Although we are about six weeks away from the end of 2024, it Is not too early to start planning for 2025. We outline five of the top social media trends that will help you and your business stay ahead of the curve.

 

The social media landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Although some of these changes have been driven by technological advancements, changes in user behaviour and expectations continue to reshape the platforms and how we use them.

Further, social media is big business. According to Statista, social media advertising spending is projected to reach USD 219.8 billion in 2024 and USD 255.8 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.86%.

It is thus crucial for businesses, organisations and individuals to keep up with the latest trends. Below are the top five social media trends likely to dominate in 2025.

 

1. The rise of AI-powered social media

Although artificial intelligence (AI) has been all the rage since the start of 2023 and has been permeating all areas of business, it is expected that in 2025, it will be more deeply integrated and leveraged in the marketing space. Currently, AI has been used primarily for targeted advertising and content recommendations, but going forward and regarding social media, it will be the force behind:

  • Personalised experiences, such as curating highly personalised content feeds so that users see what they’re most interested in.
  • Enhanced user experience, such as through AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide instant customer support and answer queries efficiently.
  • Automated content creation tools, by generating high-quality images, videos, and text.

 

2. Continued short-form video dominance

Short-form video content is not new. It was made popular on TikTok, and all of the major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) have adopted some version of it. However, in 2025, the format will become even more dominant to attract and keep a younger audience and essentially reshaping how people consume content.

To that end, brands will also be leveraging short-form videos to tell engaging stories and connect more deeply with their audience. Further, expect to see innovative video formats from users, such as vertical videos, short-form documentaries, and interactive stories.

 

3. The power of social commerce

The deeper integration of shopping and social media has been occurring for some time but has been limited in scope. However, social media platforms will be incorporating more shopping features, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly, resulting in a more seamless shopping experience.

Further, influencer marketing in the social media space will not be waning in 2025. Instead, it is projected that influencers will continue to shape consumer behaviour, promoting products and services to their followers, and if the social commerce effect can come fully to fruition, live shopping events and seamless sales could result.

 

4. Increased community-driven platforms

Although online communities have always existed, in the social media space, they seemed to be fragmented and less organised. However, as users try to find more ways to enjoy community online and not just entertainment, growth in niche communities is anticipated. In other words, users will seek out and join online communities based on shared interests and passions.

In a similar vein but capitalising on the desire for community, brands are also expected to jump on this bandwagon by encouraging user-generated content, discussions and co-creation. Consumer or user involvement will thus become even more integral in shaping brand reputation and driving engagement.

 

5. Greater privacy and data security concerns

Finally, although data privacy has been a growing concern over the past several years, it is anticipated to become an even greater consideration in the coming years. Worldwide, stricter data privacy regulations are coming into force, which will affect how organisations collect and use user data.

Furthermore, organisations will need to be transparent about their data practices to build trust with their audience. At the same time, users are becoming more aware of their rights and the need to manage their data more prudently. Hence, as their digital literacy improves, users are likely to become more cautious about sharing personal information online and adopt privacy-focused settings.

 

These trends are likely to be evident in 2025. By being proactive and staying ahead, organisations and businesses can maximize their social media presence and achieve their digital marketing goals.

 

 

Image credit:  Freepik