Marketing

Social Media Predictions for 2025 (Part 2)

By
Packsia
|
December 10, 2024
|
5
minute read
From TikTok’s shopping takeover to LinkedIn doubling down on career-first tools, there’s no shortage of shakeups. Here’s how these platforms are carving out their niches and what that means for brands in 2025.

If the first half of our social media predictions had you ready to rethink your strategy, buckle up because we’re diving back in with even more insights. At Packsia, we believe in sharing the trends shaping the platforms you love (and love to hate). After coming across Social Media Today’s predictions for 2025, we felt inspired to unpack what’s ahead for LinkedIn, TikTok, and the ever-evolving X (formerly Twitter).

From TikTok’s shopping takeover to LinkedIn doubling down on career-first tools, there’s no shortage of shakeups. Here’s how these platforms are carving out their niches and what that means for brands in 2025.

LinkedIn Predictions

LinkedIn has carved out its unique lane—part professional network, part content powerhouse. It’s growing fast, and in 2025, it’s set to lean even harder into what makes it thrive.

Scaling Back AI for Authenticity

LinkedIn went big on generative AI this year, offering tools for everything from profile makeovers to job application templates. But here’s the thing: LinkedIn is all about showcasing you. In 2025, we predict LinkedIn will scale back its over-reliance on AI to bring back authenticity. While assistive AI features will remain, expect a greater emphasis on human-driven content that truly reflects individual skills and achievements. AI will shine in guiding career development. LinkedIn’s unmatched database of professional insights is a goldmine, and we anticipate AI tools that help users map career trajectories based on their education, skills, and goals. Think of it as a virtual mentor that provides actionable advice—and a way for brands to engage professionals who are actively planning their next big move.

Live Events as the Future

Stories? TikTok-inspired features? LinkedIn tried them, but the platform’s real strength lies in live events. With a 14% increase in webinars and panels hosted on LinkedIn in 2024, the trend isn’t slowing down. We predict LinkedIn will lean into live broadcasts and exclusive industry events to foster deeper professional engagement. This means brands have a prime opportunity to host thought-leadership discussions and connect with their audience in real-time.

Video: The Engagement King

Video posts are LinkedIn’s engagement MVP, driving 40% more interactions than text updates. For 2025, this trend is only going up. Packsia tip: Combine high-quality, story-driven video content with actionable insights to stand out in the professional crowd.

TikTok Predictions

TikTok is still the platform to beat, dominating short-form content with a side of unfiltered creativity. But in 2025, TikTok will go deeper into commerce and tools that enhance user engagement.

Shopping Becomes Seamless

TikTok has been testing the waters of in-app shopping for a while, but in 2025, expect it to make a splash. Inspired by Douyin’s $500 billion shopping ecosystem in China, TikTok will push live-stream shopping events, AI-powered product recommendations, and Mini Programs that let users buy without ever leaving the app. For brands, this means the opportunity to turn every scroll into a sale.

Mini Programs for Convenience

Imagine ordering dinner, booking a flight, or scheduling a beauty appointment—all within TikTok. That’s the power of Mini Programs, a feature TikTok is poised to introduce. By integrating everyday transactions, TikTok could further cement itself as a one-stop shop for entertainment and convenience.

In-Video Search Takes Off

TikTok’s algorithm is already the envy of every platform, but in 2025, it’s getting even smarter. Users will soon be able to select a product or object in a video and search for similar items. For marketers, this means optimizing videos to showcase your products front and center—because discovery will be more seamless than ever.

AI-Enhanced Content Creation

From AI-driven captions to video editing tools, TikTok is giving creators more ways to elevate their content. But don’t let automation replace your unique voice—authenticity still reigns supreme. At Packsia, we see AI as a way to enhance creativity, not replace it.

X Predictions

X (formerly Twitter) is still navigating its identity under Elon Musk, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. Can it thrive in the face of controversy and competition? Here’s what we think.

Payments Are Coming (Finally)

Elon Musk’s vision of turning X into an “everything app” is still in the works. In 2025, expect the platform to roll out basic peer-to-peer payment functionality. Whether this catches on is uncertain, but for brands, it could offer new ways to monetize content directly.

Video Takes Center Stage

Video-first platforms dominate, and X wants in. With features like a dedicated video tab and improved content quality for subscribers, X is chasing TikTok’s audience. Creators may find opportunities to shine here—but the platform will need stronger ad revenue-sharing incentives to compete.

AI for Smarter Search

From event summaries to trend tracking, X is leaning into AI to improve its search capabilities. This will be a win for brands that rely on real-time trends and insights to inform their campaigns.

Navigating Political Crossroads

With Elon Musk’s polarizing leadership and the return of Donald Trump, X could become even more politically charged in 2025. While this may boost engagement among niche audiences, brands must tread carefully to maintain their values and credibility.

What This Means for You in 2025

The social media landscape is evolving rapidly, and each platform is carving out a unique niche. Whether it’s TikTok turning every video into a shopping opportunity, LinkedIn leading the way in professional engagement, or X attempting to redefine itself, the key is to stay flexible and experiment with new formats.

At Packsia, we’re here to guide you through these changes with insights, strategies, and tools to help your brand shine. 

Let’s make 2025 your most creative and impactful year yet.