What are the main social media trends for 2025? The digital conversation and social media are evolving at an accelerated pace, shaping the direction of digital marketing strategies and redefining the interaction between brands and consumers. For 2025, various studies point to the emergence of more human-centered approaches, the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and the strategic use of social listening as central pillars in the social media landscape. This scenario presents challenges and opportunities that companies must address to remain competitive.
With the rise of social commerce, the adaptation of intergenerational content, and the need to maintain constant communication, brands are compelled to rethink how they connect with increasingly demanding audiences. Below, we explore the main social media trends for 2025 based on reports from Hootsuite, GoDaddy, and the Artlist Trend Report, offering key insights for success in an ever-changing environment.
What is creative disruption in social media marketing?
Creative disruption emerges as one of the most significant social media trends for 2025. According to the Hootsuite report, based on a survey of more than 3,800 marketing specialists from 99 countries, this trend represents a paradigm shift: prioritizing content that entertains, educates, or informs rather than focusing solely on product promotion.
Almost half of the surveyed companies (48%) allocate more than 60% of their social media content to these non-commercial objectives. A select group, known as “Creative Risk Takers” (24%), dedicates up to 100% of their strategy to entertainment content.
This approach aligns with TikTok’s predictions about “creative bravery,” where brands and creators adopt bolder, more engaging narratives. The rigid consistency of brand identity, once a cornerstone of marketing, is giving way to experimentation.
Companies like Hever Castle and RSPB have achieved significant impact by adopting unique tones and styles that deviate from conventional strategies. Teams that publish creative content are more likely to report a positive impact on business objectives, showcasing the power of creative disruption as a marketing trend.
How is social listening used to improve social media ROI?
Social listening, one of the main digital marketing trends for 2025, has become an indispensable tool for brands. The Hootsuite report reveals that 62% of marketers already use social listening tools, prioritizing them even over content publishing. This practice allows companies to identify emerging trends, understand conversations about their brand and competitors, and better grasp consumer needs.
Social listening offers a key advantage: the ability to link social media efforts to tangible business outcomes. Organizations that employ it report up to 76% higher confidence in the ROI of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn compared to those that do not. This confidence is based on actionable data that enables brands to design more effective campaigns and anticipate potential crises.
For example, Grand Canyon University used social listening insights to identify unmet student demand, leading to the opening of a Taco Bell restaurant on campus, improving user experience and institutional image. More than 31% of companies use it to analyze and capitalize on cultural trends, proving its value as a key tool in social media.
Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, and Digital Marketing in 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies in 2025, solidifying its role as a key ally for brands. According to Hootsuite, 69% of specialists consider AI a revolutionary technology transforming content creation and strategy design.
In just one year, the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for writing, image generation, and idea creation has grown by 180%.
This surge responds to the need for a constant social media presence, requiring between 48 and 72 weekly posts to remain competitive. Beyond content generation, AI enables real-time analysis of large data volumes, precise audience segmentation, and campaign adjustments based on consumer behavior.
In 2025, AI will be both a tactical tool and a strategic partner for organizations aiming to stay ahead, becoming one of the most disruptive social media trends of the year.
How do creativity, AI, and social listening integrate into a successful social media strategy?
The Hootsuite report highlights that the most successful brands in 2025 will integrate these three social media trends: creative disruption, AI, and social listening. Experimenting with bold content, leveraging AI tools, and using social listening to measure results will enable companies to remain agile and relevant in the dynamic world of social media.
Brands that frequently update their strategies are also the ones most effectively utilizing AI tools and emerging trends, underscoring the importance of strategic agility. Moreover, sharing social insights with sales and leadership teams amplifies the value of these metrics across the organization.
Interdepartmental collaboration becomes a key success factor. The digital marketing landscape in 2025 will be dominated by brands that dare to innovate, adopt advanced technologies like AI, and use social listening as a guide for their strategies, combining these three forces to create a powerful and effective synergy.
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Millennials and Gen Z drive social media shopping
According to a GoDaddy study, more than one in five consumers in the United States shops on social media weekly, solidifying this practice as one of the main digital marketing trends. Remarkably, while TikTok and Instagram are popular among younger generations, Facebook remains the dominant platform, especially among millennials.
The study reveals that 31% of Gen Z made purchases on Facebook in the past three months, while 52% of millennials also admitted to shopping on the platform. Even Gen X and Boomers maintain a 35% presence in Facebook shopping.
Meanwhile, TikTok stands out as the “king of Gen Z,” with 52% of young people making purchases in the last three months compared to 37% of millennials and just 12% of Gen X and Boomers. These figures highlight how different generations interact with platforms, offering valuable insights for social media strategies.
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What are the favorite platforms for social media shopping?
The GoDaddy report identified the top three platforms for social media shopping, reflecting generational preferences and highlighting their importance in the 2025 social media landscape:
Facebook:
- Millennials: 67% consider it essential for small businesses to have a presence here.
- Gen Z: 49% still value Facebook, even though TikTok and Instagram dominate their generation.
Instagram:
- 61% of Gen Z expects businesses to be on Instagram.
