10 Social Media Trends to Look Out for in 2025

It’s no secret that social media has reshaped how we connect, create, and consume content. Did you know that [5.17 billion](https://backlinko.com/social-media-users) people use social media worldwide? That’s around 64% of the world’s global population! Experts predict this number will grow to more than [6 billion social media users by 2028](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/). According to the Global Web Index, the average number of social media platform users aged 16+ access regularly every month is [6.7](https://backlinko.com/social-media-users) worldwide.

Social media has evolved very quickly, and businesses need to stay updated with key trends that are influencing the digital landscape. Here are 10 trends to look out for as we move into 2025.

#### 1) AI-Driven Content Creation

AI continues to revolutionize how we produce content, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalization, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. According to [Darrell Alfonso](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), director of marketing strategy & operations at Indeed.com, > “The ability to generate high-quality content fast, and at scale, is changing the game for marketers.”

Nowadays, many marketing teams are leveraging generative AI to focus on content creation and enhancements, especially for short-form content like social media. It reduces the creative barrier, allowing marketers to focus on strategy and value rather than spending hours on execution.

Related article: [Crafting Compelling Content with AI](https://meetotis.com/blog/crafting-compelling-content-with-ai)]

#### 2) The Rise of Niche-Influencers

Influencer marketing has been a huge part of social media, its [value more than tripled since 2019](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), and will continue to grow, but with a sharper focus on analytics and authenticity. In 2025, we will see a rise in micro and nano influencers, who gain higher engagement rates and niche audiences.

 ###### [Image Source](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/)

According to [Jenny Li Fowler](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), director of social media strategy at MIT,

> “Unlike broad influencers or celebrities who appeal to a wide audience, niche influencers target a particular segment of the population with content related to a specific topic, hobby, or industry.”

This relates to the concept of “[1,000 True Fans](https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/)”, written by Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of Wired Magazine, in 2008. He argued that creators can thrive with a dedicated following of 1,000 true fans who are passionate about their work, rather than needing millions of casual viewers.

Although micro-influencers reach a smaller audience, they are more engaged and share a strong interest in the specialized content or community. And now, more brands and institutions are starting to recognize their intrinsic value and want to collaborate with them.

#### 3) Social Commerce Becomes the Norm

Shopping directly within social media apps is now essential, with nearly [50% of US consumers](https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/nearly-half-of-us-consumers-say-they-have-made-a-purchase-through-social-media/) making purchases on these platforms. Its convenience creates a seamless, immersive buying experience, eliminating friction and connecting discovery to purchase in one step.


###### [Image source](https://wwd.com/feature/facebook-to-test-shopping-section-10259838/)

[Christina Stewart-Harfmann](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), adjunct instructor of digital marketing at Florida Atlantic University and founder of the Happy Family Blog, states that,

> “The integration of shopping capabilities directly on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has already taken off, but it will explode by 2025.”

[In 2024 alone](https://www.sellerscommerce.com/blog/ecommerce-statistics/#:~:text=Facebook%20and%20Instagram%20are%20the,on%20the%20platform%20this%20year.), 67.8 million people from the US are expected to shop on Facebook, 45.3 million shoppers on Instagram, and 35.8 million shoppers on TikTok. Even Pinterest expects 17.5 million people to shop on the platform this year.

#### 4) Producing Zero-Click Content

[Zero-click content](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/) refers to content that offers valuable insight or engaging material without having to click on anything. For example, Twitter/X thread, a LinkedIn post, or a TikTok video that doesn’t require a click to learn more.

> “It’s about giving your audience value right where they are. People don’t want to click through to a website to get insights — they want it now”, says Darrell Alfonso.

 ###### [Image source](https://fmgsuite.com/insights/zero-click-content-strategy/)

Social media is already overwhelming as is, consumers don’t want to click through things to get value, and in this way, zero-click content prioritizes the user’s experience.

#### 5) Short-Form Video Evolution

Short-form videos have continued to dominate as one of the top social media trends in 2025. With Vine’s claim to fame for its six-second looping videos in 2013, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have taken advantage of this media movement. TikTok alone has [nearly doubled its monthly users from 2020 to 2024](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), now holding the fifth most popular social media network in the world.

