12 social media trends that matter for 2025, plus the must-save marketing reads of 2024

The end of the year brings the inevitable flood of trend predictions and “best of" lists. We've packed both into this newsletter, but let’s do it a little differently…

First up, our 2025 Social Media Trends report breaks down 12 key trends based on different focus areas, from influencer marketing to community building to team structure to specific platform predictions. Pick the ones that matter for your strategy and skip the rest.

Next up, we’ve handpicked our top articles from 2024 — the ones that help solve real problems, from how to structure chaotic brainstorming sessions to fixing broken workflows. Keep scrolling for the list.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our readers. Your engagement and support drives us, and we’re determined to make Loomly’s content the most valuable resource in your line-up next year.

Have a happy holiday season!

- The Loomly Team

?? Which 2025 social media trends do you need to pay attention to?

We just released our 2025 Social Media Trends report along with a sparknotes video breakdown. To help you navigate what matters most for your brand, here's a quick guide to the trends based on your priorities:

• If you're focused on influencer marketing or community building → Learn why "main character energy" is dead and forums are back in our marketing trends ??
• If you're struggling with engagement or chasing viral moments → See how brands are creating binge-worthy storylines in our content trends ??
• If you're running a social team → Learn why specialized roles are replacing generalists in our career trends ??

Plus a few (educated) guesses about where the major social media platforms will put their energy next year, including:

• Why LinkedIn is becoming a creator paradise
• The one platform that’s leading the pack on community
• How Instagram could reimagine brand/follower relationships

Read the full 2025 social media trends forecast ??

?? The best reads of 2024 (to get you ready for 2025)

As we wrap up 2024, we've hand-picked our must-read articles from the Loomly blog — some were immediate hits, others flew under the radar. Each piece made our list because it delivers real, practical value to our community.

Whether you're sketching out Q1 plans or thinking bigger for 2025, there’s an a-ha! moment somewhere for you on this list.

?? Analytics & ROI

• The bite-sized social media audit: Break down the dreaded audit process into digestible daily tasks. Includes three bonus mini audit templates for when you need quick insights.
• 21 critical social media metrics to track: Focus on the social media numbers that help you grow an account and drive your bottom line.

?? Content strategy

• 30+ social media post ideas: Never stare at a blank content calendar again. Includes brainstorming frameworks used by our own team. (For LinkedIn-ers, try our LinkedIn post ideas list.)
• Best times to post on social media: Platform-specific timing benchmarks, plus advice on finding your audience's peak engagement windows.

? Workflow & productivity

• How to fix a broken social media workflow: Troubleshoot common bottlenecks, delays, and planning oversights with practical solutions.
• 26 best marketing tools for small business: Build a marketing tech stack without draining your monthly budget.

?? Collaboration & career development

• How to build a high-performing social media team: Essential reading for both current and aspiring social media leaders. Covers hiring, structure, and scaling.
• The best marketing newsletters and the best social media marketing podcasts: Two carefully vetted lists of resources that consistently deliver real advice and insights.

Browse our full archive of 2024 resources about social media, marketing, and work life ??

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