Top Social Media Trends to Watch for the Rest of 2025
Social media continues to evolve at a rapid pace!
To stay ahead, businesses need to keep up with the latest trends shaping how audiences connect, engage, and shop online.
Here are the key social media trends to watch for the rest of 2025 - insights that can help you plan your strategy, create engaging content, and build stronger relationships with your audience
1. Augmented and Virtual Reality Experiences
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming social media from passive browsing to immersive experiences. Brands can now offer interactive filters, virtual events, and AR shopping that let customers try products before buying.
In 2025, expect more platforms to incorporate AR and VR features that make content more engaging and memorable.
2. Social Commerce Becoming Mainstream
Social media platforms are making it easier than ever to shop directly within apps. Shoppable posts, live-stream shopping, and streamlined checkouts are removing friction between discovery and purchase.
If you’re not already leveraging social commerce, 2025 is the year to start, especially for local or niche products.
3. Rise of Creator-Led Communities
Creators are no longer just content producers; they’re community builders! Platforms like Patreon and Substack empower creators to connect deeply with their followers through exclusive content and memberships.
Businesses can partner with creators or even build their own creator communities to foster loyalty and authentic engagement.
4. Short-Form Video Will Continue to Dominate
The appetite for short, impactful video content isn’t slowing down.
TikTok and Instagram Reels lead the way, with other platforms following suit.
To keep attention, brands need to master concise storytelling and creative visuals - delivering value or entertainment in 60 seconds or less.
5. AI-Powered Personalisation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will drive smarter content delivery, ensuring users see posts and ads that match their interests and behaviours. For brands, this means better targeting, more relevant campaigns, and improved customer experiences.
Personalisation will be expected, not optional.
6. Focus on Niche Communities and Micro-Influencers
Instead of mass appeal, social media is moving toward intimate, niche audiences.
Micro-influencers with smaller but highly engaged followings offer more authentic connections and higher ROI.
In 2025, investing in niche communities will help brands build meaningful relationships rather than just chasing follower counts.
7. Social Listening for Smarter Marketing
Brands are increasingly using social listening tools to track conversations, monitor sentiment, and spot trends early. This data-driven approach helps companies respond to customer needs in real time and tailor content that truly resonates.
8. Entering the Metaverse
Virtual worlds and the metaverse are becoming new social spaces. Brands that experiment with virtual stores, events, and experiences will stand out and connect with younger, tech-savvy consumers.
While still emerging, the metaverse is a trend to watch closely as it matures throughout 2025.
Final Thoughts
Social media in 2025 is about creating immersive, personalised, and authentic experiences. By embracing these trends, your business can stay relevant, reach new audiences, and build lasting connections.
Are you ready to adapt your social strategy for the future? Let’s talk.
Olivia
Social & Co Studio
www.socialandco.co.nz
