Social Media Trends in 2025 You Need to Know
New year, new social trends to explore. From the rise of micro-influencers to CEOs sliding into your DMs (okay, not really, but kind of), here are the social media trends in 2025 you can’t afford to sit out on:
Social listening
Social listening isn’t new, but in 2025, it’s officially the must-have tool in your social media toolbox. Brands, it’s no longer enough to just push out content. Instead, you need to understand what your audience is talking about and why they care.
According to Hootsuite’s Social Media Trends 2025 report, 62 percent of social marketers use social listening tools — making it the second top priority for organizations (engagement is first). With more advanced tools hitting the market, brands now have more ways than ever to track social listening metrics such as:
Brand mentions
Engagement performance
Hashtag performance
Demographic insights
Share of voice
Sentiment analysis
Trend analysis
Campaign performance
Influencer engagement
By keeping your finger on the pulse of social listening, brands can pivot their messaging in real-time, prevent PR nightmares, and jump on trending topics at the most opportune times.
In 2025, tuning out your audience means tuning out opportunities. Listen, adapt, and thrive.
Executive leadership on social media
Social media trends in 2025 position executives as the new front line of digital brand trust. In fact, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer report, 76 percent of consumers are more likely to trust a brand whose leadership is active on social media.
As you carve out a social strategy around executive leadership for your brand, keep two things in mind. First, leadership matters. Second, executives don’t have to follow trends—they can help shape them for your organization on social media.
Live shopping and exclusive drops
If you’ve ever missed out on a limited-edition product drop from your favorite brand, you already know the power of FOMO (fear of missing out). In 2025, brands will use live shopping experiences and exclusive product drops to create “you had to be there” moments on their social channels.
According to Statista, 20 percent of all social media users now participate in some form of live commerce. Big brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Instagram are all in on it, offering live-streamed shopping events where viewers can purchase products in real time. It’s essentially QVC, but way cooler.
e.l.f. Beauty has latched onto this live shopping trend. Its recent TikTok Live events have featured influencers and makeup artists, plus exclusive product bundles that consumers can only snag during these live events.
Live shopping taps into the sweet spot of urgency and exclusivity. Social media trends in 2025 will focus on more interactive experiences, creating urgency and excitement.
Ethical brand storytelling
According to Havas’ Meaningful Brands report, 71 percent of consumers prefer buying from brands that reflect their personal values. In 2025, consumers expect brands to do good, not just talk about it — making ethical brand storytelling a major trend.
Ethical brand storytelling isn’t just about throwing a donation link on your profile; it’s about weaving purpose into the very fabric of your brand story. Whether it’s environmental sustainability, social justice, or mental health advocacy, brands must lead with values that matter.
Patagonia is the gold standard in ethical storytelling. They don’t just talk about sustainability—they live it. From donating all its Black Friday profits to environmental causes to using its platform to raise awareness about climate change, Patagonia’s marketing is as much about its mission as it is about its products.
In 2025, consumers aren’t just buying products; they’re buying into the values that brands represent. Brands, here’s your marching order: align with a cause, give an actual damn about it, and then tell that story authentically and consistently.
Micro-influencers
2025 is the year of the micro-influencer. According to Influencer Marketing Hub’s 2024 influencer report, brands are increasingly turning to micro-influencers because they have 60 percent higher engagement rates compared to their macro-influencer peers.
What makes micro-influencers so valuable is their relatability. They’re seen as “real” people with genuine opinions, which makes them perfect for brand partnerships that need authenticity or want to deeply connect with their target audience.
Athletic apparel brand Gymshark leverages micro-influencers to reach fitness enthusiasts. Instead of focusing solely on big-name athletes, Gymshark partners with everyday fitness influencers who share workout tips, routines, and product reviews. This commitment to micro-influencers has helped Gymshark turn into a $1 billion company.
Micro-influencers are driving conversions and building trust in 2025. Social media trends this year are all about quality over quantity when it comes to influencer marketing.
Stay ahead of the social game this year
In 2025, staying ahead isn’t optional—it’s the game. Whether it’s listening in on your audience’s conversations, putting your leadership in the spotlight, or harnessing the power of micro-influencers, the rules are evolving. The brands that embrace these trends will not only capture attention but also build stronger, more meaningful connections with their audience.