- AI-Powered Content Explosion. Generative AI is revolutionising how we create and consume content—from auto-generated captions and images to smart editing tools embedded within apps. AI isn’t just assisting—it’s co-creating. Platforms are rolling out transparency labels (thanks to the EU AI Act), ensuring we know what’s human and what’s machine.
- Short-Form Dominance Still Holds. TikTok sparked it, YouTube Shorts amplified it—and short-form content isn’t slowing down. Shorts see an average of 4 million views per video in 2025, making it a go-to format for attention-grabbing content. Expect more vertical-first storytelling, snackable creativity, and Scenes From My Day clips, all built for maximum scroll-stopping impact.
- Social Commerce Integration. Scrolling ≠ shopping. TikTok Shop, Instagram Checkout, and LinkedIn commerce are turning content into commerce. With over half of TikTok users buying straight from the app, brands are weaving e-commerce into every swipe and tap.
- Meme Marketing Goes Mainstream. Brands are charting new territory using memes—not just for laughs, but as a full-on marketing psyche. Expect more AI-generated memes tailored to cultural moments, making advertising feel native and shareable.
- Community > Broadcast. Say goodbye to random virality and hello to tighter-knit circles. Niche Discords, subscriber-only content feeds, and community-first platforms are becoming the place to be for meaningful interactions. Quality over quantity is the new social formula.
- The Year of Video Podcasts. The social audio wave has turned into a tidal video wave. Over 400 million hours of video podcasts were streamed on YouTube TV in 2024, with Hollywood execs calling it “the new TV.” Expect more creators blending long-format visuals with that cozy, unscripted podcast energy.
- Virtual & Augmented Reality Socials. VR is no longer a sci-fi dream. From immersive chatrooms to virtual fashion shows, social experiences in 3D are growing fast. Academic studies confirm platforms like Meta’s Horizon and future-ready apps are pushing us into more immersive social interactions.
Social Media Trends to Watch in 2025
🔮 Top Social Media Trends to Watch in 2025
TL;DR: AI is now a creative partner Short-form video content remains king Social shopping is built right into our feeds Meme-first branding is taking over Communities beat algorithmic reach Video podcasts are becoming mainstream shows VR/AR is upping our social game
Further Reading
If you're interested in learning more, check out this web source: https://www.hootsuite.com/research/social-trends?srsltid=AfmBOor8mQeXw2qylYLQu3gBi-L0E3DfAQhqi8VYZ8_kY4p39f1b1Nmg
