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December 23, 2016

The Best and Worst of Social Media in 2016

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We’re all exhausted at Delucchi Plus. Our fingers hurt from tapping through the never-ending Stories. Some of us are going through quarter-life crises because the countless updates have us feeling really, really old. If you’re in the business of producing and managing social content, it’s been a wild ride in the year that was “Social.” So without further ado, here are our picks for the best and worst of social media in 2016.

Platform of the Year: Snapchat

Snapchat is on an incredible run, so it’s only fitting it takes the crown this year. It has completely revolutionized the social experience and changed how we watch and engage with sponsored content. Just ask Facebook – they’ve fully committed to the full-screen, vertical ad movement. Remember: you didn’t actually get married unless you had a Snapchat Geofilter at your wedding.

Let’s give a special shout-out to Instagram. For content teams around the globe, Instagram is the real MVP. It has slowed down Snapchat’s dominance with its own version of Stories and a boatload of other features — including an e-commerce platform — that have yet to fully roll out.

Worst Platform for Content: Twitter & LinkedIn

This vote was deadlocked 50/50, because both platforms are a bottomless pit for your digital marketing budget. If you’re a new brand, generating organic engagement can be almost impossible.

Best New Feature: Instagram Stories

“Instagram Stories, so I can stop feeling #old on Snapchat.” – Anonymous Delucchian

While the name for this new feature wasn’t original, the execution was brilliant. Facebook Live was a close #2 in the voting, but Instagram’s recent live-streaming update to its Stories feature put it over the top.

Most Nerve-Racking Feature: Facebook & Instagram Live

Don’t get us wrong – we love using this type of content, and live streaming is definitely cool. The notifications, however, have gotten out of control. I want to give an honorable mention to Facebook Ads Manager for being so glitchy and Instagram for your pesky account limit.

Coolest Brand on Social: Airbnb

Airbnb, which won the 2015 Shorty Award for Best Instagram Presence, almost doubled its following to 1.4 million users in 2016. If you’re trying to be productive at work, don’t visit Airbnb’s social channels. You will catch yourself daydreaming of a vacation in a Costa Rican bungalow. We had some good entries – all being vastly different from each other (Arby’s and National Geographic sounds like a pretty lean night, though).

“I have to tip my hat to Arby’s. They just get me.”

Best Place to Instagram in DC: Art Galleries & Sculpture Gardens

If you’ve lived in DC for more than a few months, you have most likely considered an Instagram next to the giant blue rooster or other colorful sculptures at the National Gallery of Art. The Renwick Gallery and Hirshhorn Museum are also great options if you’re trying to make your followers jealous with an artsy photo.

Influencer You Would Love to Chill w/

We can’t pick just one, so all of these influencers will have to share this coveted honor.

Best Snapchat Filter: Dog Face

“Dog ears, forever and always.”

It’s hard to argue against the Dog Snapchat Lens. It’s been the go-to filter for anyone and everyone. With that said, the sound of the tongue licking the screen still wakes me up in the middle of the night. While a large portion of America wants it to go away, there are a select few who will forever remain loyal.