Social media isn’t just changing—it’s sprinting. In the last five years alone, we’ve gone from selfies and hashtag holidays to AI-driven conversations, full-scale virtual shopping malls, and creators building media empires from their kitchen counters. The platforms? Smarter. The users? Savvier. The competition? Fierce. If you’re not staying ahead of the latest trends on social media, you’re already behind.
If your brand isn’t paying close attention to trends on social media, you’re not just behind—you might be invisible. In 2025, content has to be faster, more personal, and more human (ironically, even when AI is helping make it). This year’s top shifts aren’t just about shiny new tools—they’re about how people behave online and what they now expect from the brands they follow.
We’re diving into the key innovations shaping strategy this year—so whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or just tired of throwing reels into the void, keep reading.
Want a strategy built around the latest social media trends? Book your consultation with Tulsa Marketing Experts today.
1. Rise of AI-Powered Content Creation
Let’s face it—AI isn’t coming for your job, but it might make it easier (or weirder, depending on how you use it). In 2025, one of the biggest trends on social media is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in the creative process. From generating carousel captions in seconds to producing entire videos from a single prompt, AI is now the content sidekick every marketer didn’t know they needed.
Need fresh ideas at 9 AM on a Monday with two sips of coffee in your system? AI’s got you. Want to personalize content based on user behavior or local events? It’s already done. Businesses are using AI in social media marketing to not only scale production but tailor messaging like never before.
But here’s the kicker: more content doesn’t mean better content. As AI becomes more common, standing out will rely on using these tools to enhance creativity—not replace it. Yes, your audience still wants authenticity. No, they don’t want another robotic post pretending to be “relatable.”
Curious how to blend AI with human creativity for better reach? Book your consultation with Tulsa Marketing Experts today.
2. Vertical Video Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s the Standard
Now that AI is helping you pump out content faster than ever, let’s talk about how that content should look. Spoiler alert: if you’re still clinging to widescreen video like it’s 2012, you’re missing the moment. One of the biggest trends on social media this year is the total takeover of short-form, vertical video.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are now the main stage—not the sideshow. Why? Because people scroll vertically on their phones, and vertical video takes up the whole screen, pulling them in and keeping them hooked. Brands that nail this format are seeing better engagement, better shares, and yes—better ROI.
So, whether you’re showing behind-the-scenes moments, quick tips, or a product demo that feels more like a conversation than a commercial, vertical video content is the format your audience expects.
Ready to flip your strategy (literally) for mobile-first success? Book your consultation with Tulsa Marketing Experts now.
3. Decentralized Platforms and Digital Communities
Once you’ve nailed the art of vertical storytelling, there’s just one small problem—your audience might not be where they used to be. In 2025, one of the fastest-growing trends on social media isn’t happening on the usual suspects like Facebook or Twitter. It’s taking place on more decentralized, niche, and often invite-only platforms.
We’re talking about places like Discord, Mastodon, and even community-driven spaces that feel more like group chats than global forums. Why? Because people are craving genuine connection and curated conversations over public noise. Enter the rise of online community building, where brands are showing up less like marketers and more like trusted insiders.
Brands that win in these spaces are shifting from broadcasting to building—focusing on value, interaction, and shared interests. It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being exactly where your audience wants you to be (and not ruining the vibe).
Want to build your own loyal, high-converting digital community? Book your consultation today with Tulsa Marketing Experts.
4. Social Commerce Gets Smarter
As brands find their tribe in digital communities, the next big question is: how do you convert conversations into conversions? Welcome to the golden age of smart social media shopping—where browsing turns into buying faster than you can say “add to cart.”
In 2025, trends on social media are all about merging content and commerce. Think AI-curated product feeds tailored to user behavior, in-app checkout flows, and even live shopping events that make QVC look like a dusty relic. Platforms are blurring the lines between engagement and ecommerce, and savvy brands are using this to boost both visibility and revenue.
With AI behind the wheel, shoppers are now seeing exactly what they want, when they want it—meaning higher conversions and better ROIs for those who play the game right. But it’s not just about tech; trust plays a big role. Building confidence with reviews, transparency, and influencer validation is key to turning followers into customers.
Want to turn your content into a 24/7 sales machine? Book your consultation with Tulsa Marketing Experts and start selling smarter.
