The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics have started and the world is of course following the results and cheering on their teams both through traditional and social media means. The time has finally come for athletes around the world to jump, ski, skate, and participate in the bobsled in Sochi, Russia.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICcsPHTJOUk[/youtube]
Even though the games have just started, we have experienced and witnessed some early social media (and crisis communications) trends already for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Here are a few elements I saw that caught my attention for social media professionals to pay attention to:
- Hello Instagram, Good bye Facebook for social media sites for must follows for the games: We have seen lists from everyone from Buzzfeed to others on must follow accounts for the Winter Olympic Games. It seems that FB was so 2008, and now we are seeing Instagram become not only a powerful visual platform, but the one where athletes, brands, and society are following for exclusive photos and visual stories from the games.
- Reporting exclusively first on Instagram: We have already seen reports and articles featuring the best pictures from the games. Yes, we still are seeing updates being featured of course on Twitter, but it’s interesting to see how this is developing and if this is going to be the trend for future 2014 events. Why is this the case? This article from Huffington Post talks about how certain Instagram accounts will “bring life” to Sochi – which is interesting and key to point out here.
- Sochi 2014 is Social indeed – showcasing both positive and negative events on social media: We have many ways to follow what is going on in the winter games for sure. We have seen lists about which accounts to follow and make sure to watch for sure, but we also have seen issues come up from the games, which brings up the next point I want to share.
- Social media has been the place to point out problems and issues: Can we say @SochiProblems? Pictures, stories, and updates from journalists to athletes showcasing what are some of the main issues and problems happening before and during games are being shared (and becoming viral) on social media. From pictures of hotel rooms that are not finished to other problems, there are stories and articles that have just covered this. In many ways, these are the events and actions that are taking up most of the attention for the Winter Games, and this of course causes a crisis for the organizers and other parties involved. Are they gone? Not really.
- Brands are utilizing event to engage in real-time marketing: Like most events, brands are actively engaged in sharing, cheering, and positioning their brand as part of the news of the games. Whether it is for particular athletes or teams, we are seeing the brands showcasing their position and message related to the event.
Several students wrote about their insights and thoughts regarding the Sochi 2014 Olympics. Here are some of the posts from students in #Freberg14:
Overall, the Sochi 2014 Winter Games are already showing some new trends and strategic practices for social media for brands and individuals to pay attention to for sure. Some are trends we have seen before, but others we need to evaluate and pay attention to. Wishing all of the USA team members, coaches, and support staff a safe and wonderful time in Sochi for the Winter Olympic Games. Go USA!
Hope you all are having a great day.
Best Wishes,
Karen
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