Mobile Trends During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Author: Kierra Shreffler
The COVID Pandemic Hit
As 2020 began, spirits were high from the new decade beginning. Shortly after 2.5 months, the COVID-19 Pandemic had started to spread around the globe affecting millions of individuals. Shortly after the pandemic reached numerous countries, governments mandated lockdown and quarantine, resulting in a spike in mobile usage. Many people looked to use their mobile phones as a source of entertainment and a way to socialize with family and friends while locked up in quarantine.
Popular mobile apps during quarantine:
These apps spiked and benefited the most during the pandemic due to consumer use.
Tik Tok
The mobile craze of the 2020 pandemic.
Tik Tok
During the beginning of the pandemic, Tik Tok was and still is one of the most-used apps on the market. With the ability to produce any type of video that is targeted towards audiences with the same interests as you, Tik Tok pulls the attention of users to pass loads of time on the app. The mobile app was perfect for quarantine due to all the free time on hand.
Challenges
Tik Tok introduced its users with many different challenges during the time of social isolation. Influencers had a tremendous impact on small creators of Tik Tok. Every few days a new dance challenge, or video challenge is pushed out to audiences, allowing users to attempt content of their own. These challenges allow users to have fun in their free time and socialize with other creators. Tik Tok has opened the door for many individuals with its For You Page, better known as the “fyp”.
The “For You Page”
The fyp allows small creators to have their videos pushed out to thousands of other accounts. This algorithm feature Tik Tok has given small creators is very beneficial. Some small creators or businesses have an opportunity to have their products and videos pushed out for free. During the pandemic, this gave small businesses a way to reach out and attempt to make money during the rough times of 2020.
Quarterly first-time downloads from 1st quarter 2017 to 1st quarter 2020
Quarterly Downloads from 2017-2020
Zoom & Google
Classroom
A new way of learning and socializing.
An Opportunity For Schools
Zoom began to grow as the pandemic spread over the globe. With social distancing rules being applied in schools, education systems were unable to accommodate the 6-foot social distancing rule due to lack of space in classrooms. Zoom gave schools an opportunity to provide learning in the safe environment of the students' home.
Mobile Zoom
Zoom is compatible on desktop and mobile. Teachers can lecture from their home office or school, and many students have the same option. Since Zoom is compatible with mobile devices, an increase of failing students is on the horizon. Students have the free will to join a class from almost anywhere, and with that being said, students are able to join class while in a car, or on a plane going on a vacation. These environments are not suitable for learning, and many kids are now failing and falling behind in classes. The at howe environment is also a distracting place to try and sit down to learn. The spike of students failing is concerning many individuals.
Socializing through Zoom
Many individuals found it easy to keep in contact with groups of friends over Zoom. Zoom is an easy, safe, and great place to gather with friends virtually.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom allows teachers and students to have a place where all the class information is stored. Classroom was utilized majorly along with Zoom during this pandemic. It allows for an easy accessible space for students to turn in assignments and tests.
Strava
Fitness and health during the pandemic.
What’s the deal with Strava?
Strava is a fitness app that can be downloaded onto mobile devices. Commonly used by runners, cyclists and swimmers can use the app as well. The app is simply connected to an individual’s GPS watch, which then is able to sync to the user’s profile on the app.
When in quarantine, free time was guaranteed, and many decided to exercise and get out of the house in which they were trapped in all day long. “What is the best way to track your activities?”… Through Strava!
The company noted that they had a massive increase in downloads in May 2020. A bursting 3.4 million downloads in May, set the record for the app.
Connect with others!
Strava holds a feature in which users are able to follow other users. This sets up challenges and competitions between individuals. With the feature of viewing other users' activities, it motivates others to get out and get exercise. Strava is a great way to share your workouts of the day and set goals for yourself and others. With an easily accessible platform, this mobile app is perfect for anywhere on the go!
References:
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/blog/blog-which-apps-benefitted-most-from-covid-19
https://www.marketingdive.com/news/covid-accelerated-mobile-trends-h1-2020/581297/ (used formatting from the homework article)
https://searchengineland.com/designing-content-mobile-first-index-280071#summary
https://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-marketing/tiktok-statistics/
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/03/how-zoom-rose-to-the-top-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic.html
https://blog.strava.com/galleries/being-active-during-the-covid-19-crisis/