How Marketers Can Incorporate Trends for Social Media in Their Marketing
Let’s be honest… social media looks a lot different than it did even a few years ago. Twitter isn’t even Twitter anymore. But here’s the thing: even as the platforms shift, some businesses are still treating social like a “nice-to-have” instead of a critical part of their marketing strategy. The truth? Social media can do so much more than rack up likes. It can put your brand in front of the right audience, build trust at scale, and even boost your SEO presence. And it’s not just for B2C brands, as B2B companies are finding huge value here too. By embracing current trends for social media, you can transform social from a passive presence into a proactive growth tool. Let’s break down what’s working on social media and how you can make it work for you.
Current Social Media and Advertising Trends
Online platforms are evolving faster than ever, and current social media trends are already showing clear patterns that brands can’t afford to ignore. These trends for social media go beyond fleeting gimmicks; they’re fundamentally changing how businesses connect with audiences, spark engagement, and drive conversions. Staying ahead means understanding not just what’s popular, but what creates a meaningful and lasting impact.
Instagram SEO: Increasing Discoverability on Social Media
Instagram has always been the place for visuals, but now, it’s getting serious about search. Earlier this year, all public content from professional business accounts became eligible to appear in Google search results. That means your Instagram posts can now drive organic traffic well beyond the app itself.
Why is this huge? Google handles 8.5 billion searches a day. If your Instagram content is optimized, your brand has a chance to appear in those results, making the platform part of your broader SEO strategy.
Here’s how to leverage this Instagram trend:
- Write captions with keywords in mind.
- Add alt text to every image or video for better accessibility and searchability.
- Prioritize storytelling content that reinforces your brand identity and message.
User-Generated Content at the Forefront of Content
Authenticity sells. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) has exploded, making up over half of TikTok’s content and driving engagement across nearly every platform. Customers trust real voices over brand messages alone, which makes UGC and influencer marketing a powerful tool in both organic and paid campaigns.
To start, check your tags and mentions, search for hashtags tied to your brand, or simply ask customers for content you can share. Adding UGC into your strategy builds credibility, strengthens community, and keeps your feed from feeling like a sales pitch.
AI in Social Media
The latest social media trend marketers can leverage? Artificial intelligence. AI is changing the way brands approach social. From automating research to assisting with creative brainstorming, AI tools help marketers work faster and smarter without replacing the human touch that makes content connect.
Think:
- Efficiency: Automating reporting and audience targeting.
- Creativity: Using AI for rough creative concepts, then letting designers refine and brand them.
- Insights: Monitoring mentions and influencer alignment at scale.
When paired with strategy and human expertise, AI helps you stretch your budget and make better decisions faster.
Social Commerce and Shoppable Content
Creating a social media plan is no longer just for engagement. Businesses are leveraging it as a direct sales channel. Top social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are making it easier for users to browse, discover, and purchase products without ever leaving the app. Brands that integrate shoppable posts, live shopping events, and product tags can turn casual scrolling into measurable revenue. Beyond retail, even service-based businesses are experimenting with social commerce features to generate leads, offer bookings, or showcase premium offerings, making social a critical piece of the sales funnel.
Work with a Marketing Agency Who Understands Trends for Social Media
Social media moves fast. For most businesses, trying to keep up with trends for social media while running day-to-day operations isn’t realistic. That’s where we come in. At Cork Tree, we help brands turn the latest social and advertising trends into strategies that actually work. From boosting discoverability to improving ROI on paid campaigns, we keep you ahead of the curve, so you can focus on running your business while we focus on growth. If you’re ready to make social media work harder for you, let’s talk. Book a call with our team today to learn more.
