Let’s be real – social media never stays the same for long.
What worked last year might not cut it this year, and keeping up with the fast-moving trends can feel overwhelming.
Here’s the thing—understanding the shifts in social media strategy is CRUCIAL if you want to grow your brand, connect with your audience, and stay ahead of your competitors. With more than 5 billion people actively using social media (set to hit 6 billion by 2028) there’s a massive opportunity here if you know where to focus.
So, how can you stay on top of things and leverage the platforms the right way?
That’s where we come in.
We thought we’d walk you through some of the biggest social media trends that are emerging—and those with staying power—that will likely define the landscape in 2025.
These are the strategies that can take your brand to the next level…
1. AI-Generated Content
AI is no longer just the future—it’s here, and it’s shaking up content creation across the board.
One of the game-changers is how AI can craft personalized, data-driven content that resonates with users. You can use AI to generate custom messaging for different segments of your audience, ensuring your content hits the mark with more accuracy.
But don’t get it twisted—AI isn’t replacing creativity.
Instead, it’s a tool that enhances your creativity by handling the time-consuming tasks, letting you focus on the fun, human side of content creation.
If you haven’t started using AI for your social media strategy yet, now’s the time to give it a shot – but don’t rely on it completely. Human touch and creativity is still very much a must-have when it comes to creating content (for any audience) in 2025.
2. Micro-Influencers
Influencer marketing isn’t exactly new, but it’s how brands are using influencers that’s changing.
The era of mega-influencers with millions of followers is still here – we’re not denying that – but we’re seeing a major shift toward micro-influencers—creators with smaller, niche followings (think 1,000 to 100,000 followers).
Why?
Because they tend to have a much more engaged and loyal audience.
These influencers might not have the same reach as a celebrity, butttttt their followers trust them deeply and see them as far more “real”.
Their content often feels more genuine and relatable, and that’s worth more than gold for brands, because people don’t want to feel like they’re being influenced.
By collaborating with micro-influencers, your brand can tap into specific communities that care about what you’re offering – the right micro-influencer can introduce your brand to the perfect audience.
The key here is authenticity.
Micro-influencers are often more selective about the brands they work with, so if you can build a meaningful partnership, their endorsements can have huge credibility with their followers.
3. Social Commerce
We all know online shopping is big (like, huge – how many times this year have you found yourself compulsively adding to your cart, or buying into online stores for the sheer convenience of it all?)
But it goes further with something we’re seeing a lot more lately, called social commerce—where people buy directly on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Social platforms have streamlined the entire shopping experience so that users can discover, browse, and purchase without ever leaving the app.
For businesses, this means one thing: you need to make your social channels shoppable – it should be a non-negotiable for your brand in 2025.
People are already hanging out on these platforms, so why not make it easy for them to buy what they’re interested in? Instagram and TikTok both offer in-app shopping features, and we’re seeing more and more brands jump on this trend every day.
By 2025, social commerce will likely be a must-have for any brand selling physical products.
To make the most of it, you’ll want to…
- optimise your profiles for shopping
- create eye-catching visuals that showcase your products
- use social ads to direct people straight to your storefront
4. Zero-Click Content
Here’s a trend that’s completely changing how we think about social media engagement—zero-click content.
Instead of trying to drive users off the platform to your website, blog, or YouTube channel, zero-click content gives them everything they need right there in the post.
Whether it’s a detailed Twitter thread, an informative LinkedIn post, or a full video on TikTok, people are loving content that doesn’t require them to click away to get the full story.
The benefit?
You’re providing value to your audience instantly, right where they are.
This can be a huge advantage in a world where attention spans are short. People don’t want to click multiple links just to find out what you’re offering—they want that content now – the age of instant gratification, as your aunt would say.
By focusing on zero-click content, you’re not only giving your audience what they want but also increasing engagement, likes, and shares – it’s a win-win tbh.
5. Short-Form Video
Short-form video has been the king of social media content for a while now, and it’s not going anywhere.
TikTok has led the charge here, with Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts quickly following suit.
The great thing about short-form video is that it captures attention fast—usually within the first few seconds.
And in today’s fast-paced world where our attention spans are uh, fleeting, to say the least, that’s EXACTLY what you need.
Whether it’s quick product demos, bite-sized tutorials, or fun behind-the-scenes clips, short-form videos are an excellent way to showcase your brand’s personality and keep your audience engaged.
Plus, with so many trends and viral challenges circulating, it’s an opportunity to stay relevant and connected to the culture.
6. Long-Form Content
On the flip side, as people binge short-form content, there’s also a growing appetite for long-form content that provides depth.
Blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube videos that dive deep into topics are making a comeback, especially for audiences who are hungry for detailed insights or in-depth discussions.
This is where you can really shine if your brand offers expertise or complex products.
Maybe it’s a…
- how-to guide,
- thought leadership article,
- deep-dive video tutorial
While short-form video is great for grabbing attention, long-form content builds trust and keeps your audience coming back when they’re ready to engage more seriously.
7. Data-Driven Personalisation
Personalisation is nothing new, but it’s going to become even more critical by 2025.
Consumers are expecting more tailored experiences—and brands that deliver will win BIG.
From personalised recommendations to custom email campaigns, using data to understand your audience better is key to driving deeper engagement.
To nail personalisation, you need to gather and analyse data about your audience’s behaviours, preferences, and pain points.
The payoff?
Consumers are 75% more likely to buy from brands that offer personalised experiences.
So, by investing in personalised content, you’re also boosting your chances of making sales.
8. LinkedIn’s Rise
LinkedIn is having a moment—and it’s not just for job seekers anymore.
More brands, entrepreneurs, and professionals are turning to LinkedIn for organic conversations, thought leadership, and content sharing.
The platform’s shift toward being a space for professional networking, mixed with casual conversation, is opening up opportunities for more engagement.
If you haven’t considered LinkedIn as part of your content strategy, it’s time to rethink that.
From publishing articles to engaging with your audience through posts, LinkedIn is quickly becoming a go-to platform for businesses looking to grow their reach in the B2B world.
9. Email Newsletters
Social media is crowded, and algorithms are constantly changing, which is why email newsletters are making a strong comeback.
Email gives you a direct, algorithm-free way to connect with your audience—and people love them. Studies show that 90% of consumers subscribe to at least one newsletter, with many subscribing to several.
So, if you’re not already building your email list, you’re missing out.
Newsletters are a great way to nurture your audience, share exclusive content, and keep people informed about what’s happening with your brand—without competing for attention on a crowded feed.
10. User-Generated Content
Consumers trust other consumers more than they trust brands, which is why user-generated content (UGC) is so effective.
Whether it’s reviews, social media posts, or videos showcasing your products, UGC acts as powerful social proof for your brand.
Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products and reshare that content on your own platforms.
Not only does this boost engagement, but it also provides you with authentic, low-cost content that resonates deeply with your audience.
How to Dominate Social Media in 2025
The social media landscape is evolving, and staying ahead of the curve means embracing new trends while fine-tuning the proven strategies that work.
Want to make sure your brand doesn’t get left behind?
Let’s chat! Book a discovery call with The Weird Collective, and we’ll help you build a forward-thinking social media strategy that puts you at the forefront of these emerging trends.
