Visual Contenting March 2016 | Page 13

TRENDS Better Engagement with In-App Functionality Social networks offer a lot of unique features and other attractions that will entice users to utilize the channel to its full extent, without having the need to leave the site to satisfy other requirements they might have. They are doing these by offering better and more effective in-app functionalities. Facebook is at the forefront in providing its users with new functionalities such as the Instant Articles publishing channel, social search features, instant-playing videos while scrolling and their very own digital/human hybrid assistant. Other sites are expanding their functionalities and are starting to offer similar or more innovative features, and this trend will most likely continue even more in 2016. The Continuing Power of Video Video will continue to be a very powerful and influential element in social media. According to Cisco, video will dominate up to 80% of internet traffic in the world by year 2019. Videos generate 62% more engagement than ordinary Visual Contenting photos so it is of no wonder why 500 million users at Facebook watch an average of 8 billion views on a daily basis. As mentioned earlier, this trend will increase even more, now that social media sites are offering live broadcasting features and other similar live and on-the-go video broadcast facilities. Just like how reality TV dominated traditional television media channels, live social broadcasts will catapult social video not only as a unique online experience, but as a social media way of life. Increase Concern for Security With all the new and upcoming features offered through social networks, there arises in parallel a growing concern towards privacy and overall security. To answer this clamor, social networks have started to beef up on their security and privacy features. One such feature, which received a lot of flak during its initial implementation, is Facebook’s forced &V