- Millennials: 49% actively shop on this platform as well.
TikTok:
- It is Gen Z’s favorite platform for impulse purchases.
- 48% of Gen Z admits to shopping at least once a month on TikTok.
These generational preferences are crucial for brands to adjust their marketing strategies and focus on the most relevant platforms for their target audience.
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Social media shopping
The GoDaddy study confirms that impulse buying is a defining feature of 2025 social media trends, particularly among Gen Z and millennials:
- 62% of Gen Z and 56% of millennials shop on social media at least once a month.
- 1 in 5 consumers makes multiple purchases weekly.
- Only 9% of Gen Z and 12% of millennials plan their purchases in advance.
This trend represents a significant opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Implementing direct marketing strategies and posts with clear calls to action can capitalize on these impulsive shopping behaviors, boosting sales and business growth in the social media environment.
What challenges do social media shopping face?
Despite the rise of social commerce, barriers still hinder purchases. The GoDaddy study identifies the main drawbacks, offering valuable insights for digital marketing trends:
Business legitimacy:
47% of consumers refrain from buying due to doubts about the seller’s authenticity.
Shipping costs and times:
46% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials cite high shipping costs and long waits as a deterrent.
Small businesses that provide transparent information, fast shipping, and secure payment options can overcome these barriers and maximize the potential of social media marketing trends. Trust and logistical efficiency will be key to success in this space.
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Human Renaissance in Marketing
According to the Artlist Trend Report 2025, we are witnessing a “Human Renaissance” in marketing, one of the most intriguing 2025 social media trends. This phenomenon is characterized by a return to emotional creativity and a deeper connection to human roots. 42% of creators now produce short films with personal and culturally rooted stories, a significant increase from 30% the previous year.
Content that celebrates traditions and human narratives generates a deeper impact, appealing to audiences’ emotions. Campaigns like Burger King’s “Bundle of Joy” showcase authentic moments that resonate with viewers. Additionally, a new era of maximalism—with warm designs, vibrant colors, and nostalgic motifs—contrasts with cold minimalism. Audiences also value insights into how content is created, increasing their connection with brands. This focus on authenticity and emotional connection is fundamental for future marketing trends.
What is the role of AI as a “co-pilot” in marketing strategies?
AI is establishing itself as a creative co-pilot, not a replacement, in the world of digital marketing. The Artlist Trend Report 2025 notes that 30% of creators use AI to complement their creativity, helping them explore concepts and generate ideas quickly. This is one of the most notable digital marketing trends for 2025, where technology supports the human creative process.
However, there is tension in its implementation. Some creators criticize campaigns that portray technology as a threat to human creativity. The key lies in balancing AI with the human touch, emphasizing the value of emotions and dedication in creative work.
Tools like Artlist AI Voiceover Generator, which prioritize legal safety and quality, demonstrate how AI can be an effective ally. In the social media landscape, AI becomes a tool to enhance creativity rather than replace it.
Ephemeral Trends and Agile Teams
In the fast-paced world of social media, trends are increasingly fleeting. What goes viral today may be forgotten tomorrow. The Artlist Trend Report 2025 highlights the importance of agility and authenticity in this context. Brands must quickly adopt trends without losing their identity and values.
Genuine engagement is key to ensuring brands don’t come across as opportunistic. Turning viral trends into valuable and sustainable campaigns is an effective strategy. For instance, Motion Array took an educational approach to the viral topic “Let Him Cook.” The ability to identify, evaluate, and act on trends quickly while maintaining authenticity will be critical to success in the social media landscape of 2025. This strategic agility is essential for navigating the evolving social media environment.
The Collective Power of Creators in Marketing
The collective power of creators is redefining modern marketing. According to the Artlist Trend Report 2025, 64% of consumers would switch brands if a trusted creator recommends a product. This figure underscores the significant influence of creators in purchase decisions, solidifying them as key players in marketing trends.
Influencer collectives amplify their reach and resources through collaboration, creating more innovative and resonant content. Additionally, 40% of brands prioritize meaningful, long-term partnerships with fewer creators over superficial collaborations with many.
The collaboration between Artlist and creator Sam Newton, who grew from 5,000 to over 195,000 followers thanks to this partnership, exemplifies success. In the future, brands will rely on creator collectives to build trust and long-term engagement, making them key tools in an evolving market and one of the most powerful social media trends of 2025.
Intergenerational Content
Intergenerational content is becoming a key strategy in modern marketing. TikTok has broken generational barriers, connecting users of different ages through personalized algorithms. “Granfluencers” (creators over 60) produce content that connects with audiences of all ages, demonstrating the power of this trend.
Targeting multiple generations allows brands to optimize their marketing investment and expand their customer base. In the U.S., 70% of disposable income is held by people over 60—a crucial data point for marketing strategies. Partnerships like LEGO and Nike, combining creativity and sports, aim to connect with audiences of all ages and foster generational loyalty. This ability to transcend age barriers and create meaningful connections will be fundamental in the social media and marketing trends landscape in 2025.
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