If you’ve been in business for more than a minute, you know most social media “trends” fizzle out fast. These five? Backed by real data and trusted experts, the brands using them are already pulling ahead.
1. Pinterest’s AI-Powered Ads Are Bringing in Real Money
Pinterest reported a 17% jump in revenue this year, thanks to its AI tools like Performance+, which run ads and fine-tune your creative automatically (Pinterest, 2025; AInvest, 2025). Even better, over half their users are now Gen Z — a goldmine if they’re your target audience.
Why you should care: If your business sells something visual (design, crafts, real estate, events), you can let Pinterest’s AI handle the hard work of ad optimization.
2. LinkedIn Is Betting Big on Video
LinkedIn hasn’t confirmed the “36% growth” figure floating around, but sources agree: they’re pushing video hard in 2025 (Flockler, 2025; Storykit, 2025). From algorithm boosts to better video tools, they want more video content on your feed.
Why you should care: Short, value-packed videos help you stand out and connect with clients before you ever get on a call.
3. CEOs Are Going on Camera to Build Trust
There’s no verified stat for a “52% increase” in CEO posting, but the trend is real: executives who share authentic videos are winning more attention and trust (Hubilo, 2025; Lexicon, 2025). In an AI-heavy world, real faces and voices matter more than ever.
Why you should care: If you lead your business, showing up on video isn’t optional anymore; it’s a credibility play.
4. AI Is Changing Influencer Marketing
Gary Vaynerchuk says AI will either replace or supercharge influencers, and others agree (Vaynerchuk, 2025; WebProNews, 2025). Think virtual influencers, AI-generated content, and faster content testing.
Why you should care: Even small businesses can “act big” by using AI tools to plan, create, and optimize influencer-style content. And they can do this without paying huge fees.
5. Gen Z Is Fueling the Rise of “Corporate Influencers”
Some companies now hire full-time influencers to show off their workplace culture. And it’s working for attracting Gen Z talent (Deloitte, 2025). These employees aren’t stiff PR spokespeople; they’re relatable faces that tell the brand’s story.
Why you should care: If hiring young talent is a struggle, consider training your team members to be authentic, on-camera ambassadors for your brand.
Bottom line:
In 2025, the winners will be the brands that mix human connection with smart tech. You don’t need to chase every trend; choose the ones that make sense for your audience and business goals.
Want to skip the headache?
For $100/month, our Social Media Sprints handle all this: posts, Reels, influencer briefs. Planned, created, and scheduled. While others scramble to keep up, you’re already owning the feed. Book a quick call with our CEO, David, and see how fast you can take the lead.