflected in the views of education hashtags about ChatGPT on TikTok:

#school 140.5 million.
#college 130.3 million.
#university 92.7 million.
#essay 84.1 million.
#student 73.0 million.
#highschool 62.3 million.

So, it appears that TikTok viewers have taken the advice of Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang, who said in a commencement address back in May:

“While some worry that AI may take their jobs, someone who’s expert with AI will.”

7. Accounts and videos on X, formerly Twitter, are imploding

Meanwhile, in another part of the social video landscape, everyone’s watching a horror movie.

Elon Musk completed his acquisition of Twitter on Oct. 27, 2022. So, theoretically, we could now use Tubular Labs data to compare the performance of social videos on X, formerly Twitter, over the last 365 days to the same period before he purchased the platform.

But X appears to have stopped providing Tubular Labs with access to its data on July 1, 2023.

Nevertheless, 5.6 million accounts uploaded 145 million videos to Twitter from Oct. 27, 2021, to June 30, 2022 – before Musk bought the platform. These videos got a total of 602 billion views and 27.5 billion engagements.

In contrast, 4 million accounts uploaded 122 million videos to Twitter from Oct. 27, 2021, to June 30, 2022 – after Musk bought the platform. These videos got a total of 751 billion views and 35.6 billion engagements.

So, the number of accounts and videos was imploding on X while the number of views and engagements was growing on the platform.

Nevertheless, you might want to use Follower Audit, Twitter Audit, or Circleboom to identify bot and fake followers of any public account.

Mashable and Travis Brown took a close look at Musk’s more than 150 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, on Aug. 18, 2023.

They found that around 42% of Musk’s followers – over 65.3 million users – had zero followers. Moreover, over 72% of Musk’s followers had less than 10 followers on their accounts.

So, the social platform increasingly looks like a haunted house that’s perceived to be inhabited by disembodied spirits of the deceased. This means digital marketers should start looking for an exit – if they haven’t left already.

Now, many industry observers saw this coming from a mile away. So, maybe the implosion of X, formerly Twitter, isn’t a surprising trend.

And I don’t want you to feel like I’m handing out the equivalent of Candy Corn, a polarizing Halloween candy, or Circus Peanuts, ranked as the worst Halloween candy in 2022 and 2023.

So, let me share one more surprising social video trend.

8. Reach more eyeballs by posting news videos late at night

Most creators in the U.S. news media post their videos during the day. But Tubular data for the first half of 2023 was shocked to find that news-related videos posted from 10 p.m. to midnight Eastern won the most views within the first 24 hours.

So, if the U.S. news media wants to reach more eyeballs, they need to start posting stories when their viewers have the time and interest to watch them – after they’ve gotten home from work, had dinner, and put the kids to bed.

The U.S. news media should also re-evaluate their assignment editors.

Among all the U.S. news media on TikTok in the first half of 2023, videos about the missing Titanic submersible received more views than all the presidential content combined.

On the other hand, news cycles are fleeting. However, evergreen content can live forever on social video platforms.

For example, Inside Edition demonstrated stronger staying power than top news competitors by posting content that could outlive the 24-hour news cycle.

And the publisher received nearly three times more views on YouTube videos originally posted 1 to 2 years prior than all the other creators combined.

Dig deeper: Top video marketing trends for 2023 and beyond

As the social video landscape continues to transform, digital marketers and creators must remain vigilant, seizing opportunities and staying ahead of the curve to reach and engage their target audiences effectively.

The post 8 surprising social video trends appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/surprising-social-video-trends-433837

10 Key Problems Businesses Have with Remote Workers

Home Business Magazine Online

With the recent and rapid rise in remote work, many companies have had to quickly adapt to a new way of managing their workforce. While remote work can offer many benefits for both employees and employers, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the 10 key problems that businesses have with remote workers, and find out some solutions to help overcome these challenges.

Remote work can help businesses achieve next-level results. It allows companies to tap into a global talent pool, removing geographical limitations. This broadens the spectrum of expertise and skills available to the company. Remote work can lead to increased productivity. A study by Stanford University showed that remote workers were 13% more productive compared to their in-office counterparts. It can significantly reduce overhead costs too, such as office space rent, utility bills, and office supplies. Employees who work remotely often report higher levels of job satisfaction and a better work-life balance, leading to lower employee turnover. On the whole, these benefits can contribute to a healthier bottom line and a more robust, agile, and resilient business.

