Top Social Moments for Brands and Creators in 2021

social media manager, juggling many tasks

It's the most wonderful time of the year for...top lists! And some of our favorites come from the most popular social media platforms and entities. You probably saw many friends share their annual Spotify Wrapped lists last week, and it certainly peaks a communicator's curiosity to see what else is trending in the digital world. What content is working? What is resonating with users in 2021? Let's find out.

Twitter

Love it or hate it, Twitter provides an outlet for the public to discuss topics trending in breaking news, sports, culture and more. Brands continue to have success on the platform for product launches and live events. And it should be interesting to follow the direction of the company in the coming year, particularly after the announcement of a new CEO. Twitter Marketing recently released its “Best of Tweets” 2021 edition, honoring the top creative and engaging uses of the platform. Here are the selections most popular with users this year. (These picks were based on algorithms tailored to each category, the company says. Brands were ranked by total mentions, likes, Retweets, Quote Tweets, replies and views). 

Most popular brand Tweet:

@nickjr 

Most Tweeted about brand:

@disneyplus

Most Tweeted brand hashtag:

@NintendoAmerica, #NintendoSwitch

Twitter also provided a list of the most popular brand handles per vertical. Some included @FortniteGame for tech, @McDonalds for dining, @Delta for travel and @Toyota for auto. 

TikTok

TikTok continues to grow. In 2021, more than one billion people turned to Tiktok “to be entertained, find and share joy with others, and learn new things,” the company said. 

@tiktokJoin us as we celebrate the trends, moments and movements that made 2021-of-a-kind. Thank you for being part of the ##YearOnTikTok !♬ Year On TikTok 2021 - TikTok

And while TikTok may be most popular when utilized for entertainment or product awareness, it’s only a matter of time before brands figure out targeted ways to stimulate commerce.  TikTok says, “Home, beauty, and gadgets were among the categories that sparked shopping trends and 'community commerce' conversations this year.”

Check out products in the United States that benefitted most from the platform in 2021. 

GAP's brown hoodie  

@ayyyrorai’m praying it fits right #greenscreen #browngaphoodie #fyp #NeverStopExploring♬ Cartoon Eye Blinking Sound - Anna

Kate Spade's heart-shaped bag  

@lilatroni really thought i did something here #heartpurse #katespade #sale♬ original sound - leelee

Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey  

@itsjessicajazminhow does it know what my natural tones are !? I need answers @clinique #blackhoney♬ Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris


Squishmallows  

@imdatingfrogArmy🐸✊#squishmallows #squishmallow #squishtok #frogsquishmallow #squishmallowsquad #frog #frogs #organize #prideanthems #tiktokmademebuyit♬ Castaways - The Backyardigans


Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye 

@trinidad1967♬ original sound - user3761092853451

Giphy

One of the most visible when it comes to brand activations, Giphy continues to delight users through many platforms. And during a time when emotions run extremely high, Giphy provides the relatability, comfort and digital refuge we all need.

  1. “Bored Stanley” by The Office

via GIPHY

2. “Tired Tom” by HBO Max

via GIPHY

3. “Oh No” by The Great British Bake Off

via GIPHY

4. “Sad Pikachu” by Pokemon

via GIPHY

5. “Kathryn Hahn Winking” by Disney+

via GIPHY

YouTube

YouTube remains one of the top social media platforms measured by users' time on site. A report from app analytics firm App Annie says as of June 2021, users watched 22 hours and 40 minutes of YouTube content per month. There’s something for everyone and it blends a great variety of brands and personal creators. Check out the most viewed videos uploaded in 2021, and what resonates with users. 

  1. MrBeast: I Spent 50 Hours Buried Alive

2. Dream: Minecraft Speedrunner VS 5 Hunters

3. Mark Rober: Glitterbomb Trap Catches Phone Scammer (who gets arrested)

4. NFL: The Weeknd's FULL Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

5. CoryxKenshin: Friday Night Funkin' KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER (Part 2)

​​Nicole Schuman is senior editor for PRNEWS. Follow her @buffalogal