Raise your hand if you had "marketing through a global pandemic" as a social media trend for 2020?

Of course, nobody could have predicted a year ago what 2020 had in store for us. And with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, it's a safe bet 2021 could be just as challenging and unpredictable.

As we turn the page on 2020, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman take the lessons of the year and try to predict some of the hot trends we'll see on social media in 2021. In this informative and jam-packed episode, the duo also talk to three experts in the field about their opinions and open the question on Twitter to see what their audience thinks.

"We take the gin seriously, not the marketing." –Adrian Molina, Aviation Gin, about using humor on social media

How can you stand out in 2021 with your social media marketing? You'll have to listen to this episode to find out!

Podcast Chapters (only available on desktop)
2:12 Melissa's trend: social impact
9:21 Vinnie's trend: short-form videos
21:14 Sarah's trend: personality/humanizing the brand
26:55 Adrian's trend: humor
35:09 Taylor's trend: convenience 
40:01 Twitter response

Expert Testimonials

Vinnie and Melissa reached out to three social media experts and asked them what they thought was a hot trend or two to be mindful of for 2021. Here is what they had to say:

Sarah Sumner, who specializes in social media management for a diverse group of industries including the promotional products industry, discusses two trends she feels will be hot in 2021.

Adrian Molina, a senior brand manager for Aviation Gin, discusses a trend he feels will be hot in 2021.

Taylor Gaines, the CEO of social media strategy firm Social Gaines, discusses two trends she feels will be hot in 2021.

Twitter Response

Vinnie opened up the conversation on his twitter account. The following are some of the responses he received. Click here to join the conversation on Twitter.

Memes...already a hot trend among young generation, a great way to engage with your audience of done correctly and carefully

— Emily Dunnigan (@emilydunnigan) December 3, 2020

UGC.

— Fizzard (@fizzard37) December 6, 2020

Inclusivity. Creating content that reflects the diversity of our audience and the communities we serve.

— Geiger (@geigergetsit) December 2, 2020

It’s all about the content. Content with purpose. We are not trying to giveaway meaningless, poorly executed brandfill items anymore. By promoting content that also promotes #goodness, #sustainability and environmental/social responsibility creates a better social impact.

— I am the Brand. ✌🏼 (@MeganErber) December 2, 2020

Less social media will be a trend in 2021. pic.twitter.com/UkOaxz4sl8

— Danny Rosin (@DannyRosin) December 2, 2020

Two words: digital saturation. MORE brands will be marketing on SM in the future, not less and the key to success is a strong brand and better content to help distinguish yourself from your competition. I’ll be discussing this in my new podcast Branding Matters launching Jan.1😁

— Joelly (@branding_badass) December 2, 2020

More ways to buy directly through social channels

— Theresa Hegel (@TheresaHegel) December 2, 2020

Authenticity......the candid, raw, emotional, and real will be a trend.

— Bill Petrie (@billpetrie) December 2, 2020

I think regrowth will be a trend on social, like it will in the "real" world. People who have shifted focus all 2020 will be looking to re-grow connections, re-grow audiences, etc. as they continue building on their new shifted focus.

— Nicole Diane Baker (@nicoleyoley159) December 2, 2020

Personal & branded video will finally be hot in promo & apparel in 2021!
Here's a stat: by 2022, online videos will make up more than 80% of all consumer internet traffic,15x higher than 2017. (Cisco)
🌮video reply in email
🌮intros
🌮LinkedIn
🌮live streams
🌮testimonials pic.twitter.com/6aQuvUsJTd

— Jay Busselle (@JayBusselle) December 2, 2020

Live events and event marketing! Platforms will encourage people to gather during live events or even host them onsite. Whether introducing new features or upgrading current features, these will continue to resonate as we reintroduce hybrid and in-person events.🔮 pic.twitter.com/Nwr9UJNLHg

— Maple Ridge Farms (@MapleRidgeFarms) December 2, 2020

I think the Peloton marketing team is leading the way! They have created a community. They feature members not models in campaigns. They engage with members through social media & group pages. And did I mention they send awesome swag randomly? https://t.co/IgpRz6RMuD

— Sandra Humphries (@sandrapromo1) December 3, 2020

Less LinkedIn and more TikTok and Twitter. Facebook will continue to make bank off paid ads.

— Suzanne Huber (@SuzyHuber) December 2, 2020