Imagine a single social media post igniting a movement, captivating millions, and redefining a brand’s identity. In 2024, Calvin Klein achieved this with their campaign featuring Jeremy Allen White, star of FX’s “The Bear.” This collaboration generated over $74 million in social impressions within 48 hours. Yes, that’s the power of social media trends.
Or, we could talk about Taylor Swift’s era’s tour. Oh, so many reels, made on her latest songs.
2025 presents brands with a lot of opportunities to connect with audiences. Let’s explore social media trends you’ll see everyone following.
1. AI-Generated Content Taking Over Social Media Trends
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming the most important ingredient in content creation. Brands are using AI to produce personalized, engaging content. Brands that adopted AI-generated content experienced a significant boost in engagement metrics.
For instance, companies utilizing AI saw a 20% increase in click-through rates due to more personalized content delivery.
It helps resonate with their target audiences and (of course) leads to audience engagement.
How to Implement AI-Generated Content:
- Adopt AI Content Creation Tools: Use platforms like Copy.ai or Jasper to generate tailored content efficiently.
- Analyze Audience Data: Employ AI analytics to understand consumer preferences and create content that aligns with their interests.
- Automate Routine Tasks: Implement AI to handle repetitive tasks such as scheduling posts. It allows your team to focus on creative strategies.
Pro Tip: While AI enhances efficiency, ensure a human touch remains to maintain authenticity and emotional connection with your audience.
2. Merging Shopping with Social Engagement
The convergence of social media and e-commerce, known as social commerce, has streamlined the purchasing process, making it more interactive and engaging.
Fashion brands like Fashion Nova have effectively used social commerce by integrating shopping features into their Instagram profiles. It results in increased sales and customer engagement.
Or, we can talk about how a skincare or makeup brand Huda or Kylie, making rounds on social media whenever they launch a new makeup/skincare product. Oh, the amount of reshares, reels, and user engagement it creates. It’s oh-so-amazing
Key Insights:
- Market Expansion: The global social media advertising market is projected to reach $256.5 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of social commerce
. - Consumer Behavior: Internet users utilize social media platforms to research products. That’s why, you need a strong social media presence.
Actionable Steps:
- Enable In-App Purchases: Integrate shopping features directly into your social media profiles to provide a seamless buying experience.
- Utilize Shoppable Posts: Create posts with direct links to product pages. This helps reduce friction in the customer journey.
3. Micro-Influencers: Creating Authentic Connections
Collaborating with micro-influencers—individuals with smaller, highly engaged audiences—offers brands authenticity and targeted reach.
In 2024, brands like Nike and Netflix dominated influencer-driven conversations by collaborating with influencers, enhancing their reach and engagement
Key Insights:
- Higher Engagement Rates: Micro-influencers often achieve higher engagement rates compared to macro-influencers due to their close-knit communities.
- Cost-Effective Partnerships: Brands find collaborations with micro-influencers to be more budget-friendly. It helps yield significant returns.
Actionable Steps:
- Identify Niche Influencers: Partner with influencers whose followers align closely with your target demographic.
- Foster Genuine Relationships: Develop long-term collaborations to maintain authenticity and deepen audience trust.
4. The Rise of Private Communities & Exclusive Groups for Audience Engagement
Public social media feeds are crowded, noisy, and competitive. In 2025, brands are shifting towards private, tight-knit communities to increase audience engagement.
Why Private Groups Work
Higher Engagement Rates: People interact more in closed, exclusive spaces.
Brand Loyalty & Trust: Members feel like part of an “inner circle.”
Direct Sales & Conversions: Exclusive groups create FOMO (fear of missing out).
How to Build a Private Community for Social Media Trends in 2025
1. Create a VIP WhatsApp or Discord Group
- Offer early product access, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Example: Gymshark’s WhatsApp community shares exclusive fitness tips.
2. Turn Instagram Close Friends Into a Marketing Strategy
- Offer exclusive content only to Close Friends.
- Example: Fashion brands give early access to new drops for their Close Friends list.
3. Facebook & LinkedIn Groups for B2B Engagement
- Businesses create niche communities (marketing, finance, crypto, etc.)
- Example: HubSpot’s LinkedIn group for marketers shares industry insights and free resources.
5. How ‘Edutainment’ Content is Driving Audience Engagement Like Never Before
People don’t just want content. They want to be entertained while learning. Yes, that’s what creates social media trends and floods your Instagram with viral content.
This is why “Edutainment” (education + entertainment) is one of the most powerful social media trends of 2025.
Why It’s So Effective
- Short-form educational content gets 3x more shares than traditional content.
- Platforms prioritize engaging, high-retention content (TikTok, Instagram Reels).
- Audiences retain 95% of the information when they learn through videos.