To make the most of your remote workforce, it’s essential to understand the main problems that can arise, and how to counteract them to achieve the greatest success possible.

1. Lack of Communication

One of the biggest problems with remote workers is the lack of communication. When employees are not physically present in the office, it can be difficult to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. The solution to this problem is to establish clear communication channels such as regular video calls, instant messaging, and emails. It’s important to set expectations for response times and ensure that everyone understands the company’s communication policy.

2. Difficulty in Monitoring Performance

Another problem with remote workers is the difficulty in monitoring performance. When employees are working from home, it can be difficult to gauge how much work they are actually doing. This can lead to micromanagement and distrust, which can be detrimental to the work environment. The solution to this problem is to set clear expectations and measurable goals. Ensure that the remote workers understand what is expected of them and how their performance will be evaluated.

3. Security Risks

With remote work, there can be an increased risk of security breaches such as data theft and hacking. The solution to this problem is to invest in cybersecurity measures such as encryption and two-factor authentication. Ensure that remote workers understand the importance of keeping company data safe and provide training on how to identify potential security risks. Hiring experts, such as those of an IT Consulting firm, to ensure your technology and IT is up to scratch is crucial.

4. IT and Connectivity Issues

Working remotely also means that employees are responsible for their own IT and connectivity. This can lead to delays and disruptions in work if the employee experiences technical difficulties. The solution to this problem is to provide support and resources for remote workers to set up a secure and stable home office environment. This can include providing necessary equipment, troubleshooting guides, and access to IT support.

5. Lack of Team Cohesion

When employees are not working in the same location, it can be difficult to establish team cohesion. Building a strong team culture is important for productivity and job satisfaction. The solution to this problem is to invest in team building activities such as virtual happy hours, online games, and other non-work related activities. Encourage employees to share their interests and hobbies to help create a sense of collective identity.

6. Distractions at Home

With remote work, there can be many distractions at home such as children, pets, TV, and household chores. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. The solution to this problem is to establish a clear work schedule and a designated workspace. Encourage remote workers to create a distraction-free environment by setting boundaries with family members and eliminating digital distractions such as social media.

7. Lack of Accountability

When employees are not physically present in the office, it can be difficult to hold them accountable for their work. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of detachment from the company. The solution to this problem is to establish clear goals and deadlines. Use project management tools such as Trello and Asana to track progress and ensure that everyone is on track.

8. Time Zone Differences

When employees are working from different time zones, it can be difficult to schedule meetings and ensure everyone is available at the same time. The solution to this problem is to establish flexible working hours and create a clear policy for scheduling meetings across different time zones. Use tools such as Calendly to make scheduling easier for everyone.

9. Social Isolation

Another problem with remote workers is social isolation. Working from home can be lonely and lead to a sense of detachment from the company. The solution to this problem is to establish regular virtual meetings and encourage remote workers to connect with each other on social media and other online platforms. Creating an inclusive and supportive team culture is important for employee wellbeing and job satisfaction.

10. Lack of Training

When employees are working remotely, it can be difficult to provide the same level of training and support as when they are in the office. This can lead to a sense of inadequacy and a lack of confidence in their abilities. The solution to this problem is to invest in virtual training and provide regular feedback to remote workers. Encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.

Remote work comes with its own set of challenges, but by addressing these problems head-on, companies can ensure that their remote workers are productive, engaged, and motivated. With the right policies and tools in place, remote work can be a positive experience for everyone involved.

The post 10 Key Problems Businesses Have with Remote Workers appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/employees/10-key-problems-businesses-remote-workers/

A Guide to Time Blocking

Home Business Magazine Online

With only a finite number of hours in a day, effective time management is essential to achieving personal and professional success. One powerful scheduling technique that can help you stay organized, focused, and efficient is time blocking. This guide will provide novice and seasoned time blockers with valuable insights and best practices to help maximize the benefits of this technique.

What Is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is a simple yet effective scheduling strategy where one dedicates specific blocks of time to individual tasks or groups of related tasks. By allocating uninterrupted time to work on specific tasks, you can streamline your focus, minimize interruptions, and ultimately increase productivity and overall effectiveness.

