Rising Graphic Design trends in Social Media

Through daily consumption, it’s easy to miss how the aesthetics of social media posts change over time. However, I can guarantee if you look at an Instagram post from 10 years ago it will give you the ick. It will be the same for your personal profiles, your favorite brands, and your most liked influencer. That’s because graphic design trends are in constant motion and they reflect cultural moments, politics, technology, and more generally, what’s going on in the world around us.

We know how hard it is to keep on top of the trends, in fact, 90% of creatives agree that design trends are evolving faster than ever before. So, we’re going to share the hottest social media design trends of 2021 to enable you to incorporate them into your social media strategy. By the time you’ve finished reading you’ll know exactly how to elevate your social aesthetic with designs that resonate.

FLAT ILLUSTRATIONS :

Gone are the days when if you didn't have access to a professional photographer, your only choice was stock photos.

Illustrations come in so many different styles and variations that it's virtually impossible not to find one that matches your business. However, when it comes to something "trendy" there is no way around flat illustrations.

For example, take a look at these colorful illustrations created for the 2016 NatWest bank rebranding. While they add a touch of youth and modernity to the bank's image, the clean, flat design style maintains a sense of professionalism and a more “corporate” look suited to this type of corporate branding.

TEXT-HEAVY VIDEOS :

What type of content works best on social media? There is no doubt: the videos. Most consumers (64%) have made a purchase after viewing branded videos and social media videos and generate 1200% more shares on social media than text and image content combined!

However, renting a studio or professional video equipment can be very expensive. Video editing is a tricky thing, although to be honest there is a ton of video editing software for beginners out there, some of which can even be used for free!

A great way to create compelling video ads without breaking the bank is by moving graphics. Graphic design in motion refers to any type of design that includes moving images: from animated logos and moving text to 3D animation.

How-to videos are great and can be done very well with text and simple graphic design on the go. Indeed, according to a Wyzowl survey, 96% of consumers make a purchase after seeing an explanatory video.

Here's a good example of Slack. While they probably have the design resources to create much more complex video ads, this simple video pitch works great for a variety of reasons. First: it looks genuine. a company that identifies municipalities and problems; not to defame the competition, but simply to take an interest in a common problem of internal communication within companies/organizations. Two: it's backed up by data. This is where the text rich video works great. As you are presented with key information in audio and visual format, you are more likely to remember it. Finally, it provides a solution. This great structure and simple and accessible themes and language make it very impactful.

MUTED COLOR PALETTES :

For the better part of 2020, we were all stuck indoors, but the thing that really helped most people’s mental health was getting out into nature. For that reason natural materials and repurposed outdoor spaces are dominant design trends in 2021. When it comes to design, this is perhaps reflected in muted color palettes that lend designs a more soothing, “organic” look. Neutral colors such as white, grey or cream will help designs “breathe” and are often more pleasing to the eye than aggressive bright colors.

Web designers know that these color schemes can help ensure a positive user experience, as the white space allows visitors to concentrate on important points and take away key information.

RETRO PSYCHEDELIC :

Thanks to all the “back to nature” moments that took place over the past year, some styles associated with the hippie culture of the 60s and 70s are making a comeback.

We will see much more of the psychedelic aesthetic of the 60s, as a way to show freedom, creativity and to explore new frontiers in graphic design. Of course, any good designer or creative director knows that it's not just about copying what has been done in the past. For example, you'll notice that many of these modern designs have softer color combinations than the originals, include elements from different eras, or give psychedelic designs a more understated look, reflecting our modern affinity for minimalist styles.