# Integrated Social Services and retailers turn to social media platforms as unique business models. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 19, 2016 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/integrated-social ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Integrated Social trend? **Integrated Social:** As social media becomes increasingly ingrained into consumer lifestyles, businesses are taking that into account by creating social media-specific platforms and services. Creating payment platforms and business models that are built upon platforms like Snapchat, brands are seeking to not only use social media and online influencers as a marketing tool, but rather integrate this type of digital engagement into the very core of their business. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 31, 2015 to May 4, 2017 - Published: Jul 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Integrated Social trend ### Social Media-Specific Business Models Businesses are integrating social media engagement into the core of their business models to appeal to consumers' growing preference for online shopping and connection. ### Influencer Marketing Brands are partnering with social media influencers to create more humanized and niche shopping experiences and generate buzz around their products. ### Instant Gratification Shopping Apps and features that allow users to shop directly from their social media feeds and claim in-store rewards via QR codes are satisfying consumers' need for instant gratification and convenience. ## What the Integrated Social trend means for industry ### For Retail Innovative social media-specific business models and influencer marketing are changing the face of traditional retail. ### For Marketing and Advertising Snapchat-only ad agencies and the rise of influencer marketing are disrupting traditional advertising methods. ### For Technology Apps that facilitate instant gratification shopping and QR code reward systems are driving innovation in the technology industry. ## Workshop question What social media platform would your brand work best on to launch a new arm of your business? Consider content creators, a marketing campaign, shopping apps etc. ## Trend signals for Integrated Social Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 73% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Integrated Social trend 6 featured examples from Jul 31, 2015 to May 4, 2017. - [Snapchat-Only Ad Agencies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naritiv): Naritiv is the World's First Snapchat-Specific Advertising Agency (Category: Tech) Implication: Snapchat-specific advertising agencies offer unique opportunities for companies to build brand awareness and reach younger audiences through engaging and ephemeral content. - [Photo-Based Retail Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-clothing-retailer): This Online Clothing Retailer is Using Snapchat to Sell Its Products (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers in the fashion industry are experimenting with new ways to engage younger customers and increase sales. - [Immediate Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-september): Project September Allows Shoppers to Click an Image to Buy (Category: Tech) Implication: Image-based shopping apps like Project September are tailor-made for the fashion and apparel industry, allowing customers to easily browse and purchase fashion items with minimal… - [Social Media eCommerce Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-shopping): 'SnapMe' Enables Instagram Shopping Directly from a Feed (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can use SnapMe to harness the power of Instagram shopping. - [Blogger Payment Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rewardstyle): The RewardStyle Platform Helps Influencers Make Money from Social Media (Category: Tech) Implication: E-commerce businesses can connect with influencers and utilize platforms like RewardStyle to drive sales and increase brand visibility. - [QR Code Reward Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-store-rewards): This Facebook Feature Helps Shoppers Claim In-Store Rewards Via QR Codes (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers are adopting QR code reward systems to enhance the in-store shopping experience for their customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)