Navigating Social Media in 2025: What’s Next?
This month alone, we’ve watched the near TikTok ban unfold, Facebook eliminated its third-party fact-checking, and AI chatbots make their way onto the platform. Meanwhile, much of the U.S. is battling frigid temperatures. It’s been a chaotic start to the year—or has it?
If we take a step back and reflect, there’s a bigger conversation to be had. One that’s less about keeping up with the news cycle and more about how we, as brands and marketers, are choosing to show up. How are we building thought leadership in our respective spaces? How are we creating value? That’s exactly what Arik Hanson unpacked at this morning’s Social Media Breakfast – Minneapolis/St. Paul (SMBSP).
Arik, a seasoned social media consultant with 25+ years of experience working with mid-to-large-sized brands, shared a message that resonated deeply:
“While we as marketers may be feeling depleted right now, it’s time to get some life back in us.”
He challenged us to rethink how we’re showing up—because audiences are craving something real. In a world overflowing with AI-generated noise, authentic, human content is more valuable than ever.
From Substack and LinkedIn newsletters to broadcast channels and Reddit’s rising influence, this conversation sparked ideas on how to cut through the noise and reach the right people in 2025.
If you’ve Googled anything recently, you’ve probably noticed something interesting—Reddit threads are consistently ranking at the top. With so much social media uncertainty, Reddit’s organic, community-driven discussions are gaining traction.
As we look ahead, platforms like Substack and LinkedIn newsletters are also carving out a space for deeper, more intentional engagement. And while TikTok’s fate remains uncertain, the real question is: Where should you be focusing your brand’s time and energy in 2025?
10 Social Media Provocations (Trends) for 2025
- Maybe Reddit is a place for brands?
- LinkedIn newsletters are anticipated to make a big splash.
- Unhinged = Undefeated.
- Substack emerges as a legitimate news and influencer channel.
- No clear winner emerges in the real-time social race.
- Employee creators will be pivotal to LinkedIn success.
- Are Broadcast Channels ready to explode?
- Community engagement becomes a superpower.
- Is it time for (most) brands to give up on TikTok?
- Is 2025 the year of the LinkedIn influencer?
These aren’t just trends—they’re provocations. They’re designed to spark strategic thinking. Instead of chasing every new shiny object, ask yourself: Where should I prioritize our digital efforts? And, how can we create content that fosters real community engagement?
Where Do You Provide Value in 2025?
Your brand has something unique to offer—whether to customers, prospects, employees, or potential hires. The key is recognizing it, then leaning into thought leadership.
Consider this: Could a small group of employees become your content champions on LinkedIn, Substack, or even Reddit? With the right support, they can create impactful content that builds trust and fuels engagement.
And remember—you don’t need a perfect strategy or fancy content to start. You just need to start.
What’s the downside?
Ready for more?
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