Dive Brief: 

• Forrester Research has released the Predictions 2015: Social Media Grows Up report with insight to how social media will mature.
• Branded communities will allegedly be making a comeback as marketers become less satisfied with social media networks and find the value in running their own forums. 
• Forrester points out three main benefits of branded communities: drive greater brand reach, convert prospects into customers, and cement existing relationships. 

Dive Insight: 

The report points out that innovation and change in social media is slowing down, so the progress in the industry is moving laterally instead of forward. Now, only time will tell if branded communities are going to be the trend in the coming year. As more brands aim to cater to niche audiences—as opposed to the general public—it does make sense that brand communities will rise in prominence.