Visual Trends for Social Media in 2023
As a brand, it's crucial to keep up with the latest visual design trends on social media. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies, techniques and aesthetics emerging all the time. In this post, we'll dive into some of the trends that are currently shaping the industry on social media.
Virtual Friends
Have you noticed the rise of animated characters in social media marketing and branding efforts? These virtual friends can join visitors on their user journey with a business through social media.
Not only do they create a sense of familiarity and trust, but they also provide a fun and engaging experience for users, for example, TDK-Lambda's Power Guy or the Duolingo Owl. We can anticipate seeing more and more brands incorporate these engaging characters into their social media marketing strategies as 3D graphics technology develops.
Typography Videos
With the rise of short-form content platforms like TikTok and Reels, it's crucial for brands and designers to find efficient and cost-effective ways to produce high-quality videos.
Typography videos are a hugely popular video genre that combines animated texts with dynamic visual elements.
They rely on graphic design, text, colours, transitions, and music rather than live-action footage, making them cheaper and faster to produce, Monzo's Instagram Reels are a great example of this. These videos can be especially helpful for small businesses and startups looking to establish their brand identity on social media.
Maximalism
If you want to make a bold statement with your design on social media, consider using a maximalist colour palette.
Characterised by the use of many colours, often in bold and vibrant shades, maximalist palettes are designed to create a sense of energy, excitement, and creativity, artist Hattie Stewart's Instagram uses maximalism very effectively. These colour palettes can be particularly effective for brands that want to stand out and be noticed on social media.
Revival of the Past
We've noticed a resurgence of retro aesthetics on social media. With a nostalgic return to the bold and vibrant visuals of the 80s, 90s, and 00s, designers are having fun with the past while looking to the future.
This full-circle moment in design allows us to blend old and new in creative and exciting ways on social media, incorporating retro elements can add a sense of playfulness and nostalgia to your project. Burger King has demonstrated this really well with their use of their own old logos and graphics in their current social media.
Design for Everyone
Visual identity and design on social media have the unique ability to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life. As designers, we must consider the diverse experiences and needs of different groups. This will enable us to create designs that truly reflect the richness and complexity of the human experience on social media.
By creating inclusive products on social media, brands and designers empower themselves and their users, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging. One way to do this is by using diverse graphics and icons on social media.
These types of designs consider the diverse needs and abilities of different groups, making them accessible and usable for all on social media. Being inclusive in design isn't just a nice idea on social media – it's crucial for creating products and experiences that are genuinely welcoming and accessible to everyone on social media.
So next time you're working on a design project on social media, consider your audience's diverse needs and abilities and strive to create inclusive and empowering products for all on social media. Apple's recent video campaign 'The Greatest' is a fantastic example of design for everyone.
Social media is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that requires brands to stay current with the latest visual design trends. These key trends are shaping the industry and show how visual design can help businesses stand out on social media and engage with their audience.