How to Use ‘Edutainment’ in Your Marketing Strategy
1. Make Learning Fun with Quick-Edits & Humor
- Use trending sounds, pop culture references, and storytelling.
- Example: Duolingo’s TikTok strategy combines humor and language learning.
2. Use Infographics & Carousels for Quick Insights
- Carousel posts simplify complex topics into easy-to-swipe content.
- Example: Finance influencers use Instagram carousels to explain investing tips.
3. Leverage Interactive Content (Polls, Quizzes, AR Filters)
- Example: Sephora’s AR filter lets users ‘try on’ makeup virtually.
6. How to Leverage ‘Social Commerce’ as a Core Marketing Strategy
Social media is no longer just for engagement. Now, it’s a full-fledged shopping platform. In 2025, more than 50% of online purchases will happen directly on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Your social media trends game should be really really strong.
Why Social Commerce is a Game-Changer
- Fewer Clicks = Higher Conversions: Customers buy without leaving the app.
- Live Shopping Events Drive Impulse Buys: Influencers sell in real-time.
- Shoppable Posts Turn Content Into Cash: No need for a website.
How to Optimize Social Commerce for 2025
1. Set Up Instagram & TikTok Shops
- Tag products directly in posts & stories.
- Example: Kylie Cosmetics’ TikTok Shop sells out in hours.
2. Host Live Shopping Events
- Go live on Instagram/TikTok, showcase products, and offer limited-time deals.
- Example: Amazon Live streams with influencers boost real-time sales.
3. Use AI-Powered Personalization
- Platforms recommend products based on user behavior.
- Example: Amazon’s AI-driven social commerce suggests products based on browsing history.
7. Why Short-Form Video is No Longer Optional in 2025
Short-form video is king in 2025. If your brand isn’t creating Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts, you’re missing out on massive audience engagement.
Why Video Dominates Social Media Trends
- Videos under 60 seconds get 200% more engagement than static posts.
- Short-form videos hold attention longer—higher retention rates mean better conversions.
- Instagram’s Algorithm Prioritizes Video Over Images.
How to Dominate Short-Form Video in 2025
1. Use AI Editing Tools to Speed Up Content Creation
- AI tools like CapCut, Runway ML, and Descript make editing easy.
2. Optimize for Silent Viewing
- 85% of videos are watched on mute, so add auto-generated captions.
3. Follow the ‘Hook in 3 Seconds’ Rule
- Start with a bold statement or question to keep viewers watching.
- Example: MrBeast’s videos hook users instantly with high-energy intros.
Social media is evolving faster than ever. To stay ahead, you need the right marketing strategies, AI-powered insights, and audience engagement techniques.
Want to dominate social media trends in 2025? Brandtonics can help you. Reach out and we can help create a powerful social media marketing strategy that gives you audience engagement.
FAQs
Q1: What are the biggest social media trends in 2025?
The top social media trends in 2025 include AI-driven content creation, private communities, short-form videos, social commerce, and edutainment. AI tools help automate engagement, while brands use exclusive groups to foster loyalty. Social commerce turns platforms into shopping hubs, and engaging, educational content is now a must. Staying ahead requires adapting to these innovations for better reach and conversions.
Q2: How can businesses use AI to improve social media marketing?
Businesses can leverage AI for automated content creation, predictive analytics, and smart chatbots. AI-powered tools generate captions, analyze engagement trends, and suggest posting times. Automated customer service through AI chatbots enhances responsiveness, while AI-driven ad targeting improves conversions. By incorporating AI, brands can personalize content, save time, and maximize audience engagement, making marketing efforts more efficient and data-driven.
Q3: Why are private communities becoming a key social media trend?
Private communities offer exclusive engagement, fostering stronger brand loyalty and higher interaction rates. Platforms like WhatsApp, Discord, and Facebook Groups allow brands to create VIP spaces for their audience. Businesses share early access deals, behind-the-scenes content, and personalized support, increasing trust and direct sales. As organic reach declines, private groups help maintain meaningful relationships with followers in a more controlled, engaged environment.
Q4: What is social commerce, and how can brands use it?
Social commerce refers to selling products directly through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Instead of redirecting customers to external websites, brands can now enable in-app purchases, host live shopping events, and tag products in posts. This trend boosts conversions by simplifying the buying process. Businesses leveraging social commerce in 2025 will see higher engagement, impulse purchases, and direct revenue from their audience.
Q5: How important is short-form video for social media marketing in 2025?
Short-form video is critical in 2025, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominating user engagement. Videos under 60 seconds achieve higher retention and are favored by algorithms. To succeed, brands should create fast-paced, attention-grabbing content with captions and interactive elements. AI tools simplify video editing, making it easier to produce high-quality content. Ignoring short-form video means missing out on massive reach and brand growth.
