Social Media Trends To Watch Out For In 2025
The digital world keeps us on our toes with new platforms, algorithms, and trends popping up faster than you can say, "What’s Lemon8?"
If you want to stay ahead in the social media game, buckle up! Here are the top trends to watch out for in 2025.
1. Video: The Reigning King Continues
Video is still the life of the party, and honestly, it’s not leaving anytime soon. Short-form videos like Reels and YouTube Shorts are your go-to for quick laughs, while long-form content on YouTube is for when you really want to settle in with popcorn.
Why It Matters: Video content is engaging, algorithm-friendly, and perfect for pretending you’re a director of cinematic masterpieces (even if it's just your dog doing zoomies).
What to Do: Lean into authenticity. Fancy equipment isn’t necessary—your audience prefers a relatable video shot on your phone over a Hollywood production (unless you do have a Hollywood budget, in which case, go wild!).
2. The Shift Away from TikTok
TikTok might be on shaky ground thanks to regulatory concerns, but users aren’t ready to give up their endless scrolls just yet. Meanwhile, Lemon8—TikTok’s Pinterest-Instagram mashup cousin—is lurking in the background. Will it thrive, or is it just a TikTok dressed up in lemony disguise? Only time will tell.
What to Watch: Creators may flock to YouTube, where they can finally say, “I’m a YouTuber,” without anyone rolling their eyes.
What to Do: Start building your YouTube presence now. Bonus: YouTube Shorts are the perfect place to recycle TikToks that no longer have a home. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
3. Simplified Hashtag Strategies
Remember when your Instagram caption came with 30 hashtags and a side of overthinking? Those days are gone. Keep your hashtags simple and relevant—think 3-5, not “throw spaghetti at the wall and hope it sticks.”
Why It Matters: Platforms are done with hashtag soup and prefer keyword-rich captions instead.
What to Do: Focus on quality over quantity. Your followers don’t need to see #live #laugh #love on every post (unless it’s ironically embroidered on a throw pillow).
4. Keywords in Captions: The New SEO
Captions aren’t just for witty one-liners anymore—they’re your new best friend for getting discovered. Social platforms are doubling down on search capabilities, so write like you’re crafting a mini blog post, not just captioning your brunch pic with “Sundays are for mimosas.”
Why It Matters: Algorithms are reading between the lines—literally. They love keywords that match what users are searching for.
What to Do: Sprinkle in trending and evergreen keywords naturally. Think of it like seasoning your content: too much, and it’s overwhelming; too little, and it’s bland.
5. AI-Driven Content Creation
Artificial intelligence is here to save the day (and your sanity). Tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney make it easier to create content, brainstorm ideas, and even edit visuals. It’s like having a robot assistant—minus the risk of it stealing your job (probably).
Why It Matters: AI makes content creation faster, easier, and occasionally amusing when it comes up with bizarre ideas.
What to Do: Use AI for inspiration, but keep it human. Nobody wants to read captions that sound like they were written by a robot… unless they’re hilariously self-aware.
6. Community-Focused Content
Audiences want connection, not just consumption. Brands that build genuine communities will win big—so say goodbye to overly polished posts and hello to group chats, Q&As, and memes.
Why It Matters: Your audience craves authenticity, even if that means admitting your Monday coffee spilled all over your keyboard.
What to Do: Invite participation! Polls, challenges, and asking your audience to share their own experiences are surefire ways to spark interaction. Bonus points if you make them laugh.
7. Social Commerce Evolution
Social media isn’t just for doomscrolling anymore—it’s for shopping! Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are making it easier for users to spend money without even leaving the app. (Convenient? Yes. Dangerous? Also yes.)
What to Watch: Livestream shopping events might make you feel like you’re hosting an infomercial, but they’re surprisingly effective.
What to Do: Tag your products, use video demos, and resist the urge to buy your own inventory.
8. The Rise of Micro and Nano Influencers
Forget the Kardashians—micro and nano influencers are where it’s at. With their smaller, more engaged audiences, they can help brands reach niche markets without breaking the bank.
Why It Matters: These influencers feel like your cool, approachable friend—not a celebrity hawking skincare you can’t afford.
What to Do: Partner with influencers who align with your values and audience. Just don’t be weird about it—nobody wants a DMs full of “Hey, let’s collab!”
9. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Audiences are paying closer attention to the ethics behind the brands they support. If you’re not walking the sustainability walk, they’ll notice.
What to Do: Highlight your green initiatives, charitable efforts, and the human side of your brand. But keep it genuine—greenwashing isn’t a good look.
10. Audio Content Resurgence
Whether it’s podcasts, audio snippets, or Spotify playlists, audio content is making waves again. It’s perfect for multitaskers who want entertainment while folding laundry (or pretending to).
What to Do: Consider launching a podcast or repurposing existing content into bite-sized audio clips. Don’t forget to add a witty name—it’s half the fun.
Stay Flexible, Stay Fun
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for social media. While trends may come and go, staying authentic, adaptable, and a little bit humorous will always resonate with audiences. So grab your camera, sprinkle in some keywords, and embrace the ever changing world of social media—one post at a time.
Are You Ready to Dust Off Your 2024 Strategy and Refresh It for 2025? Let’s talk!
