- Relatable Humor Through Video Storytelling
- Short-Form Video With Authentic Storytelling
- LinkedIn Short-Form Videos For Professional Networking
- User-Generated Content Brings Authenticity
- Social Commerce Blends Shopping With Entertainment
- Ephemeral Content Creates Urgency
- Active Engagement On Reddit
- Video Pins Enhance Pinterest Storytelling
- Social Audio Spaces Foster Real-Time Interaction
- Shoppable Videos Revolutionize Online Retail
- Interactive Content Reshapes E-Commerce Marketing
- Social Media Search Optimization Boosts Discoverability
- Small Social Networks Offer Niche Advertising
- Interactive Ads Drive Engagement
- Video/Reel Pausing Trend Boosts Engagement
- Live Streaming Engages Audience In Real-Time
- Comfort Content Builds Deeper Connections
17 Cutting-Edge Social Media Strategies from Top Experts
Relatable Humor Through Video Storytelling
One social media trend I’m particularly excited about is the rise of “relatable humor through video storytelling”—where brands cleverly merge trending funny videos or memes with their core messaging in a way that feels fun, lighthearted, and authentic. This trend capitalizes on cultural moments, allowing brands to create highly shareable content that sparks engagement while showcasing their personality. Done right, it allows a business to feel more human and approachable, breaking away from overly formal or “salesy” communication.
Humor is universal, and people naturally gravitate toward content that makes them laugh. Aligning funny videos with a brand’s message can make it more shareable and memorable. For example, a shoe repair service could share a trending video of someone tripping and pair it with the caption, “Maybe it’s time for a sole check? We’ve got you covered!” Tapping into humor like this builds a stronger emotional connection, as it shows the brand understands its audience’s lives and can see things from their perspective. At the same time, humor is also a great tool to cut through the noise of oversaturated feeds. Funny, well-executed content naturally disrupts the scroll and grabs attention quickly—something brands strive for in today’s competitive social space.
That said, this trend comes with risks. Overusing humor or funny video-based content can dilute the brand tone and messaging. If every post is designed for laughs, a brand could lose its professional or trustworthy perception. A balance between humor, education, and inspiration is key to maintaining consistency. Jumping on every trend can feel forced and inauthentic if it doesn’t connect back to the brand’s core values. Not every trending video will resonate with the intended audience, and attempting to use it just because it’s popular can backfire.
To incorporate this trend effectively, I’d focus on using humor thoughtfully and sparingly. I would identify key customer pain points or relatable scenarios and connect them with trending funny videos in a way that subtly reinforces the brand’s value. For instance, a foundation repair company could share a video of a house creaking or shaking dramatically with a caption like, “When your house has seen one too many rainy days. Don’t worry—we’ll fix the cracks.” The goal would be to ensure humor feels relevant, intentional, and valuable to the audience.
By carefully balancing humor with meaning, brands can build genuine connections.
Milan Bulchandani
Social Media Manager, Olshan Foundation Solutions
Short-Form Video With Authentic Storytelling
One of the most exciting trends in social media right now is the rise of short-form video content combined with authentic storytelling. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have completely shifted how brands connect with their audiences, emphasizing relatability and creativity over polished perfection. This trend creates incredible opportunities to showcase personality, values, and behind-the-scenes moments in a way that resonates deeply with followers.
I’m integrating this into my strategy by focusing on quick, engaging videos that educate and inspire, whether it’s sharing productivity tips, answering audience questions, or offering insights into my entrepreneurial journey. The potential here lies in building trust and emotional connection while also driving significant reach and engagement. When done well, short-form video has the power to humanize a brand and turn passive viewers into loyal advocates.
Lilach Bullock
Founder, Lilach Bullock
LinkedIn Short-Form Videos For Professional Networking
LinkedIn’s recent launch of short-form content videos is an exciting trend, merging professional networking with the dynamic, bite-sized video format popularized by platforms like TikTok. This shift allows users to share quick insights, tips, or updates in a more engaging and visually compelling way, catering to shorter attention spans while driving higher engagement.
We see significant potential in leveraging this format to share quick hiring tips, client success stories, and global workforce trends. For example, we plan to create 30-second clips highlighting compliance tips for hiring overseas or showcasing behind-the-scenes looks at how we support clients. This approach aligns with the growing demand for digestible, impactful content and positions us as thought leaders in global hiring. The added engagement metrics on LinkedIn will also help refine our strategy and target content that resonates most with our audience.
