2025 Marketing Predictions: What’s Buzzing in Social Media This Year?

The hive is buzzing, the honey’s flowing, and our planners are open—2025 is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this year has in store for your brand!

Not to brag, but all of our 2024 predictions came true (just saying 😎), so we’re feeling extra confident as we dive into the trends we expect to shape the marketing and social media world in 2025. From the evolution of audio trends to the rising importance of employee-driven content and AI-powered personalization, this year is set to bring some exciting changes. Let’s dive into what’s buzzing in the hive!

1. Less Trending Audios, More Your Audios

For the past few years, we’ve seen trending audios swarm across social media—creators and brands alike scrambling to hop on the latest viral sound. But in 2025, we’re predicting a shift in the hive. Instead of layering every video with a trending audio clip, brands will lean into real, raw sounds.

Think about it—authenticity has been the nectar of social media for years, and yet, we often drown out real moments with background music. The new wave of content will highlight everyday sounds: the buzz of a busy café, laughter from your team, the quiet hum of an early morning, or even the satisfying sizzle of a hot dish being prepared. These organic sounds bring viewers into the moment rather than just giving them a polished highlight reel.

Even more exciting? Brands and creators have an opportunity to create their own trending audio. Gone are the days when only celebrities and blockbuster films dictated viral sounds. If you or your team have a catchy phrase, a quirky soundbite, or even a unique background noise—upload it! The next viral audio trend might just come from your hive.

2. Employee-Generated Content is the Star

2025 is the year of the team! Just like a hive thrives because of every bee working together, brands will flourish by showcasing the people behind the scenes. This year, we expect to see a surge in employee-generated content (EGC). Customers are craving real, unfiltered perspectives, and who better to give them than the people who live and breathe your brand every day?

Why is EGC so effective?

• It humanizes your brand, making it more relatable.

• Employees have insider knowledge and can provide unique insights.

• People trust people more than faceless corporations.

Whether it's a barista sharing their favorite drink hack, a warehouse worker showcasing the behind-the-scenes of packaging, or a stylist giving personal recommendations—this type of content builds trust and strengthens customer connections.

Pro tip: Encourage your team to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. The more personal and candid, the sweeter the honey!

3. AI with a Human Touch

AI is no longer the future—it’s the now. From chatbots and automated captions to content generation and predictive analytics, AI is helping marketers do their jobs faster and smarter. But here’s the key: AI should be a tool, not a replacement.

The challenge in 2025 will be blending AI efficiency with human authenticity. No one wants to feel like they’re engaging with a robot, so brands must ensure AI-driven content still feels personal. Here’s how:

• Use AI to streamline tasks, like scheduling and data analysis, but keep engagement personal with human responses.

• Incorporate AI-generated suggestions, but edit them with a personal touch to maintain brand voice.

• Utilize AI for content ideas but ensure storytelling remains genuine and emotionally engaging.

The best brands in 2025 will leverage AI while keeping their hive’s unique buzz alive.

4. Shares Are the Metric to Watch

For years, social media success was measured by likes and comments. But in 2024, Instagram made it clear: shares are now the most valuable metric. And in 2025, we expect this shift to continue.

What does this mean for brands? It’s time to prioritize shareable content.

• Think memes, infographics, and relatable posts that people want to send to their friends.

• Create helpful, bite-sized information that your audience wants to save and reference later.

• Lean into storytelling—content that resonates emotionally gets shared more often.

If your content makes people think, laugh, or feel understood, they’ll hit that share button. And that’s how your brand will create a buzz in 2025.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make 2025 the Sweetest Year Yet!

We’re stepping into an exciting year full of opportunities for brands to connect in more meaningful, authentic ways. Whether it’s letting go of trending audios, highlighting your team, refining your AI strategy, or focusing on shareable content, 2025 is all about deeper engagement.

We’re excited to integrate these trends into your strategy and help your brand thrive in this ever-evolving digital hive. Let’s make this your best year yet!

Need help navigating these trends? Let’s chat about how we can tailor them to your brand’s unique goals. 🚀

Here’s to a sweet and successful 2025! 🍯🐝

—The Social Hive Team