Cost and Time Management

In a professional setting, managing costs and time effectively becomes increasingly important. For instance, understanding the effort that goes into marketing within your own company can be critical considering you are able to outsource lead generation. Paying an employee to waste time landing low conversion leads can be costly when compared to ViB’s B2B appointment setting cost. This level of awareness enables you to optimize your scheduling methods and ensure you’re making the most of your companies available time.

The Benefits of Time Blocking

Improved Focus: Time blocking encourages a single-tasking mindset, enabling you to concentrate exclusively on one task without succumbing to distractions or multitasking tendencies.
Reduced Procrastination: By assigning specific blocks of time to work on particular tasks, you create a sense of urgency that helps mitigate procrastination.
Better Work-Life Balance: Time blocking allows you to prioritize both personal and professional tasks, ensuring that time outside of work also receives proper attention.
Enhanced Sense of Accomplishment: As you complete tasks within their allocated time blocks, you visibly see your progress, boosting motivation and fostering a sense of achievement.

Accountability and Tracking Progress

Regularly assess your progress towards your goals and track how effectively you are utilizing your time blocks. This practice can help reveal patterns and areas for improvement, allowing you to adjust your strategies and prioritize tasks better. You can even involve a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to discuss your time blocking efforts and gather feedback. Objective viewpoints can provide valuable insights on how to improve your time management and offer support and motivation throughout the process.

At the end of each week, take time to reflect on your accomplishments and identify areas where you faced challenges. This practice helps you better understand your capabilities, recognize your progress, and continuously refine your time blocking strategy.

Planning Your Time Blocks

Evaluate the tasks you need to accomplish and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. This process helps ensure that the most critical tasks receive proper attention and resources. Estimate how long it will take you to complete each task, then add some buffer time. This consideration helps minimize the risk of extended blocks that disrupt the schedule. Try to group related tasks together to streamline your focus and minimize context switching, which can disrupt productivity.

Implementing Time Blocks

Choose the calendar format that works best for you, whether it be a physical planner or a digital tool. Make sure to allot specific time slots for each task and assign them a dedicated block of time. Implement a system that reminds you when to start and end each task during a set time block. This structure can help increase accountability and ensure that your schedule stays on track.

Life is unpredictable, and your schedule will likely need adjustments as new tasks emerge or unexpected events unfold. Be flexible and assess your time blocks regularly, adjusting as necessary to maintain productivity.

Important Considerations for Time Blocking

It’s essential to designate blocks of time for rest and relaxation throughout the day. These breaks offer an opportunity to recharge, maintain productivity, and prevent burnout. Remember to be realistic when assigning blocks of time to tasks, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself or underestimate how long a task will take. Overloading your schedule will only lead to frustration and ineffective time allocation.

Conclusion

Time blocking is an invaluable scheduling technique that can significantly improve time management, focus, and productivity. By implementing the insights and best practices outlined in this guide, you can begin to reap the benefits of this powerful strategy. Embrace a disciplined, mindful approach to scheduling your time, and watch your personal and professional success soar.

The post A Guide to Time Blocking appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/working-smarter/guide-time-blocking/

Why marketers should care about customer journey orchestration by Digital Marketing Depot

In today’s omnichannel world, customers engage with brands across many different touchpoints both online and offline. This makes mapping the customer journey more complex for marketers. Customers expect seamless experiences across channels and devices. If the journey is disjointed, they will quickly become frustrated and take their business elsewhere.

This is where customer journey orchestration (CJO) comes in. CJO platforms empower marketers to optimize the customer experience by:

Identifying pain points in the journey where customers struggle
Orchestrating personalized interactions to delight customers
Responding quickly to changing customer needs and expectations

With CJO, marketing is no longer limited to siloed campaigns. You can take an outside-in approach starting from the customer perspective. This results in increased satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.

According to a recent Forrester study, 65% of marketers plan to increase spend on CJO platforms in the next year. But with many solutions now available, how do you choose the right one?

That’s where our MarTech guide comes in. This comprehensive report profiles leading platforms and provides actionable insights to guide your buying process including.

Visit Digital Marketing Depot to download Customer Journey Orchestration Platforms: A Marketer’s Guide and learn how to connect journeys, increase loyalty, and drive growth.

The post Why marketers should care about customer journey orchestration appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/why-marketers-should-care-about-customer-journey-orchestration-433840