Nick Esquivel
CEO, Globaltize
User-Generated Content Brings Authenticity
User-generated content (UGC) is a trend that’s pulling attention, but it’s not about the hype-it’s about the authenticity it brings to the table. People love seeing real customers showcase products, and this holds immense weight in shaping brand perception. Leveraging customer photos wearing our jewelry pieces adds a genuine narrative to our brand story that traditional ads can’t replicate. Encouraging our buyers to share their looks on platforms like Instagram using branded hashtags creates a ripple effect. This not only boosts our organic reach but strengthens community engagement, as customers become ambassadors, sharing our story with their circle.
Creating a “Style Creators” program can take this idea a notch further. This could entail rewarding customers who frequently share content with exclusive discount codes or early access to new collections. It’s like initiating a small community within the larger audience, where people feel valued and acknowledged. The potential is immense because you’re not just pushing a product; you’re inviting customers into the creative process, which can cultivate loyalty. Offering tutorials or styling tips specific to different demographics could make this approach more inclusive, encouraging a wider range of customers to participate. This elevates the shopping experience from simply transactional to genuinely engaging.
Jovie Chen
CEO & CHRO, Zogiwel
I really think social commerce is the most exciting trend right now. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are becoming digital marketplaces where users can shop while engaging with authentic, entertaining content. Imagine scrolling through a creator’s post about their skincare routine and discovering you can buy the exact product they’re using with just one tap. That’s the power of this trend.
For instance, we worked with a skincare client to launch an Instagram ad campaign. The copy was designed to feel personal and genuine. One ad read: “Struggling with dry winter skin? Discover the serum people can’t stop talking about. Try it today!” Another: “Real results, real people. This serum made all the difference for them—tap to see for yourself!”
These authentic messages, paired with influencer videos, resulted in a 40% increase in website visits and 18,000 purchases within the first month. By focusing on trust and real benefits, we turned simple ads into a powerful sales tool. Social commerce succeeds when storytelling feels human.
Vaibhav Kishnani
Founder & CEO, Content-Whale
Ephemeral Content Creates Urgency
Ephemeral content, short-lived content that disappears after a certain period, is one trend I am truly excited about. This format, championed on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram through “Stories,” has immense potential in creating a sense of urgency and fostering engagement. We plan to use this trend for time-sensitive promotions and exclusive sneak peeks into new product lines. Also, it will be a platform to share behind-the-scenes content, making our brand more approachable and authentic. In my vision, ephemeral content is not merely transient but carries the potential to create lasting impressions and strong customer relationships.
Kunal Madan
Founder, Amarra
Active Engagement On Reddit
One social media trend that gets me even more excited is being active on Reddit. The platform is a treasure trove of niche communities, and the users are quite devoted to their interests. What I find most interesting is the possibility of going to these extremely targeted subreddits and having meaningful conversations with potential customers or clients instead of just posting content and waiting for a response.
For example, the AMA concept that Reddit popularized, if you ask me, can be a great tool to foster trust and authority in my niche. I plan on doing this by organizing my own AMA on that subreddit and talking about things I know well off the top of my head. This is not only beneficial to the community but also helps gain brand trust truly and naturally.
Reddit also does well in having an upvoting system which implies that if the content is adequately created for the community, it can achieve significant organic growth. By providing information that caters to these targeted communities, I can enhance the reach and interaction without being fully dependent on ads.
The users interact immediately, and this is what I think is the main difference from other social networking services. I mean that. It is indeed less about vanity metrics and more about creating real relationships with followers and who knows, maybe customers.
Soubhik Chakrabarti
CEO, Icy Tales
Video Pins Enhance Pinterest Storytelling
One social media trend I’m excited about is video pins on Pinterest. Video content is becoming popular on the platform, allowing for more dynamic and engaging storytelling. Videos can showcase products, demonstrate services, or share valuable tips in a visually compelling way, making them stand out more than static images in users’ feeds.
I plan to incorporate video pins into my Pinterest strategy by creating short-form video content that highlights the benefits of our products and services, such as the Dream It Planner and the Brand Mosaic Framework Workbook. This could include quick tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or customer testimonials to create more personal and engaging experiences. The potential of video pins is significant—videos are shared more frequently, generate higher engagement, and allow brands to tell their story visually. I aim to increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost conversions by embracing this trend.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Social audio spaces, like Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse, have captured my attention recently. We’re planning to host live Q&A sessions and panel discussions with industry experts. These sessions will allow us to share our expertise in a more conversational format. We’ll promote these events across platforms to engage both existing followers and new audiences. It’s a trend that combines thought leadership with authentic, real-time interaction.
