Here’s the deal with social media trends right now:  everything is about getting personal, AI is flexing hard, and video is still king.

Still, there are new trends emerging.

The Top Ten Social Media Trends Right Now

AI-Enhanced Personalization

Creators and brands are using AI to deliver hyper-personalized content, offering tailored recommendations and ads based on user data. This is a key strategy to keep users engaged and drive conversions.

TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram rely heavily on AI to suggest content that matches user preferences. TikTok’s “For You” page is driven by an AI algorithm that analyzes user interactions—like the videos they watch, like, or comment on—and then recommends similar content. 

AI is also used to analyze user data on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to deliver personalized ads based on browsing behavior, interests, and past purchases.

Social Media as Search Engines

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are increasingly becoming search hubs for younger generations, offering a more personalized and interactive way to find content​.

Many Gen Z users now turn to TikTok to search for product reviews, travel tips, or how-to videos.

Users now search for specific terms like “best brunch spots” or “summer fashion trends,” and Instagram delivers posts, Reels, and Stories that match those keywords.

People are using YouTube Shorts to look for quick answers—like how to solve a tech problem or cook a recipe—directly in YouTube's search bar. 

Automation and AI Tools

Many creators and brands are automating content creation, scheduling, and customer interactions to streamline their social media efforts, while closely monitoring AI's ethical implications​.

For example, many are using AI-powered chatbots to handle customer inquiries on social media, providing 24/7 customer service without needing a human team.

Additionally, creators and brands are using AI for content creation. Tools like Jasper and Copy.ai help to quickly generate social media posts, captions, and blog content by analyzing trends and audience preferences.

Nostalgia Marketing

Throwback content is trending, using vintage themes to evoke memories and connect with audiences, especially younger generations who are embracing retro aesthetics​.

These throwbacks trigger memories and create a connection with older generations while also appealing to younger ones who love the retro aesthetic.

This includes vintage aesthetics of the '90s and early 2000s wave by sharing old-school styles for clothes. Old school movies and TV shows are riding a new wave of engagement.

Direct Message (DM) Engagement

More social media interactions are shifting to private messages rather than public feeds, particularly for personal updates and customer service​.

Consider offering discounts or early access to new products or services through DMs to foster a connection to followers. 

Try using DMs to provide customer support. This allows for private, direct communication with customers who have issues or questions, and can prevent the dreaded “user backlash” when the cynics pile on with negative comments.

Longer Video Content

While short-form videos remain popular, longer videos (two to five minutes) are making a comeback as they allow for more in-depth content and storytelling​.

Social Commerce

The integration of shopping features directly into platforms like Instagram and Pinterest makes it easier for users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app​.

Influencer Product Placement

Subtle product placement in influencer content is becoming a powerful tool for brands, sparking curiosity without overwhelming audiences​.

Micro and Nano Influencers

This has been relevant for a while, but brands are increasingly turning to micro and nano influencers due to their higher engagement rates and authentic connections with niche audiences​.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC continues to grow as a cost-effective, authentic way for brands to build trust and community, with campaigns encouraging customers to create content around their products.

These trends show a shift towards personalization, deeper engagement, and innovative uses of AI to maintain user interest and enhance customer experiences.

The Top Three Trending Topics On Instagram Right Now

1. Photo Dumps: This trend involves users posting a series of imperfect, candid photos in a carousel, moving away from the curated and filtered aesthetic. People are embracing authenticity and sharing in-the-moment snapshots. This resonates well with followers, as they want to see real experiences and not heavily scripted and planned out videos.
   

   
   

2. Collaborative Posts: Collaborations between influencers or brands are still  trending as always, where both accounts post the same content, so they can increase engagement by sharing likes and comments. This type of post boosts visibility for all involved parties and is very effective.
   

3. Food Content: There’s a rising interest in diverse food content, with many creators showcasing food from different cultures. This trend has been growing, especially as younger audiences discover and try new foods through social media​.

For more of these, check our guide for the Top Instagram Trends.

The Top Three Trending Topics On TikTok Right Now

1. BookTok: People are discussing and sharing books, with recommendations, reviews, and open discussions. BookTok has become a massive sub-community, with millions of users engaging in content related to their favorite reads​. It’s like a book club in the digital age.
   
   

2. Quiet Luxury: This trend focuses on showcasing understated, elegant fashion. It often focuses on minimalist, timeless pieces rather than flashy, branded items. It's a popular style movement that emphasizes subtle sophistication​. The popularization of the word “demure” is part of this, but not its sole defining element.
   
   

3. TikTok Dropshipping: E-commerce creators are using TikTok to promote their dropshipping businesses, using the platform’s big reach to advertise products without holding inventory. This business model has gained momentum because of its accessibility and low start-up costs​.

The Top Three Trending Topics On YouTube Shorts Right Now

1. Entertainment (Pranks and Challenges): These types of videos, particularly pranks and oddly satisfying content, are very popular because they appeal to global audiences. They have minimal language requirements, they cater to a wide range of viewers, making them easily consumable and seriously engaging​.
   
   

2. Food and Cooking: Whether it’s quick cooking tutorials or food reviews, content related to food is booming. Creators often share recipes or recreate popular dishes from restaurants, making food videos one of the most-watched niches on YouTube Shorts​. These types of posts are replacing  the generic “Food Hauls” from a particular store (who just so happens to be today’s sponsor) or “What I Eat In A Day” videos.
   
   

3. Gaming Content: Gaming and eSports content, including gameplay highlights, reviews, and walkthroughs, is continuing to attract a large and passionate audience. Shorts featuring trending games like Minecraft and Fortnite are especially popular​.
   

The Top Three Trending Topics On X Right Now

The top three trending post topics on X (formerly Twitter) right now are:

1. Science and Technology: Discussions about advancements in AI and space exploration are dominating X. For instance, Neuralink's successful human trial and discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope have captured significant attention. These topics reflect the growing public interest in groundbreaking scientific discoveries​.
   
   X Spaces is being used a lot for this, using a Clubhouse App-like experience to have a select group of speakers “on stage” and other members in the audience. Audience members can be brought into the fold to ask questions and participate.
   
   

2. Environmental Issues: Climate change continues to trend, with movements like the #PlasticFreeChallenge sparking conversations about sustainability and environmental activism. The ongoing climate crisis is frequently a top topic on X, with users engaging in discussions about environmental responsibility​.
   
   

3. Current Events and Memes: Topics related to significant global events like the U.S. Presidential Election and viral internet challenges, such as the “Digital Detox Challenge,” have been trending. Memes around AI-generated content also contribute to the lively, humor-driven side of X​.
   
   

Right now everything is about personalization, authenticity, and engagement. AI is working behind the scenes, making ads and posts feel tailored just for you. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are nailing it with custom recommendations and authentic user-generated content that builds trust.

Nostalgia is trending big, and longer videos are sneaking back in, while DMs are becoming the go-to for personal interactions. Niche trends like TikTok dropshipping and quiet luxury are hitting hard, blending the old with the new. If you want to stay relevant, keeping up with these shifts is key.