Social media isn’t just evolving but having a full-blown glow-up.

Platforms are getting smarter, audiences are getting pickier, and creators? They’re more empowered than ever. If you’re still following last year’s playbook, it’s time for a refresh.

Here’s your go-to guide for the top social media trends dominating 2025 and how you can ride the wave (not get wiped out).

1. Short-form videos will dominate 

Video content isn’t just a trend anymore. It’s the backbone of the internet, making up a massive 82.5% of global internet traffic. As our attention spans shrink, short-form video is quickly becoming the go-to for capturing eyeballs. In fact, 66% of customers say short-form videos are the most engaging, and TikTok’s influence is only going to grow in 2025. But here’s the twist—TikTok’s longer video formats are also taking off, with users spending more time watching videos longer than one minute. So, there’s a shift happening, and it’s something you don’t want to miss.

💡 Trend prep: Get ahead by experimenting with content that’s flexible across both short and long video formats. Use your social media analytics to figure out your audience’s sweet spot for viewing times and engagement. From there, you can craft a balanced strategy that appeals to all types of viewers—whether they’re short-video lovers or the long-form aficionados.

2. Micro-influencers will wield more power 

61% of customers trust social media influencers for product recommendations, and now micro-influencers (those with 1,000–100,000 followers) are making waves. Their rise in popularity comes from their authenticity and relatability, and the data backs it up—micro-influencers are outshining macro-influencers with an impressive 2.8% engagement rate. If you’re a brand looking to build stronger, more personal connections with niche audiences, 2025 is the year to leverage the power of micro-influencers.

💡 Trend prep: Use AI-powered social management platforms to identify micro-influencers who align with your brand’s values and audience. Test out different influencers and campaigns to see what truly resonates with your community and fine-tune your strategy for maximum impact.

3. Social commerce will become the primary revenue grosser

Social commerce was already making waves in 2024, and in 2025, it’s about to go mainstream. It’s shifting from just a trend to a major revenue driver for businesses. The global social commerce market is expected to surpass $2 trillion in sales. We’re already seeing the future unfold—Meta has teamed up with Amazon to integrate product listings directly into Facebook and Instagram, while TikTok’s launch of TikTok Shops makes it easier than ever for users to shop right from the app.

In 2025, we’ll likely see even more integrated and personalized shopping experiences across platforms. Expect smarter shoppable ads, influencer-driven product placements, and data-backed recommendations to make direct purchases even easier for users.

💡 Trend prep: To stay ahead, integrate your product catalog with conversational commerce tools. Ensure a smooth cross-channel customer experience to reduce cart abandonment and drive conversions. And manage all customer conversations in one unified platform to streamline the process.

4. AI usage for content will increase

AI tools are totally shaking up content creation, and let’s be real—it’s all about speed and efficiency now. Around 38% of marketers worldwide already say that generative AI is boosting social media marketing efficiency, and 34% believe it’s making idea generation way easier. As tools like Jasper and ChatGPT get even smarter, they’re going to become absolute game-changers for marketers. Plus, platforms like Sprinklr, which use GenAI, can repurpose, translate, and localize your content with just a one-click natural language prompt. How cool is that?

But, of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. AI can struggle with creativity, might misinterpret some stuff, and still needs a human touch to stay relevant in real-time situations. So, finding the balance between AI automation and human input is key.

💡 Trend prep: As a marketer, keep an open mind about AI-assisted content. Think of it as a tool to collaborate with, but don’t forget: AI can’t replace the creativity, humor, and reasoning that humans bring to the table. Make sure your team is trained on how to effectively use AI tools, refine outputs, and stay on brand. And when things get tricky—like in crisis situations—don’t skip human oversight.

5. Mental health will rule social content

Consumers are becoming more aware of mental health challenges, and they’re increasingly looking to brands to address these issues in their marketing. According to YPulse, a whopping 71% of Gen-Z consumers appreciate it when brands weave mental health into their messaging. 

Social media platforms have already started to step up, with features like Thread’s “Take a Break” reminders and TikTok’s mental health tools for creators, pushing for healthier online habits. Brands that show genuine sensitivity to mental health and advocate for it will be more popular and trusted among customers.

💡 Trend prep: To keep up with this shift, incorporate empathy-driven storytelling into your social media strategy. Share real stories and diverse narratives that acknowledge the struggles people face, foster connection, and inspire hope. That’s how you make a real impact in 2025.

6. Online communities will wield power 

Outbound community engagement is shifting gears in 2025. It’s no longer enough to just drop random comments for visibility or hop on every trending topic. Instead, brands will need to approach social media engagement with more strategy and thoughtfulness. 

Take Sephora, for example they’ve nailed community-building with their exclusive Beauty Insider community, where members swap tips, ask questions, and support each other. In fact, the company’s CEO revealed that 80% of Sephora’s sales came from these loyal members. This kind of community-driven model is likely to take over comment sections on social media platforms too. Genuine, well-thought-out interactions can make your brand more memorable and boost engagement in a meaningful way. Use platform features like Instagram’s Broadcast Channels to nurture your community and create authentic connections.

2025 isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what works with intention, authenticity, and a sprinkle of smart tech.

Want to stay ahead? Keep your strategy flexible, your content real, and your audience at the heart of it all.