New content creation tools, social media platforms and technologies are at the heart of the digital media ecosystem, opening up more opportunities than ever for audience engagement for professionals and businesses alike.
From the rise of short form video content to AI tools, the ways brands and professionals can reach a target audience has significantly evolved. It in this landscape of multiple networks and changing consumer habits that content professionals need to progress and stay relevant – and honing the ability to adapt to innovative tech has become a necessary mindset and way of working.
Studying a course like SAE’s Content Creation and Online Marketing degree can be one of the key steps to staying on top of the latest collaboration tools and digital storytelling techniques, instilling an adaptable thought-process and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar.
In our blog, we will investigate emerging platforms, powerful tools and how to keep audience attention locked on achieving business goals in this constantly moving digital world. Contact our team now to learn more about our degrees.
The Creator Economy – How has the digital world evolved
Since the advent of online, the media world has significantly evolved beyond the mainstream press we have always been familiar with.
Of course, the likes of the BBC, New York Times and the Guardian all still exist but now, we’re living in a creator economy, built by easy access to advanced technology and publishing platforms including social media. The combination of mobile devices and the ability to create engaging content has led to the democratisation of the content creation industry. For better or for worse, creative freedom can be enjoyed by anyone with the right tools. Whether it be video editing, audio tracks, social posts or a blog post, you can now share and publish high quality content from just a mobile device.
An Adobe study from 2022 found that the number of ‘content creators’ had doubled to about 16 million in the UK between 2020 and 2022. Attracted by the opportunities for brand collaborations and ad revenue alongside telling compelling stories, it’s a number that continues to rise with many looking to turn this from a side-gig into a full-time persuasion.
What are the trending content creation tools and content ideas
With the digital media landscape always shifting, there are some social platforms and channels that are hot topics for content creators.
Here’s what you need to stay ahead of for now.
Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models
AI has been a hot topic for some time but has risen to prominence in recent months due to the release of ChatGPT in 2022.
ChatGPT is a processing model that can generate ideas, articles, titles, social media posts via input prompts at a rapid rate.
For digital content creators, this automates what can be time-consuming tasks, such as producing blog outlines or campaign schedules.
There are other similar tools available like Jasper AI and this tech has become controversial when it comes to questions of copyright and intellectual property. There are also concerns that many creatives (and workers in other industries) may lose out on opportunities due to its prevalence.
Social media channels
Social media continues to change too with the launch of different platforms and channels such as TikTok, Threads and BlueSky.
A 2024 survey from Hootsuite reported that 75 percent of social media marketers planned to use AI to completely revise and rewrite text that year. That’s up 103 percent over 2023.
Short form content still dominates with users preferring quick content consumption when it comes to their feeds.
According to TikTok data, nearly half of users describes videos longer than 60 seconds as “stressful”. Their data shows videos lasting 11 to 17 seconds are the most successful form of social media content, something that TikTok creators need to be aware of. Instagram users prefer a similar timeframe – reels between 7 and 15 seconds are best for anyone looking to boost engagement.
Immersive and experiential experiences
Interactive online experiential content engages audiences through interactive elements. These include quizzes, simulations, and 360-degree videos, all of which help to create a more immersive and importantly, a more memorable experience.
This type of content moves beyond passive consumption, encouraging users to actively participate.
Content strategy – How to adapt
For content professionals, the challenge is how to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies to be unveiled. Of course, studying a degree like SAE’s Content Creation and Online Marketing degree can go a long way but there are other approaches and ways of thinking that can also ensure you see these changes as opportunities to enhance rather than be feared.
Embrace a Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning
At the heart of a growth mindset is a willingness to see new technologies as opportunities for development.
If you are a copywriter or journalist, then look at adding skills to your toolkit around digital marketing, editing video content and more. Studying SAE’s degree will certainly help provide you with a full set of content creation tools and skills.
However, you can also acquire new tools, software and techniques via webinars and tutorials. If you are working for a business, then knowing the best ways to create exclusive content to establish a brand presence and consistent brand voice can be invaluable.
Stay Informed and Network
As you know, the media industry moves at a rapid pace, especially now content can come from any corner of the internet.
To stay plugged into the latest trends, then keep an eye on social media, industry publications and participate in relevant events and forums.
This can also be done via specific networking sites like LinkedIn or The-Dots, then search out specific groups on these sites too.
Rather than seeing other freelancers as competition, they should be viewed as peers who can help and support with opportunities and knowledge sharing. Don’t be afraid of connecting on LinkedIn and asking for advice and inspiration when applicable. Many content creators and content professionals will be happy to share what they can to help.
Experiment and Innovate
Have you tried using ChatGpt to inform your creative process and workflow? Have you created an Instagram Reel and investigated TikTok? Be willing to experiment and try new platforms and tools, even if they are outside your comfort zone.
If you are part of a marketing team, then it is worth exploring different modes of content production and formats including short-form videos, interactive content, or virtual reality experiences. Many of these new tools and platforms can potentially inspire and spark ideas around how you can work smarter or enhance your creative process.
Adapt Strategically and always prioritise audience engagement
Use analytics tools to track engagement metrics and understand audience preferences. If you are looking to connect with younger audiences, then use content tools to work out the best platforms to engage with them. Social media analytics can be used to research audience demographics and the most effective forms of social media content creation.
Actively request feedback from your audience to identify areas for improvement and new opportunities when you create content. Be prepared to adapt your content strategy and workflows as new technologies emerge. Multiple platforms are always changing as are the strategies you can use to keep your audience engaged.
Study Content Creation and Online Marketing at SAE
Developing content that connects with audiences can be essential in today’s digital age for businesses and leading professionals.
With our expert team, leading facilities and creative community, studying our course in content creation and digital marketing can offer you a fantastic opportunity to take your career in digital marketing to the next level.
