Introduction
Social media is evolving faster than ever, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are constantly reshaping how we connect, create, and vibe online. For brands, the challenge isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about staying relevant in a space that never stands still.
So, if you’re ready to start standing out, here are 6 social media trends for 2025 that’ll help your brand cut through the chaos and keep your strategy fresh, fearless, and way ahead of the game.
1. Short-Form Video is Still Dominating
Yes, you’re right! Short-form video continues to dominate as the king of content in 2025, with TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts leading the social media space. Just take a look at how people scroll and watch videos daily, and it’s clear. These bite-sized, engaging videos have become the favorite content format for today’s audiences.
But why are they so popular? Short-form videos are easy to consume, fitting seamlessly into busy daily routines. In fact, 73% of consumers prefer short-form videos when learning about products and services. At WEBQLO, we’ve helped brands like Malaysia Airports and Clarins Malaysia create high-performing videos that elevate engagement and strengthen brand interaction. Malaysia Airports’ short videos have generated strong engagement, with some reaching over 15K likes (Video 1, Video 2). We also hopped on the “GD Power” trend to create trending video that showcase airport facility upgrades in a fresh, engaging way that resonated with the audience. Meanwhile, Clarins giveaway video soared beyond 69K views, sparked a wave of participant comments, and successfully boosted audience engagement.
Key takeaway: Short-form video content is not just a trend—it’s a necessity for capturing attention and driving results.
2. The Influence of Micro and Nano-Influencers
We often think that the more followers an influencer has, the bigger the impact they can make for a brand or campaign, but the landscape has shifted. Micro-influencers (10,000–100,000 followers) and nano-influencers (fewer than 10,000 followers) are now rising in influencer marketing. Their authenticity and the trust they’ve built with their followers make them effective. For instance, micro-influencers generate up to 60% more engagement than macro and mega-influencers, proving that meaningful connections often outweigh follower count.
Micro and nano-influencers offer budget-friendly, high-impact engagement—when done right. For Physiogel’s Kau Team Apa? campaign, WEBQLO strategically collaborated with Hunny Madu and Nisa Kay, who represented different product ranges in a Facebook LIVE, making the brand more relatable to the Malay community. By leveraging influencers with niche followings, we successfully boosted brand recognition. WEBQLO can help your brand achieve the same, building authentic collaborations that drive real results.
Key takeaway: Collaborate with them for relevant marketing needs to help your brand engage audiences while building authentic connections.
3. More Real, More UGC and EGC
Before making a purchase or trying something new, we turn to online reviews. Whether it’s checking out a restaurant on social media or seeing what others say about a brand, real opinions matter. Consumers especially Gen Z and Millennials crave authentic and unfiltered content over polished ads. That’s why User-Generated Content (UGC) has become a game-changer, building trust and creating tight-knit brand communities.
But here’s something brands are leaning into even more: Employee-Generated Content (EGC). Employees are stepping up as brand storytellers, sharing their daily work life, hopping on trends, and giving audiences a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the company culture. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it works. Want to see how our employees are stepping into the spotlight? Check it out here: Video 1, Video 2
At WEBQLO, we help brands create impactful campaigns, including UGC campaigns, to expand their reach, enhance brand awareness, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Key takeaway: Authenticity is the key. UGC and EGC allow brands to showcase real experiences and build lasting trust.
4. Consumer Call for Data Transparency
AI-powered scams, including fraudulent voice calls, are becoming a major threat, leaving consumers on edge. In Malaysia, online scams skyrocketed to 34,497 cases in 2023, leading to RM1.218 billion in losses. By 2024, that number soared to RM54 billion, making data protection a top priority for consumers. Now more than ever, people expect brands to be transparent and uphold responsible data practices.
For brands, trust is everything. Implementing customer-first data strategies isn’t just a good move—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing transparency and respecting privacy builds stronger relationships while addressing the growing concerns around data misuse. The challenge? Striking the right balance between leveraging data for impactful campaigns and ensuring consumer privacy remains protected.
How can brands navigate data privacy while delivering effective campaigns? WEBQLO utilizes our proprietary data technology tool, ADQLO to help businesses achieve this. ADQLO integrates your business data through a secure, cloud-based system, empowering you to uncover insights, analyze trends, and discover future opportunities while maintaining transparency
Key Takeaway: Transparency is no longer optional. It’s a must for maintaining consumer trust.
5. Narrow-Targeted Ads Drive Results
In 2024, Instagram’s average reach rate dropped to just 4%, marking an 18% year-over-year decline, while Facebook performed even worse with a reach rate of 2.6%. With organic reach on the decline, narrow-targeted ads have become crucial for brands aiming to stand out and capture their audience’s attention.
Broad, one-size-fits-all campaigns are losing their impact—they no longer deliver the results brands need. Instead, narrow-targeted ads help brands connect with the right audience, deliver personalized messages, and build deeper relationships. The result? Stronger engagement, better ROI, and a winning edge in an overcrowded social media landscape. At WEBQLO, we ensure your brand reaches the right audience through precision-targeted ads, delivering measurable results and maximizing ROI.
Key Takeaway: Narrow-targeted ads deliver personalized connections and impactful results in this competitive digital world.
6. Social Listening Cannot Be Ignored
Keeping up with what your audience is saying is essential in today’s fast-moving digital world. Social listening gives brands real-time insights into audience sentiment, emerging trends, and campaign performance. It’s not just about refining strategies; it’s about staying ahead, spotting opportunities, and catching potential crises before they spiral.
And the numbers don’t lie—brands that leverage social listening see stronger ROI. A survey found that Instagram users report 76% confidence in ROI, followed by Facebook at 63% and TikTok at 59%—far higher than brands that don’t use social listening. WEBQLO uses our proprietary data technology tool, ADQLO to help businesses harness the power of social listening. With just a click, ADQLO provides social listening reports that are easy to understand, helping your brand stay ahead and connect effectively with your audience.
Key Takeaway: Social listening unlocks valuable insights that drive smarter strategies and better results.
Final Thought
From the predictions for social media trends in 2025, it’s clear that staying agile and adapting to your audience’s fast-changing preferences is key. Focus on these three essentials: authenticity, transparency, and precision, to ensure your message is delivered effectively in every campaign.
Not sure where to start? Connect with us today and let’s make it happen!
