Our 2025 Social Media Cheat Sheet: The Ins and Outs
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that social media isn’t slowing down—it’s just evolving. As we step into 2025, we’re seeing some clear trends shaping how brands and creators show up online. Gone are the days of overly filtered perfection and gimmicky engagement tactics. Instead, it’s all about showing up authentically, having fun, and building real connections. Here’s our list of what’s in and out for 2025 in social media marketing.
Ins for 2025
Video-first strategies - Short, engaging video content is the MVP of 2025. Reels, TikToks, and Shorts are how you stop the scroll and capture attention. Prioritize dynamic, snackable videos that keep your audience hooked.
Interactive content - Polls, quizzes, and interactive elements are perfect for creating two-way conversations with your audience. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about engaging.
Seasonal nostalgia - Think timeless trends but with a fresh twist. Whether it’s cozy fall vibes or 2000s throwbacks, tapping into that “remember when” feeling connects audiences on a deeper level.
Authentic diversity - Real people, real stories, real representation. Audiences want to see inclusivity in every sense—beyond tokenism. It’s about showcasing relatable, intersectional experiences.
Thoughtful posting - Quality > quantity. Posting with intention (and skipping the fluff) will resonate more than flooding your feed with filler content. Less is more.
Sustainable partnerships - Audiences are savvy about brand collabs. Partnerships that align with your values and showcase genuine mutual respect are a win for everyone.
Minimalist emojis - Strategic, understated emoji usage is the move. Gone are the days of filling captions with endless symbols. Sometimes less really does say more.
Transparency and real talk - In 2025, honesty wins. Inflated claims like “this is worth $2,000!” when it’s not? That’s a fast way to lose trust. Instead, set realistic expectations and keep it real. Transparency builds long-term loyalty.
Social should be fun again - Let’s stop stressing over every single post and metric. Social media is about connection, not perfection. Think: more behind-the-scenes moments, less polish, and more joy.
Outs for 2025
Perfect aesthetics - Unfiltered, real content is taking over. People want to connect with brands and creators who feel authentic, not overly curated. A little mess is refreshing.
Trend-chasing - It’s not about hopping on every viral moment. Instead, focus on staying relevant to your audience in a way that aligns with your brand’s values and voice.
Engagement bait tactics - Gimmicky calls-to-action (“Comment ‘YES’ if you agree!”) are losing their luster. Meaningful engagement comes from conversations, not clickbait.
Overly long captions - Impactful messaging doesn’t need to be a novel. Brevity and clarity are key. Save the essays for your blog (like this one).
Static visuals - Movement and depth are here to stay. From video to 3D design, static posts are becoming less effective at grabbing attention.
Platform exclusivity - Brands are venturing onto newer, niche platforms to diversify their presence. Whether it’s BeReal or Threads, 2025 is all about exploring new spaces.
One-sided posting - Audiences want conversations, not monologues. Engaging through comments, DMs, and replies is as important as creating great posts.
Overpromising and underdelivering - Authenticity extends to the promises you make. Inflated claims and overhyped products are out. Delivering exactly what you promise? Always in.
Final Thoughts on 2025 Trends
2025 is the year of getting back to basics while leveling up authenticity. Think: less stress, more fun, and real connections over manufactured perfection. Social media should feel like a breath of fresh air—for your audience and your team.
Which of these trends are you most excited about? Let’s chat—we’d love to help you craft a strategy that nails the ins and avoids the outs.