5. Authenticity Over Aesthetics
Now that social platforms have become full-fledged shopping hubs, consumers are craving something money can’t buy—authentic social content. Let’s be real: that perfectly curated grid? It’s so 2020. In 2025, it’s the shaky behind-the-scenes video, the unscripted moment, and the “oops, I meant to say that” that win hearts (and algorithms).
Driven by Gen Z’s allergy to anything remotely fake, trends on social media are leaning hard into content that feels real. Brands are trading airbrushed campaigns for relatable, human-centered storytelling. That means ditching the scripts and letting your team—or even your customers—tell your story in their own voice.
But don’t confuse authenticity with sloppiness. It’s all about intentional imperfection. Personality still needs purpose. The trick? Balance that real-life charm with messaging that connects to your brand’s core values.
Ready to make your brand more human? Book your consultation with Tulsa Marketing Experts and let’s show the world the real you.
6. Voice and Audio Content Make a Comeback
Just when everyone thought social media was all videos and flashy reels, here comes audio content sneaking back in with a mic drop. The truth is, not everyone wants to stare at a screen all day. Enter the rise of podcasts, audio snippets, and smart speaker-friendly content. One of the most underrated trends on social media in 2025? Talking instead of typing.
Thanks to the growth of platforms that support audio-first formats and the widespread use of smart devices, voice marketing trends are making waves again. Brands are rethinking how they connect with users during workouts, commutes, or even dishwashing sessions.
And voice search? It’s not the future—it’s the now. Optimizing for smart assistants and creating content that speaks (literally) to your audience is becoming a non-negotiable part of any smart content plan.
So while everyone else is fighting for eyeballs, you might just win hearts through their ears.
Want to amplify your reach through audio? Book your consultation and let’s make your brand heard—literally.
7. Algorithm Transparency and User Control
Following the rise of voice-driven content, another shift gaining momentum in 2025 is users reclaiming control over what they see—and what they don’t. The demand for platform accountability is growing louder than a viral TikTok sound. People are no longer content to be blindly fed content by mysterious algorithms. They want to know why they’re seeing what they’re seeing—and they want the power to tweak it.
Social platforms are responding by rolling out features that let users customize their feeds, manage their data preferences, and even provide feedback on recommended content. This isn’t just about giving users control—it’s also about trust.
That means brands need to step up. Transparent messaging, ethical audience segmentation, and data respect are no longer optional. As ethical social marketing becomes a key differentiator, businesses that prioritize transparency and user empowerment are winning big.
This shift isn’t just another one of the trends on social media—it’s a turning point in how we connect.
Want to market with integrity and impact? Book your consultation today and build strategies rooted in trust and transparency.
8. Creator Collaborations Redefined
As user control and ethical targeting reshape the social landscape, brands are rethinking who delivers their message. The influencer bubble hasn’t burst—it’s evolved. In 2025, it’s no longer about mega-stars with millions of followers and a perfectly curated feed. The real ROI? It’s coming from the nano- and micro-influencers—the ones who actually talk to their audiences rather than just pose at them.
These creators are winning hearts in tight-knit communities with high engagement and low noise. Brands are shifting their strategy to partner with creators who truly fit their values and audience—not just those with the biggest reach. What’s more, advanced tools now let businesses track every click, swipe, and sale from these partnerships, bringing new precision to influencer campaigns.
Influencer partnerships aren’t just about buzz—they’re about meaningful, measurable results. And with smarter, data-driven collaboration, your brand doesn’t just show up—it shows up where it matters most.
So as we wrap up the latest trends on social media, remember: strategic partnerships are the new secret weapon.
Ready to team up with creators who actually convert? Book your consultation today and let us craft your perfect influencer strategy.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead or Fall Behind
As influencer partnerships become smarter and more targeted, the bigger picture is clear—2025 isn’t waiting for anyone. Social media isn’t just evolving; it’s sprinting ahead. From AI in social media marketing and vertical video content, to voice marketing trends and authentic social content, the trends on social media this year are rewriting the rulebook for how brands connect with real people.
Whether it’s building loyal fans through online community building, adapting to social media shopping, or maintaining credibility through ethical social marketing, one thing is certain: your 2025 strategy can’t look like your 2023 plan with a new coat of paint.
Businesses that stay agile, informed, and intentional will win—not just attention, but loyalty. And that’s exactly what we help brands do at Tulsa Marketing Experts.
Want a future-proof strategy built around 2025’s biggest trends? Book your consultation today and let’s get to work.