Lindsey Komson

In the ever-evolving world of social media, content design plays a large role in whether a user will stop and read or scroll on to the next thing. Design is no longer a “nice to have” – staying up on trends is essential in capturing an audience’s attention and keeping them engaged. Now that we’ve entered a new year, it’s time to focus on the design trends that will set your content apart from the rest and let audiences know you’re paying attention to their interests. Whether you’re ready to experiment with pixelation, collaging, and/or 3D visuals, you’ll learn how to elevate your social media content for 2024.

1. Pixelation

What was once seen as an element made for retro game design is now taking the design world by storm. No longer confined to the Minecrafts of the world, pixelation is “now a creative choice for web design, animation, illustration, and branding,” according to Jukebox. While pixelated graphics look modern, they also evoke a feeling of comfort and nostalgia for those who played those classic computer games we all know and love. This trend is the perfect combination of modern and nostalgic, which is enough to make a user stop and think, therefore driving engagement.

To achieve a pixelated look for your social content, VistaPrint recommends using a digital/distorted typeface or adding a pixel and glitch effect to your design.

2. Collage

Did you put together scrapbooks when you were little? If so, think about the feeling of putting all those pieces together – paper, tape, photos, stickers, etc. – to create something you’ll remember forever. Similar to pixelation, collages provide a feeling of nostalgia to viewers, and they also provide an appealing aesthetic that can be presented with any and all color palettes. This trend has been gaining popularity as of late – Canva reported that searches for the terms “cut out” and “scrapbook” increased by 249% and 173%, respectively, in the year 2023. We’re going to see this trend increase in popularity even more this year, so it’s time to start including collages in your designs.

To add some collages into your social content, start by doing some research into what has performed well. Then, you can start arranging patterns, photos, stickers, and other elements into a captivating creation.

3. 3D Visuals

3D visuals were once reserved for people/companies that had access to a specialized 3D designer. Now, with new tools such as Illustrator’s “Inflate” feature, 3D design is beginning to become accessible to just about anyone with the software. Given the extreme amount of technological advancements in today’s world, it’s important to reflect those in your content. Planable explains that including hyper-realistic effects in your social media designs will not only reflect that, but also showcase your design team’s skill. VistaPrint praises 3D design, asserting that it “injects realism, energy and a playful spirit into artwork and typography, unlocking previously uncharted realms of expression.”

To make the most of your 3D visuals, experiment with all types of textures/materials, such as metallic shades, inflated type, chrome effects, and more.

Now that we’ve looked at 3 emerging design trends for 2024, it’s time to start incorporating them into your own social content. You, the creator, play an integral role in what makes audiences stop and engage on social media. The design world will keep evolving for sure, but having these 3 styles in your creative toolbox will allow for endless possibilities in 2024.