Article Read Time
In the fast-paced world of social media trends, half a year can feel like an eternity. From new tools to shifting audience behaviors, 2025 has already brought significant changes and opportunities for both brands and creators. As we round out the first six months of the year, here’s a look at the most important trends shaping the digital landscape and what they mean for your business.
1. Short-Form Video Social Media Trends Still Reign Supreme
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to dominate user engagement. In 2025, we’ve seen brands lean even harder into quick, snappy video content that entertains, informs, or inspires within seconds. But now, quality matters more than ever. Viewers expect well-lit, tightly edited videos even if they’re just 30 seconds long.
What this means for your business:
If you’re not using short-form video yet, now’s the time to start. Simple how-tos, behind-the-scenes clips, product showcases, and customer testimonials can all be shot and edited on a smartphone.
2. Generative AI Is Everywhere (But Needs a Human Touch)
AI-generated content has exploded across platforms. From AI-written captions to fully automated video narration and image generation, businesses are utilizing tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Canva’s AI tools to produce more content with less effort. However, there’s growing backlash against “AI slop”—low-effort content that feels spammy or soulless.
What this means for your business:
Use AI to assist, not replace. Let it help you brainstorm or speed up production—but keep a human in the loop to review, personalize, and polish your messaging.
3. Dark Humor & Meme Culture Thrive in Times of Uncertainty
With economic anxiety, geopolitical tension, and a constant news cycle, Gen Z and Millennials have turned to memes as both a coping mechanism and a commentary. This was especially visible in the surge of #WWIII memes, recession jokes, and “chronically online” humor across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
What this means for your business:
You don’t need to wade into war humor, but being culturally aware can be helpful. Light, self-aware content that matches your brand’s tone can help you stay relevant without being inappropriate.
4. Platform Policy Shifts Are Shaking Things Up
Several significant changes have forced marketers to adjust:
- X banned hashtags in ads starting June 27, changing how businesses use callouts and keywords.
- Instagram de-emphasized static photo posts in favor of Reels and AI-recommended content.
- LinkedIn began testing AI-generated summaries of user content, sparking debate over the authenticity of these summaries.
What this means for your business:
Stay flexible and platform-savvy. What worked last year might not work now. Keep up with updates, read the fine print, and experiment.
5. The Rise of “Micro-Viral” Content
Not everything needs to go viral to succeed. In 2025, smaller creators are achieving significant success by tailoring their content to hyper-niche audiences. These “micro-viral” posts may only get a few thousand views, but they hit the right people with the right message.
What this means for your business:
Focus on your ideal customer, not the masses. Creating content for a small, loyal audience can be more effective than chasing virality.
6. Social Search Is Now the New SEO
More users—especially Gen Z—are searching for product reviews, tutorials, and local recommendations on TikTok and Instagram before turning to Google. Visual-first, keyword-savvy content is increasingly appearing in social discovery.
What this means for your business:
Optimize your captions with clear, relevant keywords. Use text overlays, alt-text, and hashtags that reflect what your target customer might search for.
7. Authenticity Still Wins in Social Media Trends
Amid the rise of AI and polished content, audiences still crave realness. Candid moments, unscripted commentary, and genuine storytelling continue to outperform overly curated feeds.
What this means for your business:
You don’t have to be perfect. Show the people behind your brand. Celebrate wins, share lessons, and don’t be afraid to go off-script occasionally.
8. The Return of Long-Form… in Short Bursts
While attention spans remain short, long-form storytelling is making a comeback, just in bite-sized chunks. Consider using multi-part TikTok series, Instagram carousel explainers, or storytelling threads on BlueSky. These formats enable deeper engagement without overwhelming the viewer all at once.
What this means for your business:
Break up complex topics into snackable pieces. A five-part video series or step-by-step graphic carousel can drive sustained interest and repeat views.
Bottom Line: Don’t Chase Social Media Trends, Understand Them
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of change on social media. But the best strategy isn’t to jump on every trend—it’s to understand why they matter. Behind every viral video or policy shift lies a larger change in how people connect, express themselves, and engage with brands.
Stay curious. Stay nimble. And most of all, stay human.
Need help navigating the Social Media Trends?
At TCHQ Communications, we help small businesses make sense of the noise and turn social media trends into strategy and tangible results. Let’s chat. Let us help you grow the business and the team you deserve. Looking to take your organization to the next level? Contact TCHQ Communications today at 502-209-7619.
You must be logged in to post a comment.