9 Social Media Predictions for Brands in 2025 | The Future of Social Media
Happy New Year! It's January 1, 2025, and we're sharing our 9 predictions for how social media trends will evolve this year. From more ads to the rise of short-form content, here's what brands can expect in 2025 and how to stay ahead.
Prediction #1: You’ll See More Ads
Social media advertising will become even more dominant in 2025. As platforms evolve and competition for attention grows, brands will flood feeds with even more sponsored content. Expect a noticeable increase in ads across your favorite apps, making paid posts a more significant part of your social experience.
Prediction #2: Personal Brands and BTS Will Thrive
Audiences crave authenticity, and in 2025, you’ll see more brands, especially small brands, share their day-to-day operations, challenges, and triumphs to build stronger connections on social media.
Prediction #3: Short-Form Content Delivers the Highest ROI
Short-form video will continue to dominate in 2025. Quick 15–30 second videos will generally outperform long-form content, and only the very elite will win with long-form content in this climate.
Prediction #4: The Divide Between Good and Bad Marketing Will Widen
You’ll see more sponsored posts with no engagement and clear winners, with less middle ground. One or the other. Successful brands will focus on adaptability and strong ideas to separate winners from losers.
Prediction #5: Companies Will Keep Hiring the Wrong People
Unrealistic expectations for social media professionals will persist in 2025. Many companies will continue to seek candidates who are both creative geniuses and technical experts—two rare qualities in one person. Instead, businesses may need to prioritize real-world experience and creativity over formal credentials, opening their doors to those without marketing degrees who bring fresh perspectives and possess the spark of creative genius.
Prediction #6: Brands Will Experiment (and Fail)
Many brands will make mistakes as they experiment with new platforms. For example, traditional laundry detergent ads that worked on Facebook will flop on TikTok due to the platform’s different culture. Collaborating with micro-creators who authentically showcase products will be a smarter strategy for platforms like TikTok.
Prediction #7: Expect More Captivating Marketing Stunts
Marketing stunts will rise in 2025. Whether it's viral callouts, dramatic rivalries, or eye-catching spectacles, brands that use these strategies will draw attention.
Prediction #8: Social Media-Driven Purchases Will Surge
Social media will play an even bigger role in driving consumer purchases in 2025. Whether it’s discovering a café on Instagram or booking a vacation after seeing it on TikTok, social media will continue to influence buying decisions. Brands that master the art of creating engaging content and leveraging influencers to inspire purchases will thrive.
Prediction #9: Hashtags Will Decline in Importance
Hashtags will matter less in 2025 as social media algorithms become more advanced. Rather than relying on hashtags, platforms will focus on user behavior and preferences to match audiences with relevant content. Brands will need to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with their target audience.
Campfire Media is a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency that specializes in driving success through expert social media management, engaging content creation, and more. If you’re looking to hire a professional to elevate your brand’s social media presence, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today through our website or contact page, and let’s take your business to the next level in the Greater Vancouver Area. For more info, please check out our website and message us via our contact page.