4 Social Media Trends You Need to Know

Social media is always changing. One minute, we’re all obsessed with long-form storytelling, and the next, it’s all about snappy, 5-second clips. Staying ahead of the trends can feel like trying to keep up with Gen Z slang (what do you mean, “rizz” isn’t short for charisma?!). But if you want to keep your brand relevant, knowing what’s working right now is key.

Let’s dive into four trends shaping social media right now and, of course, what they mean for you.

1. Influencers Are Your Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Ever notice how a random person on TikTok can convince you to buy something faster than a million-dollar ad campaign? That’s the power of influencers. Consumers today trust recommendations from real people more than brands, and social media platforms are rewarding this shift by boosting influencer-led content.

We saw this play out at the Super Bowl! Most people thought the ad campaigns fell flat and were underwhelming. If those same ads were adapted for social (and many of them were!), they would (and did) perform much better!

What this means for your business

If you’re not working with creators yet, now’s the time! And don’t think you need a Kardashian budget. Micro-influencers (with smaller, engaged followings) can drive just as much impact because their audiences actually trust them.

2. The Great Millennial vs. Gen Z Fashion War

Social media has become a battleground for generational style debates. The biggest one? High-rise vs. low-rise jeans. Millennials swear by their waist-snatching, high-rise denim, while Gen Z is bringing back the Y2K low-rise trend that many of us would rather forget.

My personal opinion – There is no way you will catch me back in low rise denim. I love fashion and the cute/comfy aesthetic is my signature look, but low rise is neither of those things on my body!

What this means for your business

Social media isn’t just about marketing, it’s about culture. Brands that join in on these fun, generational conversations can boost engagement and make their content feel more relevant. Just be prepared for strong opinions!

3. Your Opinion is Worth Sharing

Remember when brands could stay out of social issues? Yeah, those days are long gone. Movements like Blockout 2024 (where people mass-blocked celebrities for staying silent on global issues) prove that today’s audience expects brands and public figures to take a stand.

What this means for your business

Depending on your industry, consider letting your customers or clients know your opinions. This will not be relevant for every industry, but if you are the face of a small brand it will increase your authenticity to share what you are passionate about! People want to know about the people behind the brand or company so be wise, but don’t be afraid!

4. Gen Z is Changing Social Media (Again)

Gen Z is rewriting the rules of social media, and if you’re not paying attention, you might get left behind. They favor raw, unpolished content (think: BeReal, casual TikToks, and photo dumps over perfectly curated Instagram grids).

What this means for your business:

• Stop overproducing! People connect with real, behind-the-scenes content more than polished ads.
• Experiment with more unfiltered, authentic storytelling in your posts.
• If your audience skews younger, interactive content (polls, Q&As, and trend-driven content) is key.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Social media is continuing to move toward authenticity, real conversations, and community-driven content. If you’re still treating it like a one-way marketing channel, it’s time to rethink your approach.

And if keeping up with all these social media trends feels like just another thing on your to-do list? Let’s work together! I’ll help you build a strategy that makes sense for your business!