The Top 3 Mobile Marketing Trends of 2016

In the marketing world, companies and brands are going to take content and the consumer experience to a new level of engagement and immersion in 2016. Here are three tools that will set new benchmarks for marketing in the mobile world.

1 Live Streaming Video

The first mobile marketing trend that will inevitably be explored more actively by marketers will incorporate live streaming video technologies through mobile apps and social media platforms. Live video streaming isn’t exactly a newly discovered tool, platforms such as the Periscope app, YouTube and Twitch have millions of users. However, there are only a small handful of companies who have already delivered stunning results. A great example of this Jimmy Fallon’s use of Periscope to entice his fans by showing special, one-off “behind-the-scenes” looks of his life. Using live streaming video technologies will help marketers humanize their brand by offering exclusive, ephemeral experiences to their audiences.

2 Virtual Reality and 360 Video

2016 will be a particularly exciting time for 360 video producers who will be able to effectively take their audiences captive and show them a whole new dimension of storytelling. Users will be able to walk through brand activation-like experiences without taking a single step away from their phone screens. With virtual reality devices like Google Cardboard and other consumer-level entry headsets, 360 video and virtual reality are going to become main players on the mobile marketing front. While quality and cost are still a barrier to entry for publishers, there’s an opportunity for early adopters to get into this realm and create stunning, immersive experiences for their customers.

3 Mobile First, Always

Despite apps and new technologies that are combined with a smartphone to market a product to a user, the emphasis to have a mobile-friendly website and strategy will be even more important in 2016. With Google’s ever-changing algorithm to favor responsiveness, marketers will have to focus on mobile friendly sites that look good no matter what device they’re viewed from.

All of the mobile marketing trends of 2016 can be leveraged to promote new product launches, live interviews or Q & A sessions with influencers or brand personalities.  The new year of marketing will be an exciting one!