2024 has seen a wealth of new features and changes, all of which are designed to provide more tools for content creation, audience engagement, and monetisation. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting new features across major platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and how they can benefit you.
TikTok’s Guides for Influencers
TikTok has consistently been a game-changer for short-form content creators. In 2024, TikTok introduced comprehensive guides for influencers, aiming to help you leverage the platform’s full potential. These guides are not just basic how-tos but are enriched with strategies tailored for different niches, including gaming and beauty.
One of the standout features is the detailed advice on content strategy, from identifying trending topics to mastering the algorithm. TikTok’s new guides also delve into advanced techniques for engaging your audience, such as creating interactive content and using TikTok’s latest interactive tools like polls and quizzes. For gamers, this means more effective ways to showcase gameplay, share tips, and connect with your community.
Additionally, the platform now offers enhanced analytics to give you deeper insights into your audience’s behaviour. Understanding when your followers are most active and what type of content they engage with can help you optimise your posting schedule and content strategy.
Here is an example of the playbook they released for Beauty influencers.
A/B Thumbnail Testing on YouTube
YouTube remains a powerhouse for long-form content, and 2024 brings a feature many creators have long awaited: A/B thumbnail testing. This feature allows you to test different thumbnails for your videos to see which one performs better in terms of click-through rates (CTR).
Thumbnails are often the first impression viewers get of your video, making them crucial for driving views. With A/B testing, you can experiment with different designs, texts, and images to determine which resonates most with your audience. This can significantly increase your video’s visibility and engagement, crucial for both gaming and streaming content where competition is fierce.
Imagine being able to test a thumbnail that features a high-action shot from your latest gameplay video versus one that highlights your reaction. The data from these tests can provide valuable insights, allowing you to make data-driven decisions to optimise your content’s appeal.
Enhanced Community Interaction on YouTube
In addition to A/B thumbnail testing, YouTube is also enhancing its community interaction features. The platform is rolling out more robust community tab functionalities, including the ability to create and schedule posts that engage with your audience through polls, images, and GIFs. This feature is perfect for keeping your community engaged between uploads and fostering a more interactive relationship with your fans.
For streamers, these enhancements mean you can maintain engagement even when you’re not live. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, teasers for upcoming streams, or simply interacting with your audience through polls and questions can keep the momentum going and build a loyal community.
Personalised Content Recommendations
Social media algorithms are becoming smarter and more tailored to individual user preferences. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are investing heavily in AI to provide more personalised content recommendations. This means your content is more likely to reach users who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
For influencers, this personalisation translates to better targeting and higher engagement rates. Your content will be recommended to users who have shown interest in similar topics, increasing the likelihood of gaining new followers and boosting your overall visibility.
Cross-Platform Integration
2024 also marks a significant push towards better cross-platform integration. Social media giants are making it easier to share content seamlessly across different platforms. TikTok, for instance, now allows direct sharing of videos to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, making it easier to reach a broader audience without the hassle of re-uploading content.
For gamers and streamers, this means your highlights, tutorials, and live stream snippets can be effortlessly shared across your social media channels, maximising your reach and engagement.
Monetisation Opportunities
Finally, the new year brings enhanced monetisation opportunities. TikTok has introduced new ways for creators to earn, including expanded options for branded content and in-app purchases. YouTube is also increasing its focus on Super Chats and channel memberships, providing more avenues for creators to generate revenue.
As an influencer, these features offer more ways to turn your passion into profit. Whether through brand collaborations, fan donations, or exclusive content for paying members, there are more tools at your disposal to support your creative journey.
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