With over 1.4 billion monthly active users, Instagram remains one of the most active social media platforms, surpassing even TikTok, which has just over a billion monthly active users. 23.1% of people over the age of 13 worldwide use Instagram.
With such a huge user base, it’s completely normal for Instagram trends to come and go as the platform is constantly learning to cater to its users and especially the Gen-Z generation who basically dictate social media trends.
However, there are some long-term Instagram trends that have flourished in recent years and will continue to grow in 2023 and possibly beyond. Trends like authentic content and activism are more than fleeting Instagram likes and reflect the direction the world is headed in the wake of a pandemic, war, and at least a bunch of social issues that have emerged and re-emerged in recent years.
In this blog post, we share more about these types of Instagram trends that you should definitely look out for in 2023.
Trend 1: Recycle, Reuse, Reconstruct
In 2023, the creative designs of Generation Z plan to take fashion into their own hands. Sustainability is a key issue for Generation Z. As climate concerns increase, DIY clothing offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
More than half of the Gen Z respondents said they plan to make their own clothes in 2023. Gen Z consumers are not immune to rising costs, and in 2023, more Gen Z consumers plan to save money on their clothes. When asked what they would do when, items of clothing are out of budget, more than a quarter of Gen Z shoppers turn to thrift.
Trend 2: Climate and Expressive Beauty
For Generation Z, makeup and beauty products are a form of self-expression. More Gen Z consumers are likely to use makeup to express their personality than to enhance their beauty. You can expect Gen Z experimental and expressive makeup throughout.
The impact of climate change is driving Gen Z shoppers to buy protective skincare and beauty products. Two out of three Gen Z shoppers plan to buy skincare or beauty products that protect from extreme weather and sun. Issues such as increasing air pollution and strong UV rays increase climate-resistant products.
Trend 3: The Financial Renaissance
Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z plan to use social media to make money in 2023. Content creation isn’t just for full-time content creators. 6% of Gen Z social media users plan to monetize a project this year. Financial literacy is a key skill for them.
Generation Z is known for its initiative, and financial skills are a sure way to accelerate success. More than 85% of Gen Z plan to acquire a new skill in 2023, and one in 4, teenage social media users want to improve their skills in finance.
2023 is the year of the side hustle. Teens are turning their passion projects into income generators on Instagram. While a significant portion of Gen Z hopes to make money on Instagram, nearly half of the creators say they create content to express themselves and have fun.
Trend 4: Creator Trends: Community & Participation
Personal experiences create a community between content creators and Gen Z fans. We can explain it with the fact that Gen Z social media users are eager to bring their digital relationships to life.
Nearly a third of Gen Z users expect in-person experiences, like creator meet and greets with their favorite influencers. In 2023, mixed media will dominate content production.
The next generation expects their favorite influencers to spread into new forms of media. For example, in 2023, more than 40% of Gen Zers want to hear podcasts from popular social media creators
Trend 5: Your 2023 Dating Profile
Generation Z is breaking the ice online. More than half of Gen Z social media users say they are more likely to feel vulnerable online or through their text messages than in person.
On Instagram, ‘s DMs and messages continue to fuel connections and conversations between a friend and love interests. IG is a new dating app. Gone are the days of endless swiping through dating apps.
In 2023, Generation Z will use platforms such as IG to date and connect. No need to swipe left or right. DMs and messages offer more transparent, honest, and direct communication. works with memes.
Nearly half of Gen Z social media users said yes when asked if they would send a meme as the first message of a match on the dating app. However, 39% of the respondents said they disliked memes less if they disliked them.
Trend 6: Taking Action
By 2023, the majority of Gen Z will be shopping to support causes close to their hearts. Generation Z is the activist generation. In 2023, more Gen Z members will use their money to support causes and communities.
Members of Gen Z have strong political points of view. As more young Americans reach voting age, expect increased visibility and activism for political issues which Gen Z is passionate about.
In 2022, Maxwell Frost became the first Gen Z politician elected to the US Congress.
Disability advocacy is a leading issue for Gen Z. Three out of four Gen Z social media users want to follow an influencer who has a disability. Expect more members of the next-gen to engage with creators who advocate for those with intellectual or physical disabilities.
We at Spread It are ready to help you grow your business with the help of digital marketing on Instagram! Let’s get in touch and arrange a short free meeting to set the direction of our joint work.