It is effective because it captures attention quickly and encourages higher engagement rates.

> “It’s particularly effective for brand storytelling, product demonstrations, and user-generated content,” says Stewart-Harfmann.

Marketers must invest in high-quality video production tools and talent, and stay agile to quickly adapt to the latest editing, sounds, and algorithms.

#### 6) But Don’t Forget About Long-Form Content

There’s a [cyclical nature to short and long-form content](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/). People get fatigued by one format and begin to want the opposite, it’s a cycle that happens all the time!

> “We’ve seen consumers get addicted to short-form content — TikToks, Reels, etc. — but as attention spans start to crave depth, I think we’ll see a shift back toward more substantive, long-form content,” Darrell Alfonso explains.

So it’s important to have a balance of both as consumers want both types of content depending on where they are in the buyer's journey. You can capitalize on: - -Blog posts - -Webinars - -Podcasts - -Ebooks - -Whitepapers - -Research reports - -Video tutorials

#### 7) Data-Backed Personalization

With all the different types of content out there, people want personalized content from the brands they interact with. A Deloitte report stated that [75%](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/) of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that deliver personalized experiences. However, getting personalization right can be difficult, which is why you need to understand customer priorities. That’s where data comes in.

> “Start collecting and analyzing customer data to personalize every touchpoint in your customer journey,” recommended Stewart-Harfmann.

AI has helped revolutionize the personalization experience by automating data analysis allowing for more targeted predictions of consumer needs and behavior. Expect algorithms to deliver content, ads, and recommendations that feel tailor-made for individual users, enhancing engagement and driving more meaningful interactions. Many brands have already invested in generative AI to support hyper-personalization.

#### 8) The Shift to LinkedIn

A platform that has been in talks to be a primary platform is LinkedIn. According to marketing experts like Fowler, it seems as though LinkedIn is slowly becoming the platform of choice for [organic, in-the-moment conversations](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/).

 ###### [Image source](https://buttercms.com/blog/what-is-microblogging/)

Fowler believes this conversation started when Elon Musk bought Twitter and rebranded to X,

> “There was a lot of chatter among social media professionals and users about which micro-blogging platform would replace X”.

It’s not that they’re leaving X, but more of the content and engagement that was once seen on Twitter/X is now becoming present on LinkedIn.

#### 9) Utilizing Email Newsletters

Email newsletters are seeing a big increase in subscribers and revenue growth. A survey from [Storydoc](https://www.storydoc.com/blog/email-marketing-statistics) found that 90% of Americans subscribe to at least one newsletter, with 74% saying they subscribe to between one and 10.

A benefit of newsletters is that it gives businesses a direct, algorithm-free way to engage with people. > “With social platforms constantly shifting, email is becoming the most reliable way to build and maintain relationships with your audience,” says Alfonso.

So start building your contact lists now, don’t be afraid to experiment with content formats, and be consistent.

#### 10) Use User-Generated Content (UGC)

Consumers [trust content created by other users over branded ads](https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/10-social-media-trends-you-cant-ignore/), making user-generated content (UGC) one of the most effective ways to advertise. One recent survey found that [99%](https://www.cardrates.com/news/consumers-rely-on-online-reviews-study/) of surveyed consumers rely on online reviews before they make a purchase.

> “UGC serves as social proof, showcasing real-world applications and authentic experiences with products or services,” says Stewart-Harfmann.

UGC is especially powerful in industries such as fashion, travel, and food. The reason it is so impactful is that it uses storytelling to build deeper connections with audiences. People share their personal experiences and create a more authentic narrative that resonates with audiences. Moreover, not only does it drive higher engagement, but also reduces content creation costs for brands.

#### Conclusion: What These Trends Mean for Businesses and Creators

Staying ahead of social media trends requires adaptability and a willingness to experiment. By embracing these shifts, brands and creators can foster deeper connections with their audiences, remain competitive, and unlock new growth opportunities.

The future of social media is vibrant and full of potential. Are you ready to leap into 2025?