Social audio spaces provide a platform for thought leadership and deep, meaningful connections. These live, unscripted formats build trust by showcasing expertise in an authentic way. Audiences value the opportunity to participate in conversations and gain real-time insights. Unlike static posts, audio spaces foster emotional connections through direct interaction. Their potential to engage niche, highly interested audiences is virtually untapped.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Shoppable Videos Revolutionize Online Retail
Shoppable video content is an emerging trend that’s gaining traction on social media, and it offers immense potential for online retail, especially in the fashion industry. Unlike static images or basic video ads, shoppable videos allow users to directly purchase items showcased within the video. This creates an engaging and seamless shopping experience, bridging the gap between watching and buying. Utilizing this trend means we can create dynamic videos where brides can see our wedding dresses in action—from fit to flair—and purchase the ones they love in real-time. This not only boosts immediate sales but also enhances customer interaction and satisfaction.
Utilizing user-generated content within these videos adds authenticity and relatability. Encouraging our previous customers to share clips of them in their wedding attire and integrating these into our shoppable videos can genuinely showcase how the dresses look and fit in real life. Potential brides can relate to seeing dresses on real people instead of only models. To implement this effectively, creating a simple framework where customers can easily submit their videos, and offering them incentives for doing so, allows us to build a community-driven approach that bolsters our brand’s credibility and reach.
Jean Chen
COO & CHRO, Mondressy
Interactive Content Reshapes E-Commerce Marketing
Interactive content like live shopping events is reshaping e-commerce marketing. We’re integrating live demos and makeup tutorials on TikTok and Instagram, featuring our bestsellers like Fierce Foundation Sticks and Expressionism Eyeshadow Palette. This creates a real-time shopping experience, boosting engagement and driving instant sales.
Rachael Wilson
Entrepreneur & Founder, Doll Smash
Social media search optimization, where platforms double as search engines, is a trend we’re eager to capitalize on. Users now search for solutions, tools, and inspiration directly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. We will incorporate SEO-optimized social media content, blending keywords, hashtags, and short videos to boost discoverability. By making our content searchable within social platforms, we can help clients stand out when potential buyers are looking for solutions.
This trend is game-changing, as it allows businesses to dominate social search spaces just as effectively as Google. People now treat TikTok and Instagram as search engines for answers and quick solutions. For us, this means we can leverage our SEO expertise to position our clients in front of social audiences ready to take action. By owning relevant keywords and hashtags within platforms, businesses gain visibility where their audiences are actively searching. It’s an underutilized opportunity with massive untapped potential for growth and discoverability.
Marc Bishop
Director, Wytlabs
Small social media networks are turning into the next big ad player. Yep, while the masses are focused on the Goliaths—Facebook and Instagram—this list of SMALLER PLAYERS is quietly creating news headlines. Why? They serve niche audiences with particular interests or demographics, presenting advertisers with an opportunity to reach their target customers without spending money on people who simply don’t care. It’s not the size of the platform; it’s the DEPTH of the relationships.
An increasing number of businesses are waking up to this trend, utilizing platforms from Reddit, Pinterest, Discord, and even Snapchat to engage effective, niche-focused audiences. If you’re budgeting your ad spend, don’t snooze on the underdogs!
To incorporate this tactic, first, you need to know your audience—all of these smaller networks attract different crowds with different interests. Pinterest is your best friend for handmade and crafts, so if you’re selling crafts or handmade items, Pinterest is the site to be on if you’re targeting the creative & DIY crowd. Discord seems to be the ideal hook for interacting with like-minded communities. The trick is to ensure you are working with a platform that aligns well with your product and message.
Next: DON’T do generic ads. Brands should invest time in creating content that seems organic to the community. On platforms such as Reddit, throwing up an ad and hoping it works won’t yield satisfying results—the community prioritizes a sense of belonging and transparency. Enter conversations, provide helpful tips, or demonstrate how your product solves a genuine problem. The same goes for Snapchat, where visuals reign supreme. Try interactive ads or playful lenses that appeal to Gen Z. The purpose is to RELATE, not only to promote.
Finally, start small! You don’t have to spend a million dollars to make an impact on these platforms. Dip your toes in the water with some campaigns, review the data, and iterate your strategy. On these platforms, creativity and effort count, not just dollars. Over time, with consistency, you’ll craft a presence that comes naturally and feels perfectly aligned with your audience.
Matt Harrison
Vice President of Global Operations, Authority Builders
Interactive Ads Drive Engagement
Interactive ads are the next big thing, right? They’re popping up everywhere on social media, and to be real, it isn’t hard to see why. In STARK CONTRAST to those traditional ads you just scroll right by without a second thought—interactive ads actually make you WANT to stop and interact with them.
It could be a fun personality test, a silly mini-game…or a swipeable story that reads more like a chat than an advertisement, but they are meant to keep your eyes glued and pull you in. It’s entertaining, it’s new, and most importantly, it doesn’t feel nearly as much like you’re being “sold to.” Also, who doesn’t like a little something that makes their feed a little more fun??
From a strategy perspective—I’m fully bought in on these! The upside here is over the top. For brands, interactive ads are a gift that keeps on giving. Not only do they draw people in (and keep them reading), but they serve up vastly more valuable insights than any ad. When people connect, they’re providing valuable data—preferences, opinions, even purchasing patterns—in a way that doesn’t come off as intrusive at all.
For platforms—of course, the higher engagement rates keep more eyeballs on their apps, lining everyone’s pockets. It’s a win-win-win! I’m definitely going to incorporate these into some of our own campaigns, perhaps running some polls or “choose your adventure” style ads to see what sticks. The idea behind this is to engage the audience to feel like they are part of the experience as opposed to passive observers. It is social media, after all—it’s all about that connection. And there’s no doubt that interactive ads are one of the best tools for it right now.
Marc Hardgrove
CEO, The Hoth
Video/Reel Pausing Trend Boosts Engagement
The video/Reel pausing trend is all the hype right now. Thanks to human curiosity.
In this, you write a catchy copy like, “Surprise in 3…2…1…” and share unique or important information within a split second, so users must pause the video at the right time to uncover what it is.
This can be tremendously beneficial in boosting engagement.
So, to share a new product launch or drop a teaser, instead of following the traditional video, simply add a teaser for a split second in the video/reel.
If some users are too lazy to do that, they’ll always open the comments section out of curiosity.
Gursharan Singh
Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions
Live Streaming Engages Audience In Real-Time
I am seeing live streaming as a growing trend, and I’m particularly excited about using it to directly engage with our audience in real-time. We can foster a deeper connection with our followers through Q&A sessions, live product demos, or behind-the-scenes looks. Allowing fans to collaborate in live discussions or making them part of the content creation process provides a level of engagement that pre-recorded content can’t match.
The potential for immediate feedback and interaction during live events is invaluable for building a loyal, active community around our brand. According to statistics, live streaming increases engagement by 600% compared to pre-recorded video, making it a powerful tool for growing our brand’s reach and impact. My plan is to add regular live streams into our social media strategy, creating a schedule and promoting them in advance to generate excitement and attract more viewers.
I am excited about the potential of live streaming to showcase our brand’s personality and connect with our audience on a more personal level. It also allows us to experiment with different types of content and see what resonates best with our followers. I believe it is a trend that will continue to dominate social media and present endless opportunities for brands to engage with their audience in an authentic and engaging way.
Max Avery
Chief Business Development Officer, Digital Family Office
Comfort Content Builds Deeper Connections
Welcome to the cozy side of Instagram…
Get prepared to hear this term a lot in 2025: “comfort content.”
So, what is comfort content, and why do we need to prioritize it in 2025?
Comfort content is content that makes us feel like we’re sitting on the couch with you. It’s connection content dressed in sweatpants and wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Comfort content is wildly authentic and will help build deeper connections with your audience. Think of this like “behind-the-scenes”/”day-in-the-life” content but with major girlfriend vibes.
2025 Content Predictions:
- Authentic will beat polished.
- Comfort will beat trendy.
- Serving will beat selling.
Gone are the days where we blindly trust accounts that show us perfectly polished and aesthetic feeds or perfectly polished lives!
Your audience wants to feel like they can trust you!
Invite people into real conversations.
Share real stories and examples rather than just sharing tips and tricks.
If your content makes me feel like we’re just two friends sitting on the couch, having a conversation in our softest sweats…you have my attention!
Brienne Williams
Founder, 6-Figure Social
