Social media in 2025 is nothing like it was even a year ago. Platforms are changing fast – sometimes faster than users (and marketers!) can keep up.
At AZ Media Maven, we help businesses cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters when it comes to building community, visibility, and engagement online.
So, what’s new, what’s working, and what should you be paying attention to? Let’s review the latest social media shake-ups.
Instagram: the Reel response era
Instagram has made a big leap in how users engage. You can now post a Reel in response to a post, turning comments into content in a whole new way. For creators and brands, this opens up exciting opportunities to build conversations visually, rather than through plain text replies.
Think of it as the next level of user interaction – more dynamic, more engaging, and a lot more fun. It’s a win for brands who want to boost visibility without being stuck in the comment section.
LinkedIn: more powerful – and more puzzling
LinkedIn has massively upgraded its advertising tools, and with that, it’s become more of a real player in B2B marketing. From advanced audience targeting to new lead gen features, there’s a lot to love.
That said, the platform still feels… well, a little overwhelming. The interface isn’t always intuitive, and some of the campaign setup flows could use polish. But once you’re in the groove, LinkedIn can be a goldmine for professional service businesses looking to connect with decision-makers.If you’re just getting started, we recommend working with a marketing pro (ahem) to make sense of it all and avoid burning through your budget unnecessarily.
Threads and Bluesky: the new conversation starters
Threads, Meta’s Twitter alternative, is inching closer to rolling out its advertising features. It’s been a relatively chill space compared to X (formerly Twitter), and ad options will give businesses a new playground to reach users in a less noisy environment.
Meanwhile, Bluesky has emerged as “the blue platform” of 2025. It’s gained traction in the U.S., especially among users who skew left-of-center politically. Whether that’s because of the algorithm or just the vibe is still up for debate, but it’s clear that Bluesky is carving out a unique niche – and brands that want to speak to progressive, thoughtful audiences might want to start paying attention.
Don’t sleep on the alt platforms
It’s not all about the big names anymore. There are other platforms bubbling under the surface that could matter, especially if you’re working with niche communities or exploring alternative ad platforms:
- Signal: Primarily a secure messaging app, Signal has made headlines for its privacy-focused features. While it’s not a marketing tool in the traditional sense, it’s worth watching if encrypted, direct engagement becomes part of your outreach.
- Telegraph: Often confused with Telegram (which is separate), Telegraph is a publishing tool linked to Telegram. It allows quick, anonymous article posting – helpful in underground communities but less relevant for most small businesses.
- Truth Social: The platform is mostly used by conservative voices, so brands targeting that demographic may find value here. Advertising is possible, and if you’re curious, we’ve explored it before on behalf of past clients. Like any platform, it’s all about knowing your audience.
So… what now?
In 2025, social media isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s fragmented, faster-paced, and more political than ever. But that doesn’t mean your business has to be everywhere at once.
The key is to understand your audience, meet them where they are, and show up consistently with relevant, engaging content. And if you’re not sure where that is anymore – we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Want more on social strategy? Check out our post on how to adapt to 2025 social media trends for practical tips you can apply right now.
Need a hand with social media? Drop us a message.
AZ Media Maven is based in Laveen, AZ, a suburban village in the greater Phoenix area. Owner Rose Tring has more than 30 years of journalism experience as an editor and writer, many of those years in business news. She created AZ Media Maven in 2012 to help other business owners succeed by effectively telling their stories through public relations and social media. Reach AZ Media Maven at azmediamaven@azmediamaven.com or call (602) 